MADISON, WI (WSAU) – Republican lawmakers introduced legislation Thursday that would make a lever-action rifle made in northwestern Wisconsin the state’s official rifle.
The bill, sponsored by state Reps. Dave Armstrong, Treig Pronschinske, and James Edming, as well as Sen. Romaine Quinn, would make the Henry All-Weather.45-70 the official state rifle of Wisconsin.
The bill is only symbolic. The designation of state rifle would not compel anyone to buy or use the weapon. However, it would provide plenty of publicity for the rifle and its manufacturer, Rice Lake-based Henry Repeating Arms, as well as help the bill’s authors score points with gun supporters.
In 2019, the company’s Big Boy All-Weather Rifle was named the “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” by the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce is the largest business association in the state and a staunch Republican supporter.
The Republican legislators are looking for co-sponsors by March 24. Aides to Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu did not immediately respond to inquiries about the bill’s prospects.
