Bernalillo County To Host Gun Buyback Program

New Mexico's largest county will kick off its gun buy-back program this weekend.

Bernalillo County officials say people can turn in working handguns, rifles, shotguns and other high-capacity or assault-style weapons at the sheriff's North Area Command Center on Saturday and receive a gift card ranging from $100 to $200.

Sheriff's deputies will be on-hand to make sure the guns are in working condition and aren't loaded. They will also be checking the guns to make sure they haven't been reported lost or stolen. If so, the guns will be returned to their rightful owners.

Officials say all other firearms will be prepared for destruction by the sheriff's department.

The county is planning a second gun buy-back day on Feb. 23 at the South Area Command Center.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.