Idaho voters selected the Winchester Model 1873 as official state firearm in a nonbinding advisory referendum on the 2026 midterm ballot, a step that would make Idaho the 12th state with that designation if lawmakers approve it. The Winchester Model 1873 received 164,394 votes or 31.1 percent, ahead of the Winchester Model 1894 at 133,859 votes, followed by the 1873 Colt Single Action Army Revolver, Remington Model 700, Colt M1911, and M1 Garand. The proposing legislation marked Americas 250th anniversary and noted that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark relied on rifles while crossing Idaho. About 60 percent of Idaho adults own guns, and the state has hunting, exploring, and recreational shooting roots, though the winning rifle was designed in Connecticut. The choice would stand alongside the potato, huckleberry, star garnet, and Idaho giant salamander as official state symbols.