The Daily

The Afterlife of a Gun

44 snips
Jan 9, 2024
Mike McIntire, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, dives deep into the complex realities of gun disposal and repurposing in America. He shares insights on how well-intentioned gun buyback programs can lead to unintended consequences. While innovative disposal methods like firearms pulverization are introduced, ethical dilemmas arise as salvaged parts enter the secondary market. McIntire discusses the feelings of betrayal among those who hoped for permanent elimination of their surrendered guns, revealing the challenges of achieving true community safety.
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ANECDOTE

Gunbusters Origin

  • A former police officer, Ray Reynolds, founded Gunbusters after working for gun companies.
  • He developed a "firearms pulverizer" machine and patented it in 2014.
INSIGHT

Free Destruction, Part Resale

  • Gunbusters offers free gun destruction services to police departments, making it attractive.
  • However, they only destroy the receiver, the legally defined "firearm", and resell other parts.
INSIGHT

Ghost Guns

  • Gunbusters legally sells parts kits online, often through Gun Broker.
  • Buyers can combine these kits with separately obtained receivers to create functional, untraceable "ghost guns".
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