If each of the states were a firearm, what firearm would they be? Here is the most iconic gun for all 50 states.
These gun choices were based on a variety of different factors, from a factory’s home base to an homage to an inventor that rocked the firearm world. Also taken into account were the important historical events for each state, and some choices are odes to the state’s most popular type of game hunting.
The map below features the iconic firearm for the state; drag your cursor or finger over the states to view it. Listed below the map is the information on why we chose the firearm, along with its image.
Alabama – Remington RM380
This pistol, released in 2015, was the first to be produced in Remington’s new Huntsville, Ala. factory.
Alaska – Marlin M1895GS
This guide gun is favored among North American bear hunters and guides due to its powerful and accurate shot.
Arizona – 1874 Schofield S&W Revolver
This revolver was made famous in the epic and historic Wyatt Earp gunfight at the OK Corral in the Arizona Territory before the West was won.
Arkansas – Super BlackEagle II Shotgun
An ode to the state’s excellent waterfowl hunting, this Benelli shotgun is the ultimate choice for bird hunters based on its portability.
California – Glock 19
Made famous by the East Coast vs. West Coast rap battles in the early 1990s, the Glock 19 was immortalized in Tupac’s tune, “2 Glocks”.
Colorado – Remington New Model Army .44
Little categorizes Colorado as Western Frontier more than the great William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. He used this pistol until 1906, when he gifted it to his ranch foreman with the note that read, “It never failed me.”
Connecticut – Ruger Blackhawk
As Sturm, Ruger, & Co., Inc. is a Connecticut-based manufacturer, it only makes sense to bestow its most famous firearm upon the state.
Delaware – Brown Bess
The premiere muzzle-loading musket of the Revolutionary War, this firearm was selected in homage to Delaware’s rich history as the first state to ratify the Constitution.
Florida – Bren Ten 10mm
In the land of 1980s pastel suits, the Bren Ten is an ode to “Miami Vice” as it was intense Sonny Crockett’s weapon of choice following the first season.
Georgia – Glock 17
As Glock manufactured G17 frames in its Smyrna factory, the Glock 17 represents The Peach State.
Hawaii – 14″/45 cal. Naval Gun
In somber remembrance of the USS Arizona, Hawaii earns its iconic state gun through the ship’s choice of weaponry.
Idaho – .44 S&W Model 29
Elmer Keith, firearm inventor extraordinaire from the great state of Idaho, maximized the performance of the .44 Special, resulting in Smith & Wesson’s inspiration for their Model 29.
Illinois – Tommy Gun
The Thompson Submachine Gun represents Chicago’s past as a 1920s mob haven. The gun was even colloquially known as the “Chicago Typewriter” and the “Chicago Organ Grinder.” This choice speaks for itself.
Indiana – M16 Assault Rifle
Designed in 1956, this American military powerhouse is an ode to designer Eugene Stoner’s home state of Indiana.
Iowa – Remington M870
This classic pump action shotgun is an excellent sporting firearm, and is dedicated to Iowa’s incredible pheasant hunting.
Kansas – Colt 1851 Navy Revolver
Carried by the famous Wild Bill Hickok, this revolver was chosen based on his presence during the development of the Kansas Frontier territory, both as a vigilante and landowner.
Kentucky – American Longrifle
Affectionately known as the Kentucky rifle, the American longrifle was an important early frontier gun following the American Revolution and was popularly used for almost 100 years after.
Louisiana – Christian Sharps Derringer
The pepperbox caliber was a popular gambler’s gun in the late 1800s, chosen due to its discreet appearance and necessary for the boat towns along the Gulf Coast.
Maine – Remington 700 Mountain SS
An ode to state’s expansive backcountry that houses moose for the lottery taking, this iconic Remington is simply the best choice to take out if you draw the tag.
Maryland – Beretta M9
The United States’ Armed Forces pistol selection, the Beretta M9, was until recently produced solely at the Accokeek, Maryland factory. Chosen in 1985, it’s given the Armed Forces a solid, reliable showing for decades.
Massachusetts – M1 Garand
Produced by the iconic Springfield Armory, a military production powerhouse from 1777 to 1968, this battle weapon was called by General Patton the “the greatest battle implement ever devised.”
Michigan – S&W M&P Shield
Dedicated to the Detroit police chief’s call to arm citizens to protect against terror attacks, Michigan’s firearm of choice is the reliable Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, a classic concealed carry handgun.
Minnesota – Mountain Eagle Centerfire Rifle
As Magnum Research is a Minnesota-based company, the Mountain Eagle fulfills two purposes for Minnesota: state-produced and a viable hunting rifle option.
Mississippi – Kerr’s Patent Revolver
Used specifically by the Confederacy during the Civil War, the unusual Kerr represents Mississippi’s historic Southern past.
Missouri – Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle-Musket
Another ode to the Civil War, the Pattern 1853 Enfield represents Missouri’s claim to both the Union and Confederacy as it was also the first state to free its slaves.
Montana – .500 S&W Magnum
This heavy-duty revolver represents Montana’s Big Sky Country and its need for defense against natural predators, like grizzly bears. Though hunting is currently illegal there now, talks of opening up areas of grizzly hunting in Montana’s Yellowstone area are on-going.
