Come and take it? Texas lawmaker pushes to recognize cannon as official state gun
AUSTIN (KFDX/KJTL) — An East Texas lawmaker is trying to make the cannon the official state gun of Texas.
Senator Bryan Hughes filed Senate Concurrent Resolution 22 this legislative session. The resolution passed the Senate Committee on State Affairs unanimously on Monday, March 17, and is now heading to the Senate floor for a full vote.
House Representative Cole Hefner has filed a companion resolution that's identical to Hughes'.
But doesn't Texas already have an official gun?
In 2021, Senator Charles Schwertner filed SCR 20, recognizing the 1847 Colt Walker pistol as the official handgun of the state.
The legislation walked through the halls of the capitol with no pushback. Governor Abbott signed the resolution on May 24, 2021.
A simple Google search of 'what is the official gun of Texas', and pops up as the Colt Walker pistol.
Let's look at the language in each piece of legislation:
Hughes' SCR 22 states: 'WHEREAS, These historic weapons serve as powerful reminders of our state's epic struggle for freedom, and they further highlight the unique heritage shared by all those who are proud to call Texas home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate the cannon as the official state gun of Texas.
Schwertner's SCR 20 states: WHEREAS, The original 1847 Colt Walker pistol is still the most powerful black powder pistol in existence; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby recognize the original 1847 Colt Walker pistol as the official handgun of the State of Texas.
Britannica describes a cannon as a big gun, howitzer, or mortar, as distinguished from a musket, rifle, or other small arm. So basically, the cannon and Colt Walker pistol are both guns.
Both have been crucial in Texas' history.
Perhaps both can carry the Official Gun of Texas title after this legislative session.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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