Legislature Adopts Rifle as Official W.Va. Firearm

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia now has an official state firearm.

A legislative resolution given final approval Thursday embraces the Hall Model 1819 flintlock rifle.

John Hall developed the rifle and had it manufactured at Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County. The early 1800s weapon was one of the first breach-loading military rifles.

Senate Majority Leader John Unger sponsored the measure. The Berkeley County Democrat has said it was the first such rifle adopted by the U.S. Army.

The House of Delegates adopted the measure Thursday on a voice vote. When senators approved it in mid-March, they borrowed a model of the rifle from the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park for display in the Senate Chamber.