Video: Sheriff's Office Rids the World of 2,500 Firearms

It was the end of the line this month for more than 2,500 unwanted firearms
turned in during Operation Gun Swap in February, said to be the largest such gun swap in the nation, according to a release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

"The nation's largest single-day gun swap came to a fiery finish at a steel mill, where the rifles, shotguns, and handguns were incinerated in a 3,200-degree furnace," according to the sheriff's report. "The packaging, transport and destruction of the unwanted firearms was supervised by a team of [sheriff's office] detectives."

As for the melted metal that once was weapons?

Melted metal "will become rebar and coat hangers," the report notes.

February’s Operation Gun Swap invited residents to trade in unwanted firearms for vouchers worth $75 each. All told, the sheriff’s office paid out more than $200,000 for the guns. Funding came from the Shimberg Foundation and the sheriff’s office forfeiture fund, said Capt. Chad Chronister in a previous interview.

• See

• See Felons and Firearms: Undercover Operation Targets Crime Near Gibsonton Elementary

• See Felons and Firearms: Text of Sheriff David Gee's Report on 'Operation Cease Fire'

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What do you think about gun buy-backs, Brandon? Do you think they provide a service to residents? Share your thoughts by commenting below.

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