Is El Paso’s Gun Buy Back Program The Best Idea?

The city of El Paso is holding a gun buy back, with the best of intentions, but is it really a good idea for legit gun owners?

The answer is, "not necessarily". Not for everybody anyway and I say that not because I'm against these things but because some people may short themselves with this deal.

As I said last year, to turn a phrase, let the seller beware.

This is an anonymous gun buy back program designed to get guns off the street and out of the hands of criminals or even peeps who are simply uneducated in firearm safety and could have/cause an accident. I get it.

If you have a guilty conscious, are in possession of something you shouldn't have or are just unsure of a weapons history; here's your chance to "unload" so to speak. According to KVIA, the prices are:

• • $ 50 - Non-Functioning firearms
• • $100 - Rifles and Shotguns
• • $150 - Handguns
• • $200 - Assault Rifles

It's happening at the El Paso County Coliseum Saturday, September 21st, from 8am - noon. Now, again, I have no problem with these buybacks. If you have something you "need" to get rid of, (anonymously), go for it. Beats throwing it in Ascarate Lake, right?

However, if you're a legal, non - criminal, totally legit gun owner who just wants some extra cash, has too many weapons, inherited something or you're just unhappy with a firearm you bought; hear me out ... same thing I said last year:

There are reputable gun dealers all over El Paso who will give you fair value for your hardware. Sportsman's Elite, for example.

If they don't buy it themselves, they may sell it for you on consignment.

All legal, above board and, best of all, you'll get what it's worth. - GG

If you're on the up and up, why take $150 for a handgun that may be worth several hundred or $200 for a rifle that could be worth a grand.

You could be holding an antique of some sort, who knows? Just sayin' - do your homework.