The John M. Browning designed M1911 automatic pistol became the designated state firearm in 2011 (Utah Code). The bill was sponsored by Representative Carl Wimmer (R-Herriman). The bill was signed into law by Governor Gary R. Herbert.

The M1911 was designed by John M. Browning (1855-1926), a firearms designer, who was born and raised in Ogden. The M1911 was originally produced by Colt. The Colt M1911 (also known as 1911, Colt 1911, Colt .45, or Colt Government in the case of Colt-produced models) is a single-action, recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol chambered primarily for the .45 ACP cartridge.

During debate on the House floor Representative  Wimmer stated “This firearm was created by John Moses Browning, who was a son of Utah pioneers. This firearm really has defended liberty and freedom around the country and around the world. And I think this is a very appropriate designation to capture a portion of the state history” (NPR, January 27, 2011). 

Representative Brian King (D-Salt Lake City) opposed the designation and would have preferred honoring Browning by putting up a statue. “When we are talking about a state symbol we would do well to come up with one that is more unifying than divisive and this is a very divisive symbol for obvious reasons,” he said (Reuters, March 17, 2011).

Utah was the first state to designate an official firearm. Governor Gary R. Herbert signed legislation recognizing the Browning M1911 as the official firearm on March 16, 2011. “The governor has said previously, and still feels, this isn’t about a gun,” said Herbert’s spokeswoman, Ally Isom. “It’s about honoring John Moses Browning and paying tribute to the man as an innovator and entrepreneur and someone who has given a lot to the state of Utah” (Salt Lake Tribune, March 17, 2011).

2011 was also the 100th anniversary of when the Browning-designed, Colt-produced .45 M1911 was selected as the official sidearm of the U.S. Military.