Ind. lawmakers adopt antique rifle as state rifle

INDIANAPOLIS — Lawmakers have adopted an early 19th century rifle made by a man who later became Indiana’s first sheriff as the state’s official rifle.

The Journal Gazette reports that the House took the final vote Tuesday on a bill that included the rifle provision, passing it on a 78-2 vote. The bill now goes to Gov. Mitch Daniels for his consideration.

The weapon, called the Grouseland Rifle, joins the list of official state emblems such as the state flower, tree, river and seal.

The rifle is named after Grouseland, which was the Vincennes home of President William Henry Harrison. The weapon has pierced silver and brass inlays and was made between 1803 and 1812 by John Small, who later became the first sheriff in the state.