These Guns Became Symbols of National Identity

Even a gun can symbolize national identity in times of conflict. This often happens when revolutions or last-ditch defense of territory are involved. There aren't easy symbols to grasp onto like an icon, but a rifle is a common sight in the hands of any soldier. So, with that in mind, let's take a look at some of the guns that defined not only national identity but also their associated conflicts.

Few weapons are quite as synonymous with an early national identity as the Kentucky Rifle. These were long rifles, quite different from the smoothbore muskets of their day. They are an early example of rifling in a long arm, containing spiral grooves starting from the bore down the length of the entire barrel.

The Kentucky Rifle is entangled in a few different forms of national identity for the early United States. However, it is perhaps best exemplified by the frontier. Long before the railroad, the early United States was untamed with frontier and open expanses as far as the eye could see. A weapon like the Kentucky Rifle was a necessity for explorers, hunters, and militia members alike.

The Pennsylvania Rifle has quite a bit in common with the Kentucky Rifle. Both share a common lineage in hunting longarms developed by German immigrants who settled in colonial America. With an expected range of around 200 yards, these rifles were cutting edge for their day, especially compared to the smoothbore muskets used by other nations.

Many factors came into play when it comes to the success of the American Revolution. However, there are few symbols quite as enduring as a Minuteman wielding a Pennsylvania or Kentucky Rifle. These weapons became an icon of America's enduring spirit in the face of overwhelming tyranny and force.

As America moved to the open expanses of the West, a sidearm was needed. The United States Army was quick to adopt the Smith & Wesson Schofield, but the Colt Single Action Army is perhaps the more enduring sight when it comes to overall national identity. The SAA was a robust revolver, best exemplifying American ingenuity and craftsmanship.

The Western frontier is a time perhaps best defined by the public perception. You have outlaws, lawmen, and the sleepy, dust-riddled towns around mines and watering holes across the West. It wasn't an uncommon sight to see the Single Action Army in the hands of sheriff and outlaw alike.

The Single Action Army might have been the symbol of the Old West, but few weapons measure up to the overall impact of the Model 1873 rifle from Winchester. This lever-action design was robust and came chambered in common revolver calibers of the time. Factoring in the high capacity magazine leaves you with a must-have when you're out hunting or defending the homestead.

We can dive into the politics of the era that led to the Western frontier eventually being closed. However, when it comes to the absolute lawlessness of the era, there is something triumphant in the spirit of the Model 1873. It represents a common man taking the law into his hands and preventing anything horrible from happening while he makes a new life for himself in the West.

As America moved to the 20th century, it was time to cast off the symbols of yesteryear. World War 2 saw the United States become a leading superpower, one of the first to ever exist. The main service arm for the war was the M1 Garand, a high-powered semi-automatic service rifle that ended up defining American service in the conflict.

The Garand endures as a symbol of national identity because of the generation it is intrinsically tied to. The Greatest Generation participated in both World War 2 and Korea, giving their all for the sake of freedom around the world. The Garand was the weapon of choice for the era, and you'd be hard pressed to find WW2 media featuring the United States without the Garand.

The current American service rifle is also another weapon entangled with the country's national identity. The M16 is derived from Armalite's AR-15 platform. Firing an intermediate cartridge, this select-fire assault rifle has been the main service arm of the United States since the 1960s. Further, it is a popular choice for all NATO forces, with member states like Britain's SAS and Canada utilizing their variants.

The M16 and AR-15, by proxy, are rather complex symbols of national identity. On one hand, they represent an era of Cold War intrigue, brinksmanship, and the proxy wars of the 1960s well into the 1980s. On the other hand, they are a symbol of the American citizen and self-defense. They are also representative of gun violence, making for a complex and difficult symbol of national identity to reconcile.

Rounding out our list of guns that serve as emblems of national identity is the AK-47. The world's most popular assault rifle is, unsurprisingly, quite a complex symbol of its own. Much like the M16, it is indicative of quite a few things, which we'll cover a bit more.

One area where the AK-47 is most known is in terms of brutal, overwhelming military might. It was the main service arm of the Soviet Union after all, and remains an enduring symbol of oppression and conquest alike. It wasn't uncommon to see soldiers wielding AK-47 rifles during the invasion of nations like Hungary and Bulgaria.

For others familiar with the rifle, it best serves as a symbol of open rebellion. Perhaps the most famous example of this is the national flag of the African nation of Mozambique. The flag is a striking tri-color symbol with an AK-47 in plain view for all to see.