People came from as far away as Boyertown, Perkiomenville and Upper Merion for Saturday's gun buy-back program, and Peggy Gusz, executive director of The Crime Victims' Center of Chester County, said most expressed one sentiment. 

"A lot of people expressed relief," Gusz said. 

People turned in a lot of estate weapons, things they hadn't wanted and didn't necessarily feel safe with but weren't sure how to get rid of, Sgt. Glenn Eckman of the Phoenixville Police Department explained. In all, 73 guns were turned in, along with various parts and ammunition. 

Among the more interesting pieces swapped for $50 Giant grocery store gift cards were a tiny Derringer, several starting pistols and an illegal sawed-off shotgun. 

"There were people from all over the place coming in," said Eckman.

An officer was stationed in the Phoenixville Borough Hall parking lot to help keep everything safe. The guns were then taken inside, where police inspected, tagged and logged the weapons in. Finally, the Crime Victims' Center representatives doled out gift cards, purchased with money from Phoenixville Community Health Foundation and other area organizations along with private donors. 

Community support made a big difference, Gusz explained. 

"Now we're talking about doing it every other year," she said, and this was the first time her organization was involved with a gun buy-back program. 

Phoenixville Mayor Leo Scoda initiated the idea, and a gun buy-back was also held in the borough in 2008. That event netted 80 firearms, but at that time gun parts could be exchanged for gift cards. At this year's event, only intact guns were accepted in exchange for the cards, though people could turn in parts as well if they wished. 

The collected guns will not be resold—no matter what their value. They'll be sent to area locations where they will be melted down. 

Eckman said everything went off without a hitch Saturday. 

"The positive feedback was unbelievable," he said.