GREENFIELD — To get unwanted but working guns out of people’s homes so they don’t fall into the wrong hands, Greenfield police will host the second Valley Gun Buy Back Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
While supplies last, everyone who donates a working gun will receive a $50 VISA gift card. The stations will also accept ammunition, though guns are expected to be unloaded and stored in a bag.
The last Gun Buy Back, held in October 2013, was very successful, according to Gun Buy Back Coordinator Chris Geffin.
“Last time when we did it, we had a line,” Geffin said during a press conference held at the Greenfield Police Department Tuesday afternoon. A total of 300 guns were collected at the Northampton and Greenfield police stations.
“People came from Vermont, New Hampshire,” she continued. “We had one gentleman drive up from (Cape Cod).”
“I don’t think you hear about this every year, unfortunately,” said Greenfield Police Chief Robert Haigh Jr. to explain the event’s widespread popularity.
“I think it’s a socially conscious thing for many people,” Haigh continued.
It seems, he said, that participants’ motive isn’t financial, as many of the guns could be sold for more than $50. Rather, he thinks participants don’t want the guns recirculated.
“One gun out of circulation could save a life,” said Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan.
Many people want to get guns out of the hands of those who might be contemplating suicide, as well as prevent accidental shootings by infants.
“As much as we try to get the message out about safety locks, some people just don’t pay attention,” Haigh said, adding that there is always the chance of one’s gun being stolen to commit a crime.
Once collected, all the guns are logged into evidence and checked to make sure they are not stolen. Stolen guns are returned to their rightful owners.
The guns are then sent to the National Armory in Springfield, where they are carefully examined by a gun specialist to make sure they aren’t antiques. Antique guns become part of the National Armory’s special collections. Eight guns were deemed antique during the first Gun Buy Back.
Finally, all remaining guns are sent to wTe Corporation, a recycling plant in Greenfield, where they are ground up and recycled.
To hold the event, Geffin has been working since January to elicit a total of $13,000 in private donations that paid for the gift cards. Given enough support and contributions, Geffin, Sullivan and Haigh all echoed a desire to continue the Gun Buy Backs in years to come.