Utah lawmakers propose M1911 as official state gun

A nod to arguably the greatest handgun inventor of all time.
It's just so refreshing to see states that don't "demonize" weapons but instead recognize their value and their history.

Quote : By JOSH LOFTIN, Associated Press Josh Loftin, Associated Press – Tue Jan 25, 9:33 pm ET SALT LAKE CITY – State lawmakers are debating whether to designate a semiautomatic pistol as the official gun of Utah, despite protests from people who believe it's inappropriate because of recent mass shootings. The bill to make the Browning M1911 the official gun breezed through a committee hearing this week and is scheduled to be debated by the full House as early as Wednesday. Republican Rep. Carl Wimmer said the state should have the gun as one of its state symbols to honor John Browning, a Utah native who invented it in 1911. "He invented a firearm that has defended American values and the traditions of this country for 100 years," Wimmer told the House Political Subdivisions Committee.

Quote : "There is nothing about the actions of a madman to change the fact that firearms have been used throughout our history to defend American values and traditions," Wimmer said.

Quote : Republican Rep. Stephen Sandstrom told the committee that recognizing the M1911 is an appropriate honor for Browning. Instead of the gun being blamed for killing people, it should be credited for saving lives on the battlefield, Sandstrom said. "Tragic events happen because of bad people in this world. But handguns, and firearms in general, do not kill people," Sandstrom said. "We need to stop demonizing firearms."

New Mexico should have a state bomb to honor the testing of the A-bomb there.

Quote from 124nic8 : New Mexico should have a state bomb to honor the testing of the A-bomb there.

They'll probably do that right after you convince them to replace the 21 gun salute at state funerals with a 21 A-bomb salute.

It's so nice to see Utah honor John Browning this way. Even though I appreciate other semi auto pistols too there is just nothing else like the feel and performance of a 1911 in .45 caliber. The best products and designs stand the harshest test of all - time. The 1911 has certainly qualified in every respect as it conquered both military and civilian markets.

There are still many avid gun enthusiasts today that simply refuse to trust their personal safety with anything but a 1911. For those who don't understand go and shoot one. You'll know what a winning combination of form, function and performance a real 1911 truly is.

Sam Colt made all men equal....John Browning made an even better sequel.

Quote from hsjpatman : They'll probably do that right after you convince them to replace the 21 gun salute at state funerals with a 21 A-bomb salute.

Because they use Browning pistols for 21 gun salutes in Utah?

Quote from 124nic8 : Because they use Browning pistols for 21 gun salutes in Utah?

No, but you can still "shoot" for them to use A-bombs from now on.
That might help you with your ultimate goal of New Mexico having a state bomb to honor the testing of the A-bomb there.

Another example of politicians being dicks and trying to piss off half the public with stupid "wedge issues." Let sleeping dogs lie and solve real problems.

Quote from Rebound : Another example of politicians being dicks and trying to piss off half the public with stupid "wedge issues." Let sleeping dogs lie and solve real problems.

Given the demographics of UT and some of the legislation they've passed in recent memory (I believe they are one of the firearm freedom states), it's not something that will "piss off" half of the public there. If it pisses you off you don't have to live there, and you don't. It's win-win.

Quote : "Tragic events happen because of bad people in this world. But handguns, and firearms in general, do not kill people," Sandstrom said. "We need to stop demonizing firearms."

This. There are consequences of freedom just as there are consequences of tyranny. I'd rather the consequences of freedom.

WTF, they have too much time on their hands.

Quote from hsjpatman : No, but you can still "shoot" for them to use A-bombs from now on. That might help you with your ultimate goal of New Mexico having a state bomb to honor the testing of the A-bomb there.

Then using the state-whatever for 21 what-ever salutes is a red herring which has nothing to do with having a state-whatever.

Having a state gun is just as ridiculous as having a state bomb.

Only appeals to you guys who love their guns and are addicted to the sense power they give you.

Quote from 124nic8 : Then using the state-whatever for 21 what-ever salutes is a red herring which has nothing to do with having a state-whatever.

Your original post was a red herring.

Quote : Having a state gun is just as ridiculous as having a state bomb.

There's nothing ridiculous about having a state gun.
Anyone that truly finds that ridiculous should also find 21 gun salutes ridiculous.
With that said, if any state ever proposes something as ridiculous as having a state bomb, I will personally commit seppuku.

Quote : Only appeals to you guys who love their guns and are addicted to the sense power they give you.

Only appeals to you guys who are hoplophobes and are addicted to the sense of weakness it gives you.

It's seriously annoying to me that state lawmakers have the time to come up with an official state gun yet can't come up with an official language...

Anyone else?

Quote from 124nic8 : Only appeals to you guys who love their guns and are addicted to the sense power they give you.

It isn't a sense of power. It is a sense of freedom. It is a civil rights issue. No one should carry in an attempt to intimidate or cause fear in others, and it is unfortunate when this happens. Those of us who are active in promoting this right should probably do a better of policing our own in places where people aren't comfortable with it, until we can make them more comfortable.

I'm curious, on a personal note. Have you ever shot a gun? Do you shoot regularly? Do you own a gun? Feel free not to answer.

Quote from LivninSC : It's seriously annoying to me that state lawmakers have the time to come up with an official state gun yet can't come up with an official language... Anyone else?

Official language in a country full of immigrants ?