Requiem
03-26-2011, 00:17
Alaska's state gun: All of 'em
by Scott Woodham Mar 25, 2011
TO: Alaska Senator Charlie Huggins
CC: The 27th Alaska Legislature
SUBJECT: Clear downrange
Dear Senator,
We've been concerned for a long time about gun fantasies of the political right and left, which both seem to be fixated on ascribing extra significance to what most of us see as simply a complicated tool -- like a hefty, efficient socket wrench for loosening spirits -- but we're even more concerned these days. A House bill you have crafted would designate the "pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 caliber .30-06 caliber rifle" as Alaska's state gun, appears ready to pass through the Legislature, and we're, of course, concerned.
We're not writing to bust your chops as some people have been lately, arguing that you're wasting the state's time on a frivolous matter to bolster your appeal to a certain segment of voters, or saying that you might as well submit a bill designating a state fishing rod. No, no, we The Concerned actually think Alaska needs to celebrate its material culture, even if it takes time the Legislature might otherwise dedicate to other matters.
We've been following the recent push to name a "state gun" since it originated in Utah because most of us are huge fans of firearm inventor John M. Browning, a native son of Ogden, Utah, which, by the way, the FBI considered the most dangerous town in the U.S. for many years.
We had always thought that only war-torn nations like Mozambique qualified for the ability to name official firearms, but we changed our minds when we learned that Republican state legislators in Utah wanted mainly to recognize a fellow Utahan's vast number of significant inventions and large contribution to the state's economy, and secondarily to make a point about gun rights.
The only problem is that what started as a reasonable celebration of one of America's most under-recognized inventors (essentially the Thomas Edison of firearms), eventually turned into a primarily partisan banner when the idea crossed state lines. Since many Alaskans see no real conflict of interest in belonging simultaneously to the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Rifle Association, and even Alaska's Democrats have been known to profess a love of gun culture, we're a little confused about why this bill is even important.
But we feel for you; it must've been tough to choose just one gun to single out for official praise. Last we checked, though, the pre-'64 Model 70 is a sought-after collector's item, not exactly a gun to take out in the brush. It's extremely hard to find one in great shape for less than $1,000 now -- and for crying out loud, they don't even come with camo-print barrels or synthetic stocks!
We also thought your proposal was a bit, well, disconnected from most Alaskans in the field. We're not sure you know it, but the rifle you're talking about was also the unofficial big-game hunting rifle of the upper classes in '60s and '70s Alaska.
Alaskans are known for their rugged practicality, and the pre-'64 Model 70, while certainly a worthy gun, is just not very practical. The Ruger Mini-14, while less powerful, can hold much more ammunition and can be filled much cheaper than the Model 70.
Because of how common bird hunting is in Alaska, and how important bear protection is around most of the state, we thought maybe some kind of slug-ready, 12-gauge pump shotgun would be most appropriate. If you're carrying one of those and you have a few light loads of birdshot in your moose-hunting jacket, you're covered if you run across some grouse. If all you have is a .30-06, you'll be eating one more meal out of a can or bag. For someone on a fancy guided hunt, that wouldn't really matter, we suppose.
For practicality's sake, we also considered suggesting some kind of all-purpose, over-under rifle-shotgun good for late-season anglers, hunters, trappers and survivalists who want simple gear ready for whatever they may happen across.
We also thought about a classic handgun, a .357-caliber Smith and Wesson revolver maybe, or Springfield Armory .45ACP, because shooting a halibut or home invader with a rifle is just simply not done ... unless it's a last resort, of course.
Which brings us to the main reason we're writing. To truly honor how important firearms are to many Alaskans, We The Concerned think you should amend House Bill to designate Alaska's official gun "Whatever's Handy."
No matter if the target is an offensive road sign, a group of sea lions, a discarded washing machine, a menacing dog, the Trans-Alaska pipeline system, federal judges, state troopers, family members, or even "those damn squirrels" -- and whether pulling a trigger is meant to satisfy a desire for food, trophies, personal safety, property protection, blind rage or even sheer hopeless despair -- Alaskans overwhelmingly choose whatever is nearby.
And finally, if you're taking suggestions for next session, we The Concerned think there should be an official state shoe (XtraTufs), state hand-tool (Leatherman), state tape (duct), state tarp (blue), and state social plague (tie: domestic violence and suicide).
Pull!
