JUNEAU -- Alaska won't have an official state firearm anytime soon.
Sen. Charlie Huggins, a Wasilla Republican who last year proposed making the pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 .30-06 caliber rifle the official state firearm, has withdrawn the legislation. The bill never got a hearing, and failed to gain any traction.
In sponsoring the bill, Huggins said the rifle was used by hunters, trappers, Alaska Natives and pioneers during Alaska's formative years. He also said the Model 70 is well-built and reliable and carries enough "stopping power" to be useful in a crisis situation.
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