Guns-for-Goods Swap Called Off in Connecticut; Profiteering Cited

State officials Monday called off a week-old guns-for-goods swap program that was overwhelmed by profiteers who bought cheap weapons and then traded them for gift certificates worth up to $500.

“The program has been suspended,” said Atty. Gen. Richard Blumenthal.

He said Connecticut officials were shocked by the number of weapons turned in, and acknowledged that profiteering was a factor and that abuses were reported.

In one case, a man whose name was not released turned in 39 Chinese-made rifles worth about $70 each and received certificates worth $100 for each one--realizing a profit of about $1,200.

Gun shop owners said they had seen a run on cheap pistols, so-called Saturday night specials, which retail for about $59. Buyers were apparently buying the guns just minutes before turning them over to police--and realizing profits of about $40 for each gun.

In all more than 3,000 guns, including rifles, handguns and semiautomatic assault weapons, were surrendered.

A network of business owners and schools pledged to honor gift certificates worth up to $500 for each gun that was surrendered. Police would give certificates worth at least $100 for every gun. Certificates worth $500 were given for assault weapons.

Blumenthal said the program was a success despite the abuses, because it resulted in weapons being taken out of the hands of civilians.

“Basically we accomplished in four days what we had hoped to accomplish in about four weeks,” Blumenthal said. “We have run out of the resources and commitments for goods to pay for the surrendered weapons.”

He said the program could be reinstated if more resources were made available, but said there were no immediate plans to revive it.