Turn in Guns to Buy Butter (or Other Stuff)

The NYPD is asking New Yorkers to turn in their illegal guns and they'll get $200 debit cards in return. In fact, the limit is three, so turning in a trio of illegal guns could net one $600. The AP reports that "BB guns and air pistols are worth $20." The NYPD says the exchanges are anonymous and that it has $300,000 for the program, so that's up to 1,500 guns.

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By Jen Chung in News on July 16, 2008 5:38 PM

Comments [rss]

jpeditor

Politicians get armed guards but the rest of us aren't allowed to defend ourselves.

JacqueMehoff

I don't know mr. bx because those old cowboy action shooters may use some obscure cal., might as well turn them in, the ammo costs too much.

This is a waste of money, but if you have a pot metal raven, hi point, bryco, jennings, which most go for just above $100, hand them in and double your money towards something reliable.

Bottomless Chips

This whole thing is a waste of taxpayer money. Those who responsibly hold firearms are the ones turned them in, not the ones who use them for nefarious purposes.

RatherBeBiking

Nice to know - except neither this article or the one linked lists where one can actually go to find out more about this - no websites provide information and 311 was just as useless.

bxbrian

Hey Jacque, how will this affect Pb prices?

mattcarman

Kino, the title likely comes from the economics concept.

KinoSport

Is that title a John Heartfield reference? Awesome.

JacqueMehoff

oh man, they smartened up.

there's a catch, you have to turn in a working firearm, inspected by a cop.

I think people used to turn in their rusted up, seized, falling apart and worthless POS firearms and getting cash money.

Fritzdecat

If the exchanges are anonymous, how can they enforce the limit of three guns per person? What's to stop me exchanging three one day, three the next, and three the next?

Who cares? Turning those damn things in is a great idea

For once I agree with the powers that be in NYC

moonbeam

At $200 each, I wish I did have an arsenal to get rid of.

nonumentalart

i've been meaning to get rid of my arsenal

emmef

If the exchanges are anonymous, how can they enforce the limit of three guns per person? What's to stop me exchanging three one day, three the next, and three the next?

Giulia Pines

Many years ago, in better New Yorker cover (and New York) days, there was a cover that depicted the city as a sunny, happy, cartoonish place, with cab drivers waving to each other and smiles everywhere. In one corner of the picture, there was a trashcan with a sign that read, "Give a gun, get a cookie."

It was the first thing I thought of when I read this.