# Shots Fired: Why Half a Million Idahoans Voted For a Gun

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/shots-fired-why-half-a-million-idahoans-voted-for-a-gun/
- Published: 2026-11-07T00:08:26+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T00:21:44+00:00
- Original publisher: Mother Jones (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/11/idaho-official-state-gun-ballot-question-dsa-winchester-colt/
- Topics: Americas, Elections, Politics, World

## Key points

- Idaho selected the Winchester Model 1873 as its official state gun.
- The rifle won about 30 per cent of 528,641 votes.
- An abortion rights measure was rejected by 55 per cent.

## Summary

Idaho voters chose the Winchester Model 1873 as the state’s official gun, in a ballot question that drew national attention and was endorsed by the state’s Republican attorney general. The result highlights how a largely symbolic contest became a talking point in a state election where more consequential issues, including abortion rights, were also on the ballot.

Of 528,641 voters who answered the gun question, about 30 per cent backed the Winchester, which narrowly beat four other rifles and pistols. A South Idaho Democratic Socialists of America chapter had endorsed the Colt M1911, citing its use against fascism in the Second World War and a socialist elected in Idaho in 1911; its endorsement passed with 70 per cent support among the chapter’s 74 members. The article says the abortion rights measure was rejected by 55 per cent of more than 700,000 voters.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.