The Concerned
source (http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/alaskas-state-gun-all-em)
by Scott Woodham Mar 25, 2011
TO: Alaska Senator Charlie Huggins
CC: The 27th Alaska Legislature
SUBJECT: Clear downrange
Dear Senator,
We've been concerned for a long time about gun fantasies of the political right and left, which both seem to be fixated on ascribing extra significance to what most of us see as simply a complicated tool -- like a hefty, efficient socket wrench for loosening spirits -- but we're even more concerned these days. A House bill you have crafted would designate the "pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 caliber .30-06 caliber rifle" as Alaska's state gun, appears ready to pass through the Legislature, and we're, of course, concerned.
We're not writing to bust your chops as some people have been lately, arguing that you're wasting the state's time on a frivolous matter to bolster your appeal to a certain segment of voters, or saying that you might as well submit a bill designating a state fishing rod. No, no, we The Concerned actually think Alaska needs to celebrate its material culture, even if it takes time the Legislature might otherwise dedicate to other matters.
We've been following the recent push to name a "state gun" since it originated in Utah because most of us are huge fans of firearm inventor John M. Browning, a native son of Ogden, Utah, which, by the way, the FBI considered the most dangerous town in the U.S. for many years.
We had always thought that only war-torn nations like Mozambique qualified for the ability to name official firearms, but we changed our minds when we learned that Republican state legislators in Utah wanted mainly to recognize a fellow Utahan's vast number of significant inventions and large contribution to the state's economy, and secondarily to make a point about gun rights.
The only problem is that what started as a reasonable celebration of one of America's most under-recognized inventors (essentially the Thomas Edison of firearms), eventually turned into a primarily partisan banner when the idea crossed state lines. Since many Alaskans see no real conflict of interest in belonging simultaneously to the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Rifle Association, and even Alaska's Democrats have been known to profess a love of gun culture, we're a little confused about why this bill is even important.
But we feel for you; it must've been tough to choose just one gun to single out for official praise. Last we checked, though, the pre-'64 Model 70 is a sought-after collector's item, not exactly a gun to take out in the brush. It's extremely hard to find one in great shape for less than $1,000 now -- and for crying out loud, they don't even come with camo-print barrels or synthetic stocks!
We also thought your proposal was a bit, well, disconnected from most Alaskans in the field. We're not sure you know it, but the rifle you're talking about was also the unofficial big-game hunting rifle of the upper classes in '60s and '70s Alaska.
Alaskans are known for their rugged practicality, and the pre-'64 Model 70, while certainly a worthy gun, is just not very practical. The Ruger Mini-14, while less powerful, can hold much more ammunition and can be filled much cheaper than the Model 70.
Because of how common bird hunting is in Alaska, and how important bear protection is around most of the state, we thought maybe some kind of slug-ready, 12-gauge pump shotgun would be most appropriate. If you're carrying one of those and you have a few light loads of birdshot in your moose-hunting jacket, you're covered if you run across some grouse. If all you have is a .30-06, you'll be eating one more meal out of a can or bag. For someone on a fancy guided hunt, that wouldn't really matter, we suppose.
For practicality's sake, we also considered suggesting some kind of all-purpose, over-under rifle-shotgun good for late-season anglers, hunters, trappers and survivalists who want simple gear ready for whatever they may happen across.
We also thought about a classic handgun, a .357-caliber Smith and Wesson revolver maybe, or Springfield Armory .45ACP, because shooting a halibut or home invader with a rifle is just simply not done ... unless it's a last resort, of course.
Which brings us to the main reason we're writing. To truly honor how important firearms are to many Alaskans, We The Concerned think you should amend House Bill to designate Alaska's official gun "Whatever's Handy."
No matter if the target is an offensive road sign, a group of sea lions, a discarded washing machine, a menacing dog, the Trans-Alaska pipeline system, federal judges, state troopers, family members, or even "those damn squirrels" -- and whether pulling a trigger is meant to satisfy a desire for food, trophies, personal safety, property protection, blind rage or even sheer hopeless despair -- Alaskans overwhelmingly choose whatever is nearby.
And finally, if you're taking suggestions for next session, we The Concerned think there should be an official state shoe (XtraTufs), state hand-tool (Leatherman), state tape (duct), state tarp (blue), and state social plague (tie: domestic violence and suicide).
Pull!
The Concerned
source (http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/alaskas-state-gun-all-em)