Columbus, Ohio – State Representative Jonathan Newman (R‑Troy) introduced House Bill 1025 on Oct. 13, seeking to recognize the historic long rifle as Ohio’s official state firearm. The proposal, which would label the “Long Rifle of Early Ohio,” reflects the weapon’s role in the state’s colonial and frontier history.
Grassroots origins and legislative support
Newman said the idea originated from constituents and was refined through a month‑long selection process that involved Ohio’s leading firearm organizations. Each organization nominated a judge to serve on a panel that evaluated potential candidates before selecting the long rifle for the designation.
“This is the beauty of being available and listening; this idea came from grassroots constituents,” Newman wrote on social media. “Ten other states have a state firearm; our neighboring states have one. Now Ohio will, too.”
Historical significance of the long rifle
The National Rifle Association notes that the long rifle, also known historically as the Kentucky or Pennsylvania rifle, was developed in colonial America. Its longer barrel offered improved accuracy over European muskets while remaining lightweight enough for frontier travel. Settlers moving into what is now Ohio relied on the rifle’s reliability and precision.
Statewide context
If enacted, Ohio would become the 11th state to adopt an official state firearm. Missouri was the most recent addition in 2023, selecting the Hawken rifle. Four of Ohio’s bordering states—Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia—already have official firearms, while Michigan remains the only neighboring state without one.
Legislative details
House Bill 1025 has attracted 18 co‑sponsors, including 17 Republicans and one Democrat, indicating bipartisan interest in preserving Ohio’s heritage. The bill is slated for further consideration after the General Assembly returns from recess following Election Day. While the bill’s introduction does not yet make the long rifle the official state firearm, it must pass both chambers and receive the governor’s signature to become law.
Other state symbols in the works
Ohio continues to expand its roster of official symbols. The state already recognizes the bullfrog as the state frog, tomato juice as the state beverage, and the 1905 Wright Flyer III as the state airplane. A separate proposal to name the chocolate‑and‑peanut‑butter buckeye as the official state candy has cleared the Senate and awaits action in the House.
Community response
Supporters argue that the designation will help Ohioans remember and teach future generations about the virtues that built the state and the nation. Critics, primarily from gun‑control advocacy groups, caution that official recognition of a firearm could be seen as endorsing gun culture. Newman emphasized that the bill is about heritage, not policy, and that the long rifle’s historical role is distinct from modern firearms debates.
The bill’s progress will be monitored closely as Ohio lawmakers balance respect for tradition with contemporary public‑safety concerns.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
