This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

One thing is certain: Utah lawmakers really, really like their guns.

So it's not too surprising that, after a year hiatus, the Legislature is bringing back the distinctive annual tradition of buying a commemorative legislative firearm for the just-wrapped-up session.

For $800, lawmakers, legislative staff and members of the public can own the .45-70 lever-action rifle, with an engraving on the walnut wood stock marking the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Utah Capitol.

"This is the gun that won the West," said Rep. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, on why he chose the rifle for the 2017 weapon.

Technically, it's not. Henry Repeating Arms bought the rights to reproduce the Henry rifle in 1996. But close enough.

McCay said lawmakers looked at rifles from Browning and Utah makers, but decided there was enough attachment to the history with Henry to go with a New Jersey-based manufacturer.

The rifle has an octagonal barrel and brushed brass accents and packs a big punch, effective for bringing down pretty much any big game animal, including bear, moose and elk.

McCay said he sees it more as a display piece, one he doesn't expect anyone who buys it will ever fire.

That wasn't the case with the AR-15 that lawmakers purchased in bunches in 2015, but disputes over production and fulfilling orders led to consumer complaints and lawmakers skipped the firearm last year.

The AR-15 was a departure for lawmakers who had previously stuck with handguns. In 2014, it was a North American Arms .22-caliber revolver. In 2013, it was the Browning 1911 — which was designated as Utah's official firearm that year, making it the first state in the nation with an official gun.

In 2012, lawmakers purchased a Cobra 380 pistol, and the year prior they bought a semiautomatic Glock 19.

These most recent guns are a little more challenging to carry concealed.

Twitter: @RobertGehrke