B.C. Gun Amnesty Misses Target says NFA Pres

Saturday, June 03, 2006 03:58 AM

Police forces all across the Province are accepting unwanted guns this month, as the Province takes steps to reduce the risk of the firearms falling into the wrong hands, or being used in crime. During the month of June, people who, for whatever reason, no longer want the firearms can have them picked up by police and not worry about charges.

The plan won't do anything to get rid of firearms that are already in the hands of criminals says Sheldon Clare, the B.C. President of the National Firearms Association.

Clare suggests anyone thinking of surrendering a firearm should first get it appraised by a gunsmith, or firearms dealer, and then consider putting it up for sale. “Even if it isn’t worth much, it may well be useful to donate it for use by hunter safety examiners or instructors at firearms clubs. Firearms are very durable tools, but if they haven’t been used in a long time, it is a good idea to have them inspected by a gunsmith to determine if they are safe to use, as well as to assess their value,” he suggested.

“People wanting to get rid of unwanted firearms should find them a home where they will be appreciated,”

Clare doubts BC amnesty will do much in getting crime firearms off the street. “The amnesty may bring in a few firearms, but these amnesty programmes aren’t about crime control, they are really about pretending to the public that there is action on a problem that doesn’t exist. Firearms in the hands of citizens are not the problem; the key is to provide for clear and vigorous prosecution of violent crime, whatever the cause.”

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