Here Today... Gone To Hell!

(BCN) OAKLAND Organizers of a gun exchange in Oakland Saturday said the event was a success since three dozen guns were taken off the street.

"I want to get a billion guns off the street," said gun exchange coordinator Joe DeVries. But for now, DeVries was happy with 36.

Organizers and police collected the guns in the parking lot of McAfee Coliseum.

DeVries said the 20 handguns and 12 rifles picked up would be sent to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms so they can be melted down and turned into manhole covers.

DeVries was particularly pleased that the event was able to get a few guns known as "Saturday night specials," or "junk guns," off the street. DeVries said junk guns are small, cheap and easily concealed.

Those who turned in guns were given a prize in exchange, such as tickets to a Warriors game, tickets to an upcoming Guns N' Roses concert, a tabletop oven or gift cards for Wal-Mart and Sears.

"We gave away a prize average of $100 per gun," DeVries said. "Some (guns) were worth far more, some were worth far less. We did have one man who turned in seven guns, (so) we gave him a few extra Guns N' Roses tickets."

Though the event was intended to collect handguns and rifles, some people brought in high-powered pellet guns.

"We don't necessarily want those but if you bring them we'll take them," DeVries said. The same goes for knives, according to DeVries.

DeVries said organizers will hold another gun exchange next Saturday in West Oakland.

"If you missed it this week, please do come out next week," he said.

DeVries stressed that "people don't need to be afraid of getting arrested" during the event.

"If (the gun is) not registered in your name, you have amnesty," DeVries explained. "Even if you stole the gun, you'll be given amnesty. We really want people to understand this is not some weird police ploy. We really just want to get (the guns) off the street."

However, police do need to collect identification to contact the person who exchanged the gun in case police learn that the gun had been used in a homicide.

Those planning on bringing a gun to the next exchange should follow the guidelines set out by organizers and police to ensure everyone's safety.

"Bring (the gun) in the trunk of your car and unloaded in a bag. If you don't have a car, bring it on foot but again, in a bag," DeVries said. "A police officer will take it out of the trunk of the car. We don't want any mishaps."

Ammunition can also be turned in as long as it is in a bag, according to DeVries.

The next gun exchange will be held Dec. 9 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at deFremery Park located at 1651 Adeline St. in Oakland.

DeVries noted that the gun exchange is not restricted to Oakland residents.

"If people want to come in and bring guns from other places, we'll take it," DeVries said. "Guns don't know borders."

Those who cannot make it to the next gun exchange can still turn in their unwanted guns.

"Anytime you make the wise decision to turn over a dangerous weapon you can turn (it) in to any police department," DeVries said. In fact, "the police department will send someone to your house to pick up your gun. We take it that seriously because of the number of accidental shootings and stolen weapons."

Source: CBS5.com

That's nice. Thanks for posting that

Ha...nice idea.  But what will they do when we start killing each other with manhole covers? 

the only way that will happen, is when people finally realize CD wont be out in '06  :rofl:

But we need our guns for when the communists invade.  Did NO ONE see Red Dawn?

If only Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey could have shown those commies how to dance..............

So the people surrounding me at gnr in oakland will be former gun owners. That makes me so excited. Oakland is such a safe city. :rofl:

Well, the people are supposdly people with illegal weapons.? Statistically speaking, legal gun owners are far more law-abiding than the average citizen.? I think these programs are essentially a waste of time and money.? They got 36 lousy guns, most of which were cheap and probably broken.? You don't see someone with a legally owned Beretta, Colt, Springfield, CZ etc. going to these things.? You only find people with shitty junk guns that probably don't even work.?

Please tell that to anyone that lives in a bad part of town and has been help up by some fuckface that got their gun illegally (what most of these Saturday Night Specials) are.? This program is intended to get guns off the streets.......not take away people that rightfully own weapons.? These programs usually work in such ways as people are allowed to turn in their weapon with some amnesty.? Stolen pistols or ones with scratched serials that were bought from a gun runner.? You might not think 36 guns is a lot, but that's 36 less guns that aren't going to be fired on the streets.?

And please tell me why you think that the guns have to be cheap?  Does it really matter when it's pointed at you?  Infact go down to Oakland.....and when someone sticks a gun in your face and it's some cheap brand....say, "HA, that isn't a Smith and Wesson chrome plated, you can't hurt me."  :confused:

I wouldn't give my guns up for tickets...shit! I would want to have a CD in the store if was playing in Oakland though! never know what freeks will do for a stupid album.... :nervous:l

At least the section that turned in the guns will be easily identifiable by the fact that they're all wearing gang colors.

turn in a gun for a copy of chinese demcracy, hows that for ya! :yes:

I think we can all applaud GNR and those who organised this.  Another nice gesture by Axl.  :beer:

then i have to buy a gun

That's great.

Guns for Guns N' Roses tix is a great idea.

Anything to get guns out of the hands of people who can't & shouldn't use them.

dude, the guys that turned them in are just going to be out on the corner trying to sell those tickets before the show...you know, like at every concert? :hihi:

it's fun being ignorant!!? ?:-\ just like the guy who said you could tell who turned in guns by their gang colors at the show

That would be stupid, considering the fact they could get far more money for a gun on the street, then scalping their GNR tix.

Shit - I'd go jack someones gun, and then turn it in for a free ticket.

This is the point.  The type of people who have illegal guns are the types who would potentially use a gun to steal one to turn it in.  Even if not, do you really want some idiot who just turned in his illegal gun to the cops coming to your show?  This is a dangerous and really stupid idea that is ostensibly coming from a good place, but its still a VERY BAD IDEA.