Utah Lawmakers Propose M1911 as Official State Gun
- Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:32am by
Scott Baker
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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — 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.
Utah has 24 state symbols recognizing the history, geography and culture of the state. They include a state cooking pot, a state tree, a state hymn and a state folk dance.
The committee approved the bill to add a state gun on a 9-2 vote.
Wimmer said the Browning M1911 is widely used by the military, police officers and private citizens, which is why he chose the pistol instead of another Browning gun.
Gun Violence Prevention Center board member Steve Gunn told The Associated Press honoring the M1911 is wrong because the people who opened fire in most recent U.S. mass shootings used semiautomatic pistols. That includes the Jan. 8 Arizona shooting in which six people were killed and 13 — including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords — were wounded with a Glock pistol.
“It’s an embarrassment to the state to have as a symbol that was used only a few weeks ago to kill innocent people,” Gunn said.
Wimmer told the AP he had been planning the bill for about a year and the Arizona shooting did not change his mind.
“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.
House Minority Leader David Litvak said while he opposes designating a state gun, the Arizona shooting did not give the debate any urgency.
“We need to be careful about using that tragedy to push a political position,” the Democrat said.
He suggested the state honor Browning in a different way that focused on his many inventions, not just one of his guns.
Jennifer Seelig, who voted against the measure said she did not see the debate as pro- or anti-gun. Instead, it is about the message sent by the state having such a polarizing symbol, she said.
“It has a lot of deep-rooted, complex and complicated meanings on a wide spectrum, from defending life to taking it,” said Seelig, also a Democrat.
Seelig said she supports gun rights and has a permit to carry a concealed weapon. But like Litvack, she would prefer to honor Browning in a different way.
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.”
___
The bill to designate a state firearm is H.B. 219.
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Comments (246)
BurntHills
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:32amUtah! a great state of can-do’ers!!! a lot of folks who WALKED from the Mississippi all the way out to Utah, and look what they built out of Nothingness. and they were all AMERICANS!!!
Report Post »THEGENIUS
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:26amOMG! You non-Gun people didn’t even notice that it was a .22 caliber 1911 on the front page picture.
That would be only slightly worse against a bad guy than hitting him with a switch, like your Mom used to use on you.
A “REAL” 1911 used by the United States Armed Forces and many Americna Citizens is a .45 ACP.
Got that BLAZE Staff?
Right ON! Right ON!
Report Post »Zinovas
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:26am”What we can do – what America does better than anyone – is spark the creativity and imagination of our people,” he said.”We are the nation that put cars in driveways and computers in offices; the nation of Edison and the Wright brothers; of Google and Facebook. In America, innovation doesn’t just change our lives. It’s how we make a living.” ~Obama
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:45amAnd when we do that, we do it on our own, based almost exclusively on the notion that we’ll get rich as a result. We do it for the profit motive. What we don’t do, is go to government sponsored Ministry Of Invention workshops.
Report Post »Zinovas
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:20amIsn’t this the kind of American Ingenuity that Obama called for in the SOTU?
Report Post »So YES, we should celebrate our great American Acomplishments!
Tickdog
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:18amAwesome gun… one of my favorites…
Report Post »Togger
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 11:08amThere is a 1911 on my wish list for sure…
Report Post »NO HARNESS ON MY BACK
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:08ammy offical gun …the first one i can get to when i need it period.
Report Post »Ilovetea
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:07amYou can’t make up the past, you can lie about it but the truth is always out there waiting to be embraced. History will always repeat itself until we prevent it.
The purpose in my opinion of states rights was to prevent us from being where we are now. All the problems we now face could have been easily avoided if we as a country focused on ourself. I don‘t understand why California can’t legalize marijuana if the people there want it. I don’t understand why the people of Utah have to perform abortions. I don‘t understand why the people of New Jersey can’t define what a marriage is. I don’t understand why the food fields of the Mid-West are mandated by federal regulations. I don‘t understand why the federal government can’t see that the department of education is a massive failure and the dumbing down of our society is do to regulations and school districts only teach to federally mandated tests so as to get a passing grade and the money that comes with it.
