Gun buyback nets rifles, pistols

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Two assault rifles were among the 343 guns collected during the city’s first gun buyback program, officials said Tuesday.

They also collected 166 pistols and automatics, 96 rifles and 79 shotguns during the Saturday event, known as “ Guns for Groceries .”

Austin Police Department and Greater Austin Crime Commission organized the program in which people could trade their guns for free gift cards.

The organizers said this was the first time they have done this program in Central Texas, and they’re calling it a huge success . They are thinking about doing it again next year.

APD has never done a buyback like this before, but they’re imitating similar programs in other states. There are a lot of questions about the success of the programs.

Similar actions in Chicago, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Philadelphia have been successful in removing and destroying thousands of guns from the streets.

Critics of the gun buyback programs are wary of how successful these programs truly are in terms of reducing crime. They say the people who turn in their guns are generally not involved in gun crimes, and the guns turned in are easily replaceable.