@Lars explain this to a japanese wife
Today I learned that states have been assigning a "state gun" (like a state bird or state tree)
So far 11 states have a designated firearm
Alaska: Pre-1964 Winchester Model 70
Arizona: Colt Single Action Army revolver
Arkansas: Shotgun
Indiana: Grouseland Rifle
Kentucky: Kentucky Long Rifle
Missouri: Hawken Rifle
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Long Rifle
Tennessee: Barrett M82
Texas: Colt Walker & Cannon
Utah: M1911 Pistol
West Virginia: Hall Model 1819 Flintlock Rifle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_firearms
Just tell her it's like Japan having swords as national treasures under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. It's the USA's rough equivalent of samurai identity.