If the states weren’t burdened by federal laws and were governed by self rule it would create higher levels of competition here at home. If you have more liberal views than you could choose to live in a more liberal state and the same goes for conservative. States should have differing laws to live under so if you don’t like the views of the people you live with, you can move. We are 50 states that are to be defended by a federal government, with the promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We should be able to do that any place in the Republic.
Report Post »Liberty Honor
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:06amTexas – Shotgun
Report Post »Florida – Glock
California – Glue Gun
CONSERVATIVE1
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 11:05amOk…I’ll give you that one for California. But can you please stop them from sniffing the glue first?
Report Post »CONSERVATIVE1
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 11:08amOk….I’ll give you that one for California. But can you get them to stop sniffing the glue first?
Report Post »Cobra Blue
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 11:39amTexas – AK47
Report Post »gramma b
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 12:31pmAll the men in California have to attached the sequins to their outfits somehow. Give them a break.
Report Post »Xcori8r
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 1:18pmLOL – Good ones How about the headquarters of Staples office supples (MA) — the staple gun.
Report Post »Xcori8r
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 1:25pmVermont – The squirt gun
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on January 27, 2011 at 6:29amL O L that was a good one
how about CA use Airguns ?
Report Post »for airheads….
packa14
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:04amCount me in I like it! Lets ban democrats and deviates!!
Report Post »va_magoo
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:04amI just might have to move to Utah. I love my 1911(s).
The STATE of Utah can do anything they wish within their borders. Hey they might even name an official State “CAR” if they want to. All the states have state birds and trees and flowers. Doesnt mean all they residents of the State have one!
Report Post »The Gooch
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:58amUgh… political correctnes. Can someone please drive a stake thru the heart of this monster, expose it to sunlight or do whatever the hell is needed to be done to rid us of this debate killing, idea destroying nonsense? This is the lamest, laziest ploy used by folks who never want to be challenged. Shut up and realize that sometimes you are the minority and that has nothing to do with you being a victim; other people just don’t believe as you believe. Shut up and get over it. Life is not about us all bowing to the all powerful feeling. We can honor a man… just not for his most famous contribution. Right….
Report Post »When my brother got his 1911A1, I’ll admit I was jealous. However, he’s a good kid and let me keep it for a while. A damn fine piece of work. I don’t have the money to spare, but one day I’ll get my own.
Utah’s flag has bee hive on it. Bees kill people and are scary. Let’s ban bees. They certainly shouldn’t be glorified on a symbol for a state. Forget they are a useful tool for both pollination and honey production. That doesn’t matter when feelings are more important. See? I can play the idiots’ game, too!
Happy Killmore
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:04amAwesome reply!!! You made my day!
Report Post »Diamondback
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:09amThere is no such thing as a right to not be offended.
The important thing is to say what you mean and MEAN what you say.
Now everyone lock and load, set your sights on your targets and let’s get out there and wake the American people up. Either O”Reilly or Hannity put forth some poll numbers showing 43% of Americans now think the country is on the right track (not political right unfortunately).
YES, 43%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES, STILL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Obviously America is NOT waking up like we thought and have easily been distracted by Obamao’s head fakes lately.
Report Post »gramma b
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:56amThis Utahan is proud of the legislators who are sticking a thumb in the eye of the Left.
Report Post »Sarah124
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 12:29pmSo is this Utahn! It’s good to live in a state that still appreciates firearms and our right to bear them. Most people I know here own a firearm and are fairly proficient with them.
Report Post »triquad
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:36pmEcho from this Utah’n
Report Post »MySacredHonor
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:54amto What4… The Gun was designed by John Browning, and produced by Colt arms, as well as many others.
Report Post »It was the official side arm for all branches of the US military for over 70 years, and if any gun should be a symbol, this is one! I would also recommend the Sam Colt designed “Peacemaker” another American classic
Bravo Utah.. god bless you.. and to the liberals i say…
The only valid form of Gun control, is being able to hit your target!
