Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies inspect and inventory about a dozen civilian versions of military assault rifles during the annual "gift for guns" exchange program in Compton. One man turned in dozens of weapons.
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PHOTOS: Trading guns for gifts

Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies inspect and inventory about a dozen civilian versions of military assault rifles during the annual "gift for guns" exchange program in Compton. One man turned in dozens of weapons.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies inspect and inventory about a dozen civilian versions of military assault rifles during the annual “gift for guns” exchange program in Compton. One man turned in dozens of weapons. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Scores of cheap handguns known as "Saturday night specials" were turned in to sheriff's deputies. Throughout the day, people exchanged all types of guns for up to $100 in holiday gift cards to use at local retailers and grocery stores. The collection was anonymous and deputies asked no questions concerning the weapons being exchanged.

Scores of cheap handguns known as “Saturday night specials” were turned in to sheriff’s deputies. Throughout the day, people exchanged all types of guns for up to $100 in holiday gift cards to use at local retailers and grocery stores. The collection was anonymous and deputies asked no questions concerning the weapons being exchanged. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Old, rusty civilian versions of military assault rifles are stacked up in a shopping cart. One man who declined to be interviewed or identified exchanged a cache of 58 handguns and rifles that netted him $5,800 worth of gift cards.

Old, rusty civilian versions of military assault rifles are stacked up in a shopping cart. One man who declined to be interviewed or identified exchanged a cache of 58 handguns and rifles that netted him $5,800 worth of gift cards. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

A sheriff's deputy collects and counts more than three dozen cheap handguns in the "gift for guns" program. The annual exchange garnered 232 guns, all of which will be destroyed.

A sheriff’s deputy collects and counts more than three dozen cheap handguns in the “gift for guns” program. The annual exchange garnered 232 guns, all of which will be destroyed. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

A sheriff's deputy takes a pair of rifles from the trunk of a car. The exchange program has been a staple of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's crime-reduction efforts in Compton, which has seen a drop in homicides in recent years.

A sheriff’s deputy takes a pair of rifles from the trunk of a car. The exchange program has been a staple of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s crime-reduction efforts in Compton, which has seen a drop in homicides in recent years. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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