# How do you dispose of a gun? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 24, 2003, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-dispose-of-a-gun/220902 "2003-12-24T20:52:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![ParentalAdvisory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/53a042/32.png) [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2003, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-dispose-of-a-gun/220902/41 "2003-12-26T23:34:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Cervaise \* > \*\*Wrap it up and drop it in Wal-Mart’s “Toys For Tots” box. 😉 \*\* What about all the kids working for Vlasic now? ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2003, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-dispose-of-a-gun/220902/42 "2003-12-27T15:49:05Z")
Folks, Thanks for the replies. I’m sorry, but I’ve been away and don’t have access to the specifics of the gun. If this thread still has life when I get back, I’ll post them. For the record, it was an honest request. I’m not trying to hide something, and until I read some of these replies, I wasn’t really too worried about it. However, now I’m wondering what the easiest, legal way would be. It seems taking it apart and destroying each piece is the way to go. I could weld it myself if necessary. If my memory serves, it is American made, it is a .22, and it has a plastic (brown, woodgrain) handle. All I remember about firing the thing is how difficult it was to hold after my hand got sweaty. I figure it has no value and I really have no use for it. I’ll check the links to see if it has any value. SFP ---
**Author:** ![Will\_Repair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a698b9/32.png) [@Will\_Repair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Will_Repair)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2003, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-dispose-of-a-gun/220902/43 "2003-12-27T20:50:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by buttonjockey308 \* > **…after the serial number has been filed off…** The serial number can be retrieved with acid. ---
**Author:** ![js\_africanus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/87869e/32.png) [@js\_africanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/js_africanus)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2003, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-dispose-of-a-gun/220902/44 "2003-12-27T21:35:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by AcidKid \* > \*\*The serial number can be retrieved with acid. \*\* Just the sort of answer I’d expect from a guy named **AcidKid**. I am _not_ coming to you for advice on a colicky baby! Since it isn’t still in its original wrapping, Toys for Tots is out. Short of hiding a crime, I’d second whoever said disassemble it to all its constituent parts and toss ‘em. The bolt and the barrel are going to be the most expensive pieces, and perhaps most recognizable, so you could spread it out over a couple of weeks’ trash pickups. The key is that you don’t want some innocent slob getting a .22 cal. lobotomy, right? I’m sure a disassemble and pitch will do the job–spreading it around if you are so inclined. Note that you now have tossed a gun without any permanent, legally binding record. So if some individual gets vindictive, you’ll be doing the Saddam-WMD Tango w/ the cops. So if you remember where you got the gun and when and can prove it, then ask the cops. As a final note, poor people have the same gun needs as those of us who can afford fancy Austrian semi-autos. So selling it to a reputable dealer is a move I’d recommend. Finally, if you _are_ hiding a crime, then open the bolt and insert a bike lock and take the gun to the police, tell them that you think that you may have committed a crime, and ask for a lawyer. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-dispose-of-a-gun/220902.md?page=2)