Idaho’s 2026 midterm ballot includes a non-binding advisory question asking voters to pick an official state gun, according to a Ballotpedia entry on the measure.
The question lets Idahoans express a preference among several firearm options for the state’s symbolic arms designation, though the vote carries no legal force since it is advisory only.
Idaho would join ten other states that have already designated an official state gun: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Utah, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Tennessee, Texas and Missouri.
Utah was first, naming the Colt-Browning 1911 as its state gun in 2011. Alaska chose the pre-1964 Model 70 Winchester. West Virginia picked the Hall Model 1819 flintlock breechloader, and Missouri selected the Hawken rifle. Tennessee’s pick was the Barrett M82 .50 BMG rifle, while Arkansas designated simply “shotgun” without naming a specific model.
States commonly adopt official symbols beyond birds, flowers and minerals, and a number of states have used the same process to formally recognize a firearm tied to their history or hunting traditions.
Idaho voters will decide their state’s pick when they cast ballots on Election Day.
