The National Firearms Amnesty is a win-win for residents and sellers, according to Kundabung gun store owner Peter Richards.
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The first ever permanent national amnesty started on July 1 and allows members of the public to surrender unlawful firearms, parts and ammunition without penalty.
Firearms can be surrendered to a police station anonymously for registration, sale or destruction.
Participating dealers can also accept and record unregistered firearms through the NSW Police Force 'Gun Safe' digital platform to register firearms, prohibited weapons, gun parts and ammunition.
"We have had a bit of interest and we have had at least six firearms surrendered so far," Mr Richards said.
"In regards to the firearms amnesty here on the Mid North Coast the most common firearms people will be surrendering are an old .22 rifle or old shotgun.
"They are just the most common guns in the area and may have belonged to a previous family member. We often hear stories like 'my grandfather kept it in a box of tools in the shed'.
"I think the permanent amnesty is the best way to keep illegal firearms off the street. Without it, if a family finds a $50,000 ornate shotgun they would have to have it destroyed.
"At least now people can legitimise their firearm and it goes on their licence, it's a quick and smooth transition. I can also hold the firearm for them until they get a licence, then give it to them.
"Firearms are a tool like any other and if it's used properly it's not a problem. This is a good initiative."
Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs assistant minister Jason Wood said the amnesty allows unregistered or unwanted firearms to be surrendered when they could otherwise fall into the wrong hands.
"Unregistered firearms are a threat to our community. They are difficult to trace and can fall into the hands of criminals to commit terrible crimes while avoiding police detection," Mr Wood said.
"An unwanted firearm can also be deadly. If not properly stored, there is always a risk that it could harm you or your loved ones.
"If you have an unregistered firearm and you want to keep it, hand it in and see if you can register it. If you don't want to keep your firearm, hand it in. Your community will thank you."
More than 57,000 firearms were surrendered during a previous national firearms amnesty held over three months in 2017.
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