ExpertShot
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:54pm@MySacredHonor. A green laser sight by Viridian will also help one hit their target…my philosophy is “if a criminal sees that green laser hit him/her & they don’t stop or run away, they deserve to die” I have one on my Glock 10mm & my hubby has one on his Springfield .45
Report Post »Warphead
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:53amYes, anything to promote the “good” that guns do for our society. I have carried a variety of pistols for many years. The 1911 is a great choice. In an unstable society rampant with drug abusers and criminals, I have my gun to help keep myself, my family, my friends and any bystander that may require assistance, safe. This is not an insult to police but a fact. They can’t be everywhere at once. So, Remember, When seconds count the police are only minutes away. That is why I carry a gun.
Report Post »Ron Burgundy
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:49amAll I can say is yes please!
Report Post »tblrk2006
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:48amDear The Blaze, please put a real 1911 picture on your website and not a 85% sized 22lr clone.
Thanks,
The 1911
Report Post »Jethro212
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:43amIf we banned cars, there would be no more drive byes!
Report Post »teachermitch32
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:42amHis name is Steve Gunn….now that there is funny.
Report Post »KEA
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:41amSounds like a great idea to me!
Report Post »what4
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:40amSomeone help me on this, Did he work for Colt at the time?
Report Post »Happy Killmore
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:47amYep. Greatest firearms engineer of all time! Also invented semi-auto shotgun, pump shotgun, over & under shotgun, Browning Hi-Power, M2 .50 cal machine gun, Browning Automatic Rifle, and some others I can’t recall.
Report Post »Xcori8r
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:08amHe worked for Winchester, too. He developed the ,30 cal M1917 machine gun which he then scaled up to .50 cal and became the beloved M2 which is still in use today, I love my stainless 1911 with internal Lasermax. The 1911 should indeed be the state gun of Utah and John Browning should be its patron saint.
Report Post »what4
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 12:39pmWow thanks for the responce..my 1911 is a beautiful thing circ….1945
Report Post »Xcori8r
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 1:14pmYou should think of getting a CCU. I have a couple. Fun carbine you can shoot at any range. One moment you’ve got a pistol, the next a carbine and the next back to a pistol again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfvx8zw9hZ4
Report Post »Xcori8r
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 1:17pmOops… I think the only state you can’t shoot it in is CA.
In that state, it’s legal to own the upper, but the moment you attach your frame, you are a criminal.
Isn’t THAT special?
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:39amGood for you Utah!!!!!
Report Post »The Patriot
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 12:41pmhi 82 airborne from airmobile 139 field artillery
Report Post »Airb0rne4325
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:03pmu ain’t alone Airborne!
Report Post »Anyone who doesn‘t like this wouldn’t be able to pick a Glock vs a 1911 out of a line up anyways. So what the heck do they know anyway.
benrumsley
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:13pmSemper Fi Airborne, keep riding the silk.
Report Post »triquad
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 8:04pmClive,why don’t stop by and you can eat my crusty shorts. Bigoted slime.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:39amVery appropriate. Great iconic American gun, invented in the state that is about to honor it. I heart my 1911A1 (technically, 1991A1, series 80).
Report Post »ClaytonDM
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:52amI couldn’t agree more.
Report Post »Happy Killmore
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:55amProbably the single greatest firearm of all time. Name another that’s been around 100 years and is still growing in popularity.
Report Post »JD Carp
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:20amMost likely the finest side arm ever invented. Idiot proof, reliable, plenty of punch and my personal favorite. I have won may tournaments with my Gold Cup race gun and I carry a custom series 80 stainless every day. OMG I even have a couple high cap mags too! Throw in a 12ga pump and an M-4 and you have a safe house. BTW I also have a fire extinguisher in my kitchen, doesn‘t mean I’m planning on setting my house on fire.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:37amM-4???
