Idaho Advisory Vote Nominates Winchester Model 1873 as Official State Gun

Idaho Advisory Vote Nominates Winchester Model 1873 as Official State Gun

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Idaho Picks a State Gun, but the Legislature Holds the Real Trigger

Idaho voters have spoken. In a non-binding advisory vote this week, the state’s electorate nominated the Winchester Model 1873 lever-action rifle, known as the “Gun that Won the West,” to become Idaho’s official state gun. The unofficial results from the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office show the 1873 took the top spot with 31.1% of the vote, or 164,394 votes.

This wasn’t a mandate. It was a preference. The vote sets the stage for a decision by the Idaho Legislature, which placed the question on the ballot in a unanimous vote earlier this year. The state, already known for its strong protections for gun ownership, like not requiring permits for concealed carry, now has a clear frontrunner to join the ranks of 10 other states with an official state gun. But the path to final recognition is far from certain.

A Close Race for a Symbolic Crown

The ballot was a field of American firearm legends, and Idahoans had to choose their favorite. The results show a divided electorate, with no single gun capturing the public imagination completely. The Winchester Model 1873 faced stiff competition from other iconic models.

Idaho voters chose Winchester Model 1873 as top choice for state gun
  • Winchester Model 1873 “Gun that Won the West” (.44-40): 31.1% of the vote, or 164,394 votes.
  • Winchester Model 1894 (.30-30): 25.32% of the vote, or 133,859 votes.
  • 1873 Colt Single Action Army Revolver, or “Peacemaker,” (.45 Colt): 15.26% of the vote, or 80,699 votes.
  • Remington Model 700 bolt-action rifle (.30-06): 12.45% of the vote, or 65,818 votes.
  • Colt M1911 .45 automatic Colt pistol (.45 ACP): 8.78% of the vote, or 46,405 votes.
  • M1 Garand rifle (.30-06): 7.09% of the vote, or 37,500 votes.

Interestingly, the Winchester 1894, a rifle equally synonymous with the American West, secured the second-highest share of the vote. The 1873 was often called “the gun that won the West” for its widespread use by civilians, lawmen, and outlaws alike. The 1894, introduced decades later, became the quintessential deer rifle of the 20th century.

The Political Playbook Behind the Ballot Measure

So, why was this even on the ballot? The Idaho Capital Sun reported that House Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian, was a key proponent of the advisory question. He openly stated the goal was to help drum up voter interest in an election where turnout can often be lower, especially in a midterm year.

While turnout was high for Idaho in a midterm year—about 69% of registered voters cast ballots—the vote for the state gun itself had the lowest participation rate of any statewide measure. Only about 70% of voters cast a ballot on the question, compared to nearly 99% on the hotly contested abortion repeal initiative and about 97% on the constitutional amendments.

I pushed to put the question on the ballot to help drum up voter turnout.

— House Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian, as reported by The Idaho Capital Sun

A Symbol Without a Local Connection

One fascinating aspect of this story is the complete lack of a developmental tie between the chosen firearms and the state of Idaho itself. Unlike some other states, whose official guns have direct historical links to their territory, Idaho’s six candidates were all manufactured elsewhere. This stands in sharp contrast to Utah, for example, which has designated the M1911 pistol as its state firearm—a weapon designed by John M. Browning, a Utah native.

Idaho Advisory Vote Nominates Winchester Model 1873 as Official State Gun
Photo: idahocapitalsun.com

Idaho’s state symbols list, available on the Idaho Secretary of State’s website, is filled with flora, fauna, and minerals that are uniquely or significantly tied to the state: the syringa state flower, the star garnet state gem, and the Idaho giant salamander state amphibian.

For the Idaho Legislature, which convenes in a state with a Republican supermajority and a culture deeply rooted in gun rights, the decision will be more than symbolic. It will be a statement. While the advisory vote shows a clear preference, the final power to confer the title of “official state gun” rests entirely with the lawmakers.

Idaho 2026 election results: Statewide races, turnout, and ballot measures

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