Residents of Hampshire and Franklin counties in western Massachusetts turned in nearly 300 firearms during Saturday’s gun buyback program.
Local TV affiliates WWLP and WGGB report firearm owners flocked to police stations in North Hampton and Greenfield trading in some 290 handguns, rifles, and shotguns for $50 dollar gift cards.
A compensation of two gift cards was given for turning in an assault rifle, two of which were among the surrendered firearms.
The six hour-long buyback was aimed at keeping guns out of homes where they could be stolen as well as curbing suicide.
According to experts at the Center for Disease Control homes with guns are five times more likely to experience the suicide of a household member, as opposed to homes without a firearm.