Not a fan of .223 for personal defense, but that’s my own preference. My house is guarded with an StG-58 (FN-FAL) in .308. :)
Report Post »JD Carp
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:57amThe FN-FAL is arguably the best all around rifle ever made, also a Browning design. No argument here, just considering ammunition weight, availability and available repair parts.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 11:03am@JD Carp
Wasn’t criticizing your choice, just expressing my own. Ultimately it’s better to be armed with anything rather than nothing when push comes to shove. Cheers!
Report Post »JD Carp
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 2:28pm@GhostOfJefferson No issues, no criticism sensed. I have a couple of FN‘s I’m just saying what I’d grab on the way out the door. I also havve a weak spot for the Galil and the HK MSG90A1.
Report Post »Psytoxic
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 5:11pmClive, you’ve tasted mormon underwear?
Report Post »FED-UP-AND-READY-TO-TAKE-ACTION
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:37amAgain, guns don’t kill people, people kill people………………….
Report Post »PubliusPencilman
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:57amYes, but people with guns are far more efficient at it.
Report Post »Happy Killmore
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:57amToo true. Also, Ted Kennedy’s car has killed more people than my guns. The lineages LOVE that one when I use it.
Report Post »Happy Killmore
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:02amShould have been “********”! Stupid auto spell check!
Report Post »Diamondback
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:05amGuns are used way more often in America to by citizens defending themselves successfully than in crimes.
Anyone that doesn’t believe that, don’t hit on me. Go to the Centers for Desease Control and the FBI and review their published statistics.
No brag, just fact.
Report Post »HillBillySam1
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:13am@PUBICHAIRPENCILGEEK
Report Post »You kill me with your postings……I would give you a hug but my legally concealed (permit in wallet) M1911 (LOVE it!!) might go off and kill us both…..
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 11:11am@PubliusPencilman
“Yes, but people with guns are far more efficient at it.”
You can take the entire private citizen gun death number in these united States from across our history as a nation, and they will not measure up to one solid battle of government versus government in war.
We’re not the problem. The government you worship is. If you fear death by guns, look towards your mighty Fuhrers in fear, and leave the rest of us alone.
Report Post »Xcori8r
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 1:22pmThe counter arguments to “guns don’t kill people, people kill people” are so vapid. Guns don’t MAKE people do anything… efficiently or not.
Any maniac can be an efficient killer in Times Square at noon on a weekday with an AK-47 and a bag full of 30 round magazines, but he could be an even more efficient killer if he was rampaging there unarmed in a Jeep Grand Cherokee with mud claws. The Jeep would mow down a lot more people and make much less noise. The AK announces its use quite distinctively and everybody would be diving for cover. The added bonus of the Jeep for maniacs is that nobody would know what was going on until they were obstacles.
Jeeps don’t kill people, people kill people and people with Jeeps are far more efficient at it.
Report Post »TEIN
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 2:09pmWhat also makes me laugh in a not-so-much-haha way, is how do the Libby/Progressive in their wee little attic of minds can’t comprehend that the American Revolution was fought with what?…what??… WHAT?? GUNS!!!! This country was built on people standing by to defend and support the framework of this country with guns. The liberty that the Libby/Progressives are you using to try and fight against guns were given to them by people who knew how to use GUNS!!! Utah stick to your GUNS and honor a great American, Mr. Browning…Hope all this tying doesn’t get some Libby/Progressives panties in a twist as uncivil rhetoric….
Report Post »mill
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:21pmI really think someone should bring up the deal about Kennedy’s car killing more people than my hand gun in a debate about gun control ☺.
Report Post »jlee80644
Posted on January 28, 2011 at 4:23pmIf guns kill people then it must be the banks‘ fault that people can’t pay their loans and get foreclosed on. It must be the insurance companies‘ fault that poor people don’t have insurance. It must be the rich guys’ fault that the poor guy is poor. It must be the fat guys’ fault the skinny guy is skinny. And it must be conservatives’ fault that we actually allow our children to live. When your god is government, and your roots run shallow, blame is an easy stone to cast.
Report Post »SND97
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:37amI do protest, I protest rubber band guns, GI Joe toy guns as well. And what about those DISGUSTING Cork guns?/ They are dangerous.
