Unwanted guns turned into garden implements Saturday

Various guns are displayed at a store on July 18, 2022, in Auburn, Maine. 

Various guns are displayed at a store on July 18, 2022, in Auburn, Maine.  Robert F. Bukaty/AP file photo

By DAVID BROOKS

Monitor staff

Published: 06-04-2024 10:23 AM

Unwanted firearms will be turned into scrap metal, artwork or even garden tools at the second annual “Guns to Gardens” event at the Concord Wesley United Methodist Church.

The event will take place Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church at 79 Clinton St. Any type of unloaded firearm is acceptable.

“This is a great opportunity for Granite Staters who want to remove unwanted firearms from their homes without putting them back out on the market,” said Zandra Rice Hawkins, director of GunSense NH.

Last year’s NH Guns to Gardens program collected 31 unwanted firearms, including an AR-15, organizers say. They generated garden tools, wooden bowls and jewelry, some created by NH League of Craftsmen artisans.

To participate, interested community members should bring unloaded firearms in the rear of their vehicle and remain in the vehicle. Guns will be removed from vehicles by a volunteer and delivered to the chop saw operator, who will disable the firearm. The identity of those relinquishing firearms can remain anonymous.

Under state law, police can’t destroy firearms that have been surrendered or seized but must either store them, use them, or sell them on the open market. 

For more information, search for NH Guns to Gardens.

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

Shamir Darjee immigrated to Concord knowing no English. Now the 20-year-old just bought his family a house.
Opinion: Let’s keep our forests as forests
‘If it’s about us, it needs to include us’: As Concord weighs solutions to homelessness, people currently unhoused want a voice at the table
‘Woefully unprepared’ hiker refused to leave Sno-Cat atop Mt. Washington
‘Friends for life’: Concord woman becomes Best Buddies champion alongside high school buddy
Capital Vintage brings new affordable fits to Concord and soon, the Seacoast