Shots Fired: Why Half a Million Idahoans Voted For a Gun
The Winchester Model 1873, an early American lever-action rifle, was branded as “the gun that won the West” by its manufacturers. In the eponymous Western film Winchester ‘73 (trailer tagline: “a weapon that promised life, but dealt out death”) the rifle stars in a massacre of native people and in multiple shootouts, helping a gruff […]
In the 2026 Idaho election, a unique contest took place: voters were asked to select the state's official firearm. The Winchester Model 1873, a lever-action rifle historically called "the gun that won the West," emerged victorious with around 30% of the vote, narrowly beating out competitors such as the Colt M1911 pistol and the Remington Model 700 rifle.
Idaho's strong Second Amendment tradition was evident, with 528,641 residents casting their ballot for a gun. Democratic Socialist Isaac, who endorsed the M1911 in a resolution, expressed disappointment with the Winchester's narrow win. Supporters of the M1911 argued it was the most antifascist option, as it was used by US troops against fascists during World War II and was the first year a socialist won office in Idaho.
However, the state gun measure, being non-binding, did not directly impact firearm laws. Other ballot measures, such as the abortion ban, garnered more attention and votes, with the latter being rejected by 55% of the voters.
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