The historical failure of so-called gun “buyback” programs to decrease violent crime has been widely acknowledged, even by typically gun-unfriendly outlets, here and here. But a Chicago “buyback” program is at least providing some benefit—although not to whom Mayor Rahm Emanuel expected.
Members of a Champaign, Ill., pro-gun group turned in several rusty and inoperable guns during last year’s “buyback,” then used the $100 gift cards from the city to buy ammunition for the National Rifle Association youth camp in Bloomington. They also purchased bolt-action rifles for camp participants.
Champaign-based Guns Save Life Executive Director John Boch told the Chicago Sun-Times that his group will return to Chicago this year with about 60 guns to turn in. Bosh added that he and others in the organization “will be delighted to transact business once more with do-gooders in Chicago.” To which we say: Finally, a gun “buyback” that works!
