Radio Netherlands Worldwide

I don't know the ins and outs of this program, but similar amnesties elsewhere have collected a surprising number of weapons (see links below).

In tougher, more troubled areas, this is often in exchange for something, but it's not always that way.

Some people are in possession of guns they would rather not have, and others know a family member is hiding one in the house. This is the only way they can dispose of them safely.

Of course, tough criminal types aren't going to be first in the queue, but it's also a good way for them to hand in weapons anonymously that have been used in crimes.

These schemes can collect a huge number of arms, but it's true that it's only the tip of the iceberg.

Still worth doing? Absolutely.

See:
Bristol gun amnesty:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/bristol/somerset/8456863.stm

Prague gun amnesty:
http://www.praguepost.com/news/1948-gun-amnesty-a-success.html

The Bronx buy back scheme:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/bronx/2010/01/27/2010-01-27_gun_buyb...

Argentina Guns for cash:
http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=45034

Toronto: guns for digital cameras
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2008/12/16/pixe...