Tennessee's state gun is the Barrett M82.
Designated on February 24, 2016, the Barrett M82 holds the distinction as Tennessee's official state firearm. This powerful rifle is manufactured by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc., a company based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The recognition of the Barrett M82 highlights the state's connection to the firearms industry and its historical impact.
State Firearms Across the U.S.
Several U.S. states have adopted official state firearms, often recognizing weapons with significant historical or industrial ties to their regions. These designations celebrate unique aspects of each state's heritage or modern contributions to firearm manufacturing.
Here's a look at some of the officially designated state firearms:
| State | Firearm | Date of Adoption |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | Hawken rifle | July 6, 2023 |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania long rifle | June 26, 2014 |
| Tennessee | Barrett M82 | February 24, 2016 |
| Texas | Colt Walker | May 2021 |
The adoption of state firearms serves to commemorate significant historical weapons, acknowledge local manufacturers, or honor the role of firearms in a state's cultural narrative.
