Winchester vs. Colt: Idaho votes to designate a state gun

Idaho voters are being asked at the 3 November 2026 general election to choose which of six firearms they would like to see designated as the state gun. The choices are two Winchester rifles, the Model 1894 and Model 1873; two Colt handguns, the 1873 Single Action Army revolver and M1911 pistol; the M1 Garand rifle; and the Remington Model 700 rifle. The question offers one choice per voter and is advisory: the result will show lawmakers a preference but will not itself create an official state gun.

Idaho’s legislature unanimously approved the measure placing the question on the ballot. Its sponsor, Republican House Majority Leader Jason Monks, has said he hopes the subject will encourage turnout and discussion. If lawmakers decide to act on the result, they would need to pass a separate law in a future session. The vote concerns a state symbol rather than a change to firearm ownership rules, and no winner has been established in the sources reviewed.