The legendary Winchester Model 1873 emerged as the winner of Idaho’s November 3 election, defeating five other iconic American firearms, including the popular Winchester Model 1894 hunting rifle. The vote reflects Idaho’s strong firearms heritage, but lawmakers must still approve the designation before it becomes an official state symbol.
Idaho voters have spoken: the Winchester Model 1873, famously nicknamed the “Gun That Won the West,” is their preferred choice for the state’s official firearm. The historic lever-action rifle received 31.09% of the vote in the November 3, 2026, general election, beating five other firearms representing different chapters of American hunting, military, and frontier history.
The Winchester Model 1894, chambered in .30-30 Winchester and widely regarded as one of America’s most successful deer hunting rifles, finished second with 25.32% of the vote. The Colt Single Action Army revolver, better known as the “Peacemaker,” took third place.
How Idaho Voted
According to election results updated November 6, the six candidates finished as follows:
Firearm – Votes (Share):
- Winchester Model 1873 (.44-40) – 164,406 (31.09%)
- Winchester Model 1894 (.30-30) – 133,888 (25.32%)
- Colt Single Action Army (.45 Colt) – 80,696 (15.26%)
- Remington Model 700 (.30-06) – 65,826 (12.45%)
- Colt M1911 (.45 ACP) – 46,407 (8.78%)
- M1 Garand (.30-06) – 37,506 (7.09%)
The results show a clear preference for classic lever-action rifles, with the two Winchester models together receiving more than 56% of the votes counted.
Why the Winchester 1873?
Introduced in 1873, the Winchester Model 1873 became one of the most recognizable firearms of the American frontier. Its lever-action mechanism allowed relatively rapid follow-up shots, while its popular .44-40 cartridge was also used in revolvers, making it convenient for people carrying both a rifle and a handgun.
The rifle was used by settlers, ranchers, hunters, and lawmen throughout the West. Although its relatively modest cartridge power made it less suitable for larger game than later hunting rifles, the Model 1873 became an enduring symbol of Western expansion and firearms innovation.
Interestingly, the runner-up Winchester Model 1894 has a stronger connection to modern hunting traditions. Its .30-30 cartridge became a favorite among generations of deer hunters, particularly in wooded terrain where a compact, reliable lever-action rifle was highly practical. The Remington Model 700, another hunting favorite, finished fourth.
What Happens Next?
Despite the election results, the Winchester Model 1873 has not officially become Idaho’s state firearm.
The question appeared on the ballot under House Bill 932 as a nonbinding advisory measure. Its purpose was to determine which firearm Idaho residents would prefer the Legislature to recognize as a state symbol. Lawmakers will need to pass additional legislation, potentially during the 2027 legislative session, to make the designation official.
The designation would be symbolic and would not change Idaho’s hunting regulations, legal firearm requirements, or restrictions on hunting methods. Nevertheless, the election provides an unusual glimpse into the firearms that Idaho residents most closely associate with their state’s history and outdoor traditions.
For hunters, the results highlight the lasting popularity of traditional American rifles, particularly the Winchester lever-action designs that have been part of hunting culture for more than a century.
Hunting in Idaho With Hunterizer
Whether you prefer a classic lever-action rifle or a modern bolt-action hunting rifle, understanding Idaho’s hunting regulations is essential. The Hunterizer app helps hunters determine what species they can legally hunt at a specific location and date, with information on hunting seasons, game management zones, legal weapons, bag limits, license and tag requirements, and other important regulations. With coverage of Idaho and other states, Hunterizer makes it easier to plan hunts and stay informed about changing hunting rules.
