Wisconsin Republicans float bill to designate state rifle

Wisconsin Republicans have proposed legislation that would designate a state rifle, a move that has been met with both enthusiastic support and vehement criticism.

The bill, if passed, would designate the Remington Model 700 as the official rifle of Wisconsin. The Remington 700 is a bolt-action rifle that has been in production since 1962 and is widely used by hunters and target shooters.

Proponents of the bill argue that it would recognize the importance of hunting and gun ownership in Wisconsin, while opponents have voiced concerns that it would be a glorification of firearms and could lead to an increase in gun violence.

“It is a way to honor the significance of the Remington 700 and its place in Wisconsin’s culture,” said state Senator Dave Craig, a Republican from Big Bend who is sponsoring the bill. “This is about recognizing a tool that has been used for generations for hunting and recreation.”

The bill has been met with a mix of reactions from gun owners and hunting enthusiasts. Some have praised the idea as a way to honor the contributions of the Remington 700 to the state’s hunting heritage.

“This rifle has been a part of our culture for decades, and it deserves to be recognized,” said Wisconsin gun owner and hunter Mike Johnson. “It’s an important part of our history, and I think it would be great if we could have an official state rifle.”

Others, however, have expressed concerns that the bill could be seen as a glorification of firearms and could lead to an increase in gun violence.

“I understand the sentiment behind this bill, but I think it could be seen as a promotion of firearms and might lead to an increase in the use of guns,” said Wisconsin resident and gun safety advocate Sarah Adams. “We should be focusing on ways to reduce gun violence, not glorifying firearms.”

The bill is currently being considered by the Wisconsin state legislature, and it remains to be seen whether it will be passed into law.