This Makes Sense

**cgbudde** · August 12th, 2009, 09:06 AM

Published in todays Standard Speaker, surprised this anti-gun, anti-american paper would publish this letter.

Get better value for unwanted guns
Published: August 12, 2009

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Editor,

Today, representatives from the Luzerne County District Attorney's office and state Rep. Todd Eachus' office will offer taxpayer-funded gift certificates to persons who surrender operable firearms. After the firearms are bought and paid for by the public, our county government will then proceed to destroy all of them.

These publicly owned assets will neither be offered at auction nor re-sold to any dealer. They will not be double-checked for historically significant or valuable firearms which could be sold to benefit Luzerne County citizens. Rather, the property will be destroyed and their value lost.

The above is nothing more than politically motivated behavior at its wasteful worst. Consider that the borough where this is happening is chronically insolvent, is in a state which is billions short on its bills, and that our nation itself is at a record level of debt with more spending planned. Times are tight and this is our county's behavior? What happened to common sense? Shouldn't we at least consider selling our public property as an alternative to destroying our public property?

Some may answer with a "no," because they may feel that taking firearms from any public source reduces crime. I would clarify by adding that taking firearms from criminals reduces crime, while taking guns from lawful citizens just makes us more inviting prey. But if someone does not want firearms in their home and wishes to sell them - perhaps to prevent theft or unauthorized access - then be advised you can likely get more money than our government is offering.

You can lawfully sell your firearms at almost any gun store and probably get more for them than a mall gift certificate that was paid for by your neighbors. All but the lowest quality firearms are worth $50 to $75 in good condition, and many common pistols and deer rifles are worth $150 to $300 each. Top quality pistols and rifles can easily fetch more, and rare guns or war trophies can be worth thousands. Telescopic sights, accessories and ammunition all can be quite valuable.

Make a smart choice, support the local economy and sell your firearms for cash you can use. Call around to your local sporting goods stores or gunsmiths in reference to selling a used firearm. There are plenty of good dealers around who would be happy to treat you fairly.

Norman Dick,

Sugarloaf Township