SB 175-OFFICIAL STATE FIREARM  9:22:17 AM CHAIR DYSON announced the consideration of SB 175. 9:22:47 AM ERIC HOLLEN, Staff, Senator Huggins, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, requested that the Legislature consider SB 175 and read a sponsor statement as follows: SB 175 is an act designating the official state Bolt Action Rifle to be the Winchester Pre-1964 Model 70 and its 17 designated calibers. The Pre-1964 Model 70 was considered the rifleman's rifle by Jack O'Connor, famous outdoorsmen, author, and writer for Outdoor Life Magazine. One interesting note, a few of the calibers for the Pre-64 was the .338 Winchester Magnum and the .357 H&H Magnum which were called the "Alaskan." Due to the variations and calibers from the .22 Hornet to .458 Winchester Magnum, the Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 is very popular with outdoorsmen here in Alaska. CHAIR DYSON noted that Winchester ownership changed in 1964 and that was the reason the date was important. He explained that there was the perception that Winchester's quality may have deteriorated under subsequent owners. He asked when production started on the Winchester Model 70. 9:24:21 AM MR. HOLLEN replied that Winchester started production in the 1930s. SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI specified that production started in 1936. CHAIR DYSON asked if the .300 Winchester Magnum was listed on the calibers that were available before 1964. MR. HOLLEN explained that the .300 may have fallen under the "wildcat" cartridge category. CHAIR DYSON asked for Mr. Hollen to verify that the .300 Winchester Magnum is on the list of Pre-64 calibers and the bill can be amended in the House. SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI noted that there is a .300 Winchester Magnum. 9:26:05 AM CHAIR DYSON offered a conceptual amendment that the .300 Winchester Magnum be included to the list. He specified that on line 15, just after "300 H&H Magnum." He asked if there was objection to the amendment. [No objection noted.] SENATOR COGHILL asked if there would be any special labeling or special commemoration if the Winchester Model 70 was designated as the state's bolt action rifle. MR. HOLLEN replied that the language in the bill is just that the Winchester Model 70 is recognized as the state's bolt action rifle. SENATOR COGHILL asked to clarify that the Winchester Model 70 will go on the list of state recognized things like the state flower. MR. HOLLEN answered yes. SENATOR COGHILL asked if the Winchester Model 70 be posted as pre-1964. MR. HOLLEN answered yes. CHAIR DYSON noted that Mr. Hollen is a very competitive shooter and is involved in national and international competition. MR. HOLLEN replied that he was able to represent his country in London for the 2012 Paralympics. He specified that he shot on the U.S. Team as an international pistol competitor for 10 years. CHAIR DYSON thanked Mr. Hollen for his service. 9:29:08 AM MIKE COONS, representing himself, Palmer, Alaska, said he supports SB 175. He stated that the Pre-64 Winchester Model 70, .30-06 should have been noted in SB 175 as the most versatile model and caliber that has ever been made. SENATOR GIESSEL moved to report SB 175, labeled 28-LS1357\N, as amended from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal zero note. 9:30:45 AM CHAIR DYSON announced that without objection, [CSSB 175(STA) moved out of the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.]