Buyback brings in 382 weapons so far

Pistols, revolvers, semi automatics, and other guns filled six long tables at Boston police headquarters yesterday, all collected during the first two weeks of a month long gun buyback program.

The 382 weapons -- .44, .45, and other high-caliber guns -- included some worth up to $700 on the street, police said. There was also a Remington shotgun with an estimated street value of $800.

``They are the kind of weapons that are impacting the streets," said Police Superintendent in Chief Al Goslin . ``We've got a number of guns, because people don't want them in their homes. There's some fear that they may be used by a loved one."

Residents are encouraged to drop off the weapons at local police stations and community centers, under a ``no questions asked" policy, in exchange for $200 Target gift cards. Private exchanges also can be arranged. The buyback runs through July 14.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino said he believes the gun buyback is working as part of the city's strategy to combat the crime surge. On Friday, Menino agreed to use the State Police for special operations in the city after receiving criticism for initially refusing Governor Mitt Romney's offer of help.

Critics of the gun buybacks say they are ineffective because police collect older guns rather than modern semiautomatics. Boston's buyback was designed to target young adults by setting up a MySpace.com profile and a blog, said Elaine Driscoll , Boston police spokeswoman.

Katherine Mainzer , a Jamaica Plain restaurant owner who helped organized the buyback, said a surprising number of young men had turned in guns.

``As a resident of the city, I'm so glad these guns are off the street and out of circulation," she said.