State Symbols are an often overlooked aspect of American statehood. These tokens and symbols represent our states, and show outsiders a small glimpse of life here.
From our State Flower, the Saguaro Cactus, to our State Bird, the Cactus Wren, Arizona’s state symbols paint a near-perfect picture of us.
There’s one, however, that’s a rarity across America.
Arizona’s State Firearm
Yup, you read that right. Arizona is one of 10 U.S. States with an official State Firearm, recognized by the state government. Arizona was the second state to designate a state firearm, following Utah, who designated the M1911 Pistol as theirs in March of 2011.
Arizona’s designation came just a month later, in April of 2011, making the Colt Single Action Army Revolver it’s state firearm. Designated by former Governor Jan Brewer, the pistol has sat in our state symbol gallery ever since.
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The History of the Pistol
Known by some as “The Gun that Won the West”, the Colt Single Action began production in 1873 after a dispute between Smith and Wesson, and Colt manufacturers. The pistol was put through U.S. Army trials in 1872, and became standard issue the year following.
The look and feel of the gun was an instant success, and the Single Action became one of the most well known firearms in America, especially in their use of outlawing and cowboying across the Arizona deserts.
It makes complete sense, then, with both Arizona’s military and outlaw history, the state would memorialize the weapon for time immortal. It is still being produced today…