Orange County gun owners with unwanted firearms can anonymously trade them for gift cards at a drive-up buyback event Sunday, Sept. 27, in Buena Park.
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The exchange is sponsored by OC Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee in partnership with the Buena Park Police Department. Chaffee’s office has hosted three other recent buybacks in Placentia, Anaheim and Garden Grove that netted 1,055 firearms in total, including 76 assault rifles, Chaffee said.
“These events open up other opportunities for people with weapons they want to dispose of but don’t know how to,” Chaffee said. “It’s an opportunity to take some firearms off the street and keep the community safer.”
Orange County reported 149 gun-related deaths in 2024, including 39 homicides and 107 self-inflicted fatalities, according to the OC Sheriff’s Department.
Handguns or rifles can be exchanged for $100 gift cards, while operable assault weapons can be redeemed for $300 cards.
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Chaffee said the county selected gift cards from vendors that don’t sell weapons, including Costco, Target and Ralphs. Some gas cards might be provided as well, he added.
Participation is anonymous, and police will not ask for identification or personal information. There is a three-firearm limit per person; BB, pellet, 3D printed and homemade guns will not be accepted. Firearms should be unloaded and stored in car trunks, where they’ll be collected by an officer.
A limited number of free gun locks will be available at the event, Chaffee said, as part of a countywide program aimed at reducing the risk of gun accidents.
The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Buena Park Community Center, 6688 Beach Blvd. For more information, contact Buena Park Police Sgt. Roger Plumlee at [email protected].
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