Will the liberals PLEASE GET A LIFE????
Report Post »Happy Killmore
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:43amI REALLY don’t like caulk guns. You have no idea how many times that thing shows up on my “honey-do” list!
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:46amI propose a caulk gun ban at Happy’s house!!
Report Post »Happy Killmore
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:52amI second that!!! They probably call the thing a “caulk application device” now anyway. PC whack jobs.
Report Post »HillBillySam1
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:06amI second the caulk gun ban at Happy’s house…..in protest, I shall only drink and bathe in 190% proof pure-grain alcohol (home-made and in seperate tubs, of course), nor shall I ingest solid foods until this travesty of the law is rectified!!! I shall also endeavor to go about my daily affairs naked as a jay-bird……No Justice, No Peace!!! Free Happy!!!! Guns don’t kill people….caulk guns do!!!! Say “No!!” to caulk!!!! Less “Honey-do“ and more ”Honey-don’t!!”!!
Report Post »ovrwlmd
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:22amI wonder how many designated state cooking pots have killed people after dancing the state dance.
Report Post »abseas
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 11:10amWhat’s really bad are staple guns, squirt guns, and little 7 year old boys making hand gestures mimicking guns. That will get you suspended from school in some places. Oh the horror!
Report Post »Cobra Blue
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 11:14amI am surprised that there have not been more violent attacks at Home Depot’s due to the sale of the violent caulk “gun”. The mere name of the devise causes one to think about going postal with a tub of silicone, caulk or even heaven forbid rubber cement. What have we been thinking all these years? The danger has been right under our noises on isle 5. My trips to Home Depot will never be the same.
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 2:40pmFix the crack problem…with a caulk gun.
Report Post »triquad
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 7:54pmThis is for Mill.If you think Utah is stupid,perhaps you should come visit us here in the Land of the free and Home of the Model 1911.I would be happy to verse you in the proper use of a 1911. Here In Utah there is only one thing we love more than our Families. THAT’S OUR GUNS! You Moron
Report Post »RightThinking1
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:26pmCan’t believe you left out Ramsets. When the lefty nut cases learn about those, they’ll really go beserko.
Report Post »patriot4ever
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:36amI wonder if Maryland has a State gun?
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:45amIs the symbol for D.C.s gun a guy bending over and kissing his butt goodbye during a robbery? Or is it a guy making a gun with his fingers, then being arrested for displaying a firearm?
A good Patriot is an Armed Patriot.
Report Post »TruthTalker
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:49amNot the grease gun?
Report Post »realchange
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:51amI don’t think Illinois is going to adopt the Thompson Auto 45 in honor of our Chicago hero Al Capone.
Report Post »IntegrityFirst
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 9:59amJust because a state recognizes a particular gun doesn’t mean you need to own it, just like the state tree; doesn’t mean you need to plant one in your yard…
Report Post »historyguy48
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:20amWhy not? The M1911 is still an effective weapon. Everyone should have a least one or two pistols or rifles, and know how to use them. The lib’s sure would be nervous then, wouldn’t they?
Report Post »exdem
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:25amI’m moving to Utah!!!
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:33amWith the new civility, I wonder If I can “shoot my mouth off.”
The 1911 is a fine choice. John Moses Browning would be proud.
Report Post »Jack007
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:38amDamn sure do; the Saturday Night Special :(
Report Post »Hoosier Daddy
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:42amIf you’re going to have a state gun, you could hardly pick a better one. The Browning-designed .45 auto is iconic and has a great history as one of the most reliable and longest-serving battle implements of the modern era. After 100 years it is still the handgun against which all other handguns are measured. Go into any gun store, where the employees openly carry, and you will see some iteration of the .45 auto on their hips eight times out of ten. The Glock is a fine gun but it strains to look up to the Browning .45 auto and hopes it will someday achieve that level of glory. I am confident that the Beretta the military now issues will never achieve that status.