Nebraska – Colt Army Model 1860
What would have been a popular choice for homesteaders following the Civil War, the Army Model 1860 represents Nebraska’s steps to statehood during a tumultuous time in American history.
Nevada – Winchester Model 1894
Known as the gun that ‘won the West,’ the Win 94 is a hat tip to Nevada’s rough and tumble history that truly began when gold was struck in California.
New Hampshire – M2 Browning
Potentially the most libertarian state in the U.S., New Hampshire holds the .50 cal machine gun because it is one of the few states that still allows its residents to own them, along with other high-powered guns.
New Jersey – Colt Paterson Revolver
Designed by Samuel Colt and manufactured at the Patent Arms Company in Paterson, it’s only fitting that New Jersey stands for this hugely popular gun in a state-to-state lineup.
New Mexico – M1841 Mississippi Rifle
The most famous rifle of the Mexican-American War, the M1841 represents how New Mexico was gained as a territory through the force of this muzzleloader.
New York – S&W Model 19
Produced in the 1930s when New York City policemen began asking for a more powerful round to combat the mob, the Model 19 owes its creation to New York City’s gritty streets.
North Carolina – Ruger 10/22
In honor of the factory’s move to North Carolina following stricter gun laws in Connecticut, Ruger’s 10/22 is an all-American, no-nonsense gun that perfectly represents North Carolina, a state that was one of the original 13 colonies.
North Dakota – Savage Model 11/111 Long Range Hunter
Dedicated to North Dakota’s sprawling elk population, the Model 11/111 is the perfect gun for sighting in that big elk lingering in the distance, just waiting to become jerky.
Ohio – Marlin 30/30 Model 336
In recognition of Ohio’s excellent deer seasons year after year, this classic 1948-produced rifle is a tried-and-true representation of successful firearm machinery that will keep working for years.
Oklahoma – Winchester Model 1892
Carried famously by John Wayne in countless cowboy movies, the Model 1892 earned a reputation as a gun that performed beautifully in the Wild West, even though it arrived on the scene after the frontier was closed. Regardless, it’s a fair representation of Oklahoma as an important gateway to the American frontier.
Oregon – Girandoni Air Rifle
Used by Captains Clark and Lewis on their historic expedition, the Girandoni represents the expedition completing its ultimate goal: mapping the Oregon Territory.
Pennsylvania – Remington 7600 Pump Deer Rifle
An old-school classic for deer, this Remington choice represents Pennsylvania’s lush forests that give way to some of the best deer hunting in the country.
Rhode Island – Charleville Musket Model 1766
A French musket imported to the colonies during the American Revolution, this firearm encompasses Rhode Island’s history as an important regiment during the fight for Independence.
South Carolina – 32-pdr Seacoast Gun
This weapon represents the first battle of the Civil War at Ft. Sumter in South Carolina. Both Union and Confederacy forces utilized these weapons, though the Confederacy was believed to have them more readily available.
South Dakota – Beretta A400 Action
The soft recoil and quick feeding system on this Beretta makes it an ideal choice for upland pheasant hunting, a sport that South Dakota excels at.
Tennessee – Davy Crockett’s ‘Old Betsy’
The one-of-a-kind rifle that made Davy Crockett the famous frontiersman that he is today is dedicated to his home state of Tennessee. Nicknamed for his favorite sister, there’s little record of what kind of rifle it actually was.
Texas – Colt .45
Referring to the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, it’s only fitting that the rough cowboy country in Texas is known for this legendary big bore revolver and cartridge that rocked the firearms world upon its invention.
Utah – M1911
As Utah is the home state of inventor extraordinaire John Moses Browning, there’s no question that Utah’s firearm is the classic and historical 1911, both the sidearm for the U.S. Armed Forces until 1986 and the basis for other plays on the semi-automatic pistol thereafter.
Vermont – Beaumont-Adams Revolver
An ode to Vermont’s hearty participation in the Civil War, the Beaumont-Adams Revolver was one of the most heavily-imported British weapons by the Union at the start of the conflict.
Virginia – Flintlock Pistol
The preferred weapon of our nation’s first president, George Washington, this pistol represents Virginia’s important role in not only shaping great leaders of our country, but also by being on the front lines of history during important moments, such as the American Revolution and the Civil War.
Washington – OA93 AR-15 Pistol
Representative of the debate growing in the nation over which firearms are legal and which aren’t, this AR-15 pistol, unique to Washington’s own Olympic Arms, still plans on existing no matter what the rules state.
West Virginia – Winchester Model 1903
This classic semi-automatic rifle represents the struggles faced by coal miners in West Virginia during the early 1900s, resulting in what became known as the Coal Wars. As this was most likely the rifle used in the conflict by the coal miners, it earns a special spot in remembrance of their battle.
Wisconsin – Henry Repeating Arms, Classic Lever Action .22 Rifle
This choice represents Henry’s recent factory move to Wisconsin from New Jersey in search of less strict gun regulations so that they could produce their rifles uninhibited.
Wyoming – Winchester “Centennial” Model 1873
This firearm, created in celebration of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, represents Cody’s preferred choice of rifle in the museum, headquartered in Cody, Wyoming.
Do you have a favorite firearm you associate with a state more than the ones chosen here? Let us know on Facebook!
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