"Cash for guns"

[Wildyams]

What do you guys think about this?

http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1586567.html

A first-ever "cash for guns" event at the Fresno Fairgrounds collected 447 guns in less than three hours Saturday before running out of gift cards to exchange for them.
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said people were lining up at 7 a.m. for the event. It was set to begin at 10 a.m. but opened at 9:30 because of the line.
Police issued $35,000 in gift cards. The money came from $20,000 in donations and $15,000 in money seized in drug-related cases. The guns were mostly rifles and handguns. But there were seven assault rifles, five sawed-off shotguns and two machine guns.
"The firearms that we received are not the recreational guns that some would lead you to believe were going to come in today," Dyer said.
After the gift cards ran out, 75 people got vouchers for a place in line at the next "cash for guns" event. Dyer said that event would be scheduled as soon as private donors contribute another $50,000.

"Unfortunately we had to turn away a lot of people who wanted to turn in firearms today," Dyer said.
Ten of the guns are believed stolen and will be reunited with their legal owners, if possible. A few others with historic value may be disabled and given to museums. The rest are slated to be cut up.
Mayor Ashley Swearengin called the event "a very important day" for the city.
"I think our community is sending the message that they're tired of these guns being in the wrong hands," she said.
Dyer said the city now plans to launch a bounty program giving rewards to people who report others for illegal gun possession, including those used in crimes. Also, he said anyone who wants to get rid of a gun can call (559) 621-7000 to make arrangements.
Dyer said some people who dropped off guns during Saturday's event declined to accept the gift cards. But one enterprising person was reported running his own "cash for guns" effort, approaching people waiting in line. He got away before police could catch him.

Atleast they are getting the stolen ones to their original owners and not destroying the collectible ones.

Personally, I think they should take them to a used gun dealer, or even open their own and re sell them. Not only would they make more money, they could make sure they get into the hands of good citizens.

 

[Erik M]

"I think our community is sending the message that they're tired of these guns being in the wrong hands," she said.

If the guns were turned in by thier owners, does that mean that law abiding citizen is defined as the 'wrong hands' ?

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

But there were seven assault rifles, five sawed-off shotguns and two machine guns.

Riiiiighhht...

If the guns were turned in by thier owners, does that mean that law abiding citizen is defined as the 'wrong hands' ?

Good point.

 

[RP88]

If the guns were turned in by thier owners, does that mean that law abiding citizen is defined as the 'wrong hands' ?

apparently so. Pretty insulting.

 

[Erik M]

But one enterprising person was reported running his own "cash for guns" effort, approaching people waiting in line. He got away before police could catch him.

So the state/city can, but you cant. Oh wait, it is California.

 

[WinchesterAA]

Atleast they are getting the stolen ones to their original owners and not destroying the collectible ones.

Would we ever know if this were true or not? They, of course, have no obligation to do such a thing, and the people who own the stolen firearms probably haven't got a clue in the world that the "suspect stolen firearm" is the one they've been trying to find for years.

 

[stillaftermath]

I would suspect the vast majority of these weapons are stolen (or thought to probably be) or estate pieces that the current "owners" either want nothing to do with or don't know how to get rid of, and this is an easy amnesty program for getting rid of them. That's probably what they meant by "the wrong hands."

 

[gwnorth]

On the TV news clip, there was a Thompson (old one) and some small machine pistol.

But one old lady said she was dropping off since "she was headed for an old folks home" and she figured they wouldn't allow them there. Another guy had 8 of the gift cards for what he described as "old and unsafe" guns - said he was going to use them to get a laptop.

In the bin of handguns there were some nice looking wheel guns - you can see something with what look like stag grips on it in one frame.

 

[ConstitutionCowboy]

When I am flush I'll be holding my own cash for guns event. I'll be visiting gun shows all over the state buying up guns in exchange for cash. I can't think of a better way to expand my collection. Isn't that how it works? The more I buy the less on the streets?

I won't be using confiscated drug money or donations, but ...Hey! Wait! Anyone in a donating mood? PM me!

Woody

 

[chris in va]

Problem with that is, you can't be certain the 'donor' isn't a felon or otherwise not prohibited from posessing a firearm. The programs give amnesty to anyone turning in a gun, but you can't.

 

[mercedesrules]

... The money came from $20,000 in donations and $15,000 in money seized in drug-related cases.

I consider the $15,000 as stolen.

... A few others with historic value may be disabled and given to museums.

I argue that "disabled" guns are thus destroyed.

... But one enterprising person was reported running his own "cash for guns" effort, approaching people waiting in line. He got away before police could catch him.

This should be a free market (as eric m hinted), not a suspicious activity.