Report Post »lewbrown
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:43amWith Rep. Steny Hoyer, Congressman Cardin and Mikulski, all anti-gun, do you think that would ever happen?
Report Post »Flag Raiser
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:51amIt’s cardboard and you say Bang, Bang. If you are a criminal, by-pass all the gun checks and get anything you need. You know 99% of your victims are disarmed, and in Montgomery county they are 119% disarmed and a nuke free zone.
Report Post »NeoFan
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 11:02amI love Utah.
Report Post »Cobra Blue
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 11:03amExcellent choice. And a super idea, I think all states should adopt a gun…similar to the state flower, bird…etc. While at it why not adopt a state rifle. AK47 is an excellent and very dependable choice. it will digest anything. A ray of common sense is like a cool drink of water on a hot day. FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS….AMEN!
Report Post »Cobra Blue
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 11:06amLet the guy in the article (Steve Gunn) experience an attack on his life and/or his family and then see the tune he is singing. Experience is always an excellent teacher for those that are slow learners. Course some never get the chance to put into practice real life lessons.
Report Post »Cemoto78
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 11:11amGood for Utah. Ignore those liberal crybabies that always want to make the guns look bad and not the minority of idiots who use them wrong as the bad guys.
Report Post »orkydorky
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 12:07pm@ realchange
Report Post »…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Only in Chicago or Illinois would they think about honoring Al Capone, I mean look what they’ve sent the rest of the country now, I guess next it will be Mrs. O‘Leary’s cow.
Lantern
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 12:08pm“It’s an embarrassment to the state to have as a symbol that was used only a few weeks ago to kill innocent people,” Gunn said.”
Report Post »If you are going to try to make an stupid argument about symbols, maybe you should use a fake name or change your name, Mr. Gunn?
River0
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 12:10pmIt’s a great gun. I have one. Very accurate and excellent stopping power.
Report Post »Sarah124
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 12:14pmI’m proud to live in Utah! I might just have to purchase a 1911 this year…
Did anyone else notice the irony of the Gun Violence Prevention Center board member being named Steve GUNN? His last name must really hack him off!
Report Post »ozchambers
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 12:27pmMe and my model 1911 agree. Browning pretty much invented the nearly perfect semiauto pistol way back in 1911. I wish my state had more politicians with the backbone to stand for what is right and obvious without worrying about BS backlash from idiots like that dolt with the ironic name of Gunn.
Report Post »qbanconservative
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 1:04pmAnybody else find it ironic that the gun control advocates name is Steve Gunn? Please guns don’t kill people, people kill people. Can we put an end to all this nonsense of needing tone down our rhetoric and put down our guns. I’m sorry the second amendment says we have the right to bear arms not you have to right to bear arms as long as it has the amount of bullets we say and its not certain automatic weapons.
Report Post »jakartaman
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 1:45pmIn Switzerland the government issues every law bidding legal citizen a gun.
Report Post »How much crime do you think Switzerland has?
Clive
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 2:41pmWho. cares. sure, make it your “state gun”. Appoint a state sandwich while your at it. This is a good use of the governments time.
Report Post »rl
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 2:44pmI wonder if Maryland has a State gun?
Yes they do…. it is made by Nurf……
Report Post »mill
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:02pmUtah is just stupid. You can have a gun,
carry it around
not have a permit
not take a class…
I’m surprised the state gun is not a midnight special.
Report Post »benrumsley
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:08pmHey, I have a couple of M1911′s. They are a great weapon for stopping power. As for Democrat states adopting a State Gun? Nah, that might make their citizens think it was actually OK to defend themselves during a robbery, home invasion, car jacking, rape, attempted murder, etc.
Report Post »Hoosier Daddy
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:13pmHey Mill:
Report Post »The Midnight Special was a train…in a song. Do you mean Saturday-night special? I don’t have a 1911 myself…yet, but it’s on my list to acquire right after I get my SAA. In the meantime, my LCP and my .40 cal Millennium will tide me over.
101
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:28pm.
Report Post »Very nice!
