Somerset County will pay $100 or more to buy back used guns, with no questions asked Friday, April 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, April 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
They will pay $100 cash for operable handguns and operable rifles and shotguns, and $250 for operable assault weapons.
Any firearm or weapon can be surrendered, but payment will only be made for handguns, rifles, shotguns, and assault weapons in operable condition. Inoperable weapons may be turned in for destruction with no payment. No air-soft or BB guns will be accepted.
Wrap up your unloaded gun and tie or tape it, then put it in a box, bag or a case and help yourself to a reward.
The program will run at four locations:
Bernards Twp.: Community Service Center, 31 Stonehouse Road;
Franklin Twp. First Baptist Church, 771 Somerset St., Somerset.
North Plainfield: Comm. Baptist Church 20 Grove St.
Somerville: St. John Episcopal, 158 West High St.
The department sees the buy back program as a way to reduce the number of dangerous guns in the county. Fewer guns make neighborhoods safer and may save a life, according to a flyer from the office.
You cannot be arrested for turning in a gun.
The prosecutor recognizes that most guns are owned by law-biding people, but guns may be stolen in a burglary, found by a child even if the gun is locked up, or used during a heated argument or during a time of stress.
Tragedies do happen with guns owned by good citizens, said the flyer.
Direct questions to Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Capt. Christopher Shea at 908-575-3355 or Detective Sgt. Douglas Brownlie at 908-575-3326 or email [email protected].