In memory of Joseph Browning, the inventor of the M1911 pistol
UPSETVET
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:29pmGuns are a tool and like all other tools they don’t kill,. It’s people that kill other people. I wonder how many people die each year in America from knife wounds ? Let‘s ban all knives so we’ll be more secure. One person can kill another person with just about everything. I saw a man killed with a Bic ballpoint pen. Should we outlaw or ban ballpoint pens, especially Bic’s ? Thousands died last year from automobile crashes in vehicles drivien by drunk drivers. Let’s ban all cars, or maybe we could start by giving harsher sentences to drunk drivers. Do you get the point ?
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:32pmI am from NJ and our state emblem is a Taxed dollar…
Report Post »american1st
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:45pma great gun very worthy of the honor ,
Report Post »go Utah hoorahh
streetrodder
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:52pmintigrityfirst. What, u mean i planted a bunch of trees for nothing? Hot Dang.
Report Post »wherewastthou
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 4:09pm@Cobrablue I like it.. Illinois could adopt the M1903A3 variant of the Springfield.
Report Post »avenger
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 4:32pmgreat weapon,carried one in nam….
Report Post »chazman
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 4:37pmFor Ohio, I would prefer the Browning .50 caliber, mounted on the back of a Marine Corps humvee. Gives new meaning to the term, ‘drive by shooting!!’
Report Post »Blackhawk1
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 4:42pmI have many guns in my house and guess what, not one of them has gotten up and killed anyone yet!!! I swear liberals have zero common sense.
Report Post »Xcori8r
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 4:52pmchazman
Here’s one you could tow around. I think one of these is in Ohio somewhere.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m225CyqeEAs
Report Post »BlueStrat
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 5:01pmTruthTalker writes;
“Not the grease gun?”
No, sorry. The M3 .45 ACP “grease gun”, although it shares the .45 ACP type of ammo round with the M1911, is a sub-machinegun and not a pistol.
Personally, if the choices were opened to include fully-auto weapons, I’d choose the Thompson M1A1/M1928. The “Tommy-gun” is instantly recognized all over the world. It pretty much was the US infantry weapon that won WW2 on the ground in Europe right alongside the M1911 pistol and M1 Garand battle rifle.
Report Post »fivebyfive
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 5:06pmDemocracy 2 wolves and a sheep voting on what to eat for dinner
Report Post »Liberty is well armed sheep
Sarah124
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 6:39pmmill
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:02pm
Utah is just stupid. You can have a gun,
carry it around
not have a permit
not take a class…
I’m surprised the state gun is not a midnight special.
Check your facts Mill. You have to have a permit and take a class in Utah to carry. What’s your real problem with Utah? Did Utah do you wrong?
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 6:47pmthey should have picked the GLOCK 20
Report Post »a 10 mm with 15 rd clip
1TrueOne55
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 7:06pmI make a motion to make the Browning Hi-Power 9mm the official weapon for the State Police since it is less lethal and safer than a .45. The 9mm slows down inside the body whereas the .45 exits the body and could injure innocent bystanders. Or any other of John Brownings handguns.
Report Post »Templar Knight
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 7:30pmUtah Rocks! Not only are they unconcerned with the liberal rhetoric of fearing guns, but they just chose one of the best hand guns to own as their state gun. Though I am a Glock guy myself I do love the 1911. :P
Report Post »Captain_Crank
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 7:42pmThe M1911 is 100 years old this year. Think of it…100 years of being a peacemaker and keeping the peace. Thank you Mr. Browing!
Report Post »happyboy
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 8:02pmWHAT A WONDERFUL IDEA.
Each state should have an official handgun. One day I will be shot to death while shopping or sitting in my backyard because in NJ citizens cannot own handguns.
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 8:59pmWhat a great idea!
.45 because shooting twice is just dumb.
Report Post »idrathermisstotheright
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 10:37pmHe should have a hyphenated last name Steve Anti-Gunn.
Now that’s better.
Report Post »jlee80644
Posted on January 28, 2011 at 4:08pmAbout time we started recognizing people for positive contributions to society.
Report Post »