Glenn Castellaro, owner of Riverina Hunting and Fishing estimated that between 50 and 60 unregistered firearms had been handed in to his store since the amnesty kicked in to effect at the beginning of July.

However whilst these numbers are high, Mr Castellaro told The Area News that he expected the 'big rush' was over.

"Previous amnesties have only be for a short amount of time so people have rushed in to get their firearms registered thinking it will be ending shortly," Mr Castellaro said.

"Because of this false perception, I think we have seen the bulk of it at this stage but hopefully this misconception that the amnesty will end will clear up and we will see more community members call up, book in and get their firearms registered."

According to Mr Castellaro, there was also still some hesitation with unregistered firearm owners in relation to the terms of the amnesty.

"People still have this perception that questions will be asked but I reiterate to them that it is an amnesty and there are no questions asked," Mr Castellaro said.

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"You can walk in with an unregistered firearm and walk out with a registered firearm all in the same day."

Murrumbidgee Police District's Licensing Sergeant Brett Ryan, since the ongoing national firearms amnesty started in July, 25 firearms have been handed in to police stations across the Murrumbidgee Police District.

"The amnesty aims to keep our community safe and see those with a legitimate need to access and use firearms able to without issue," Sergeant Ryan said.

"Anyone who has an unregistered firearm is able to surrender it to a police station without issue and without penalty.

Its great to see our community come forward and work with us towards our aim of no unregistered firearms in our community."

In comparison to previous amnesties, Riverina Hunting and Fishing has seen a bit of everything, however this time Mr Castellaro says there have been quite a few more quality guns and rifles.

"There has only been one or two that haven't been useable, which once we have registered, having been surrendered to the police for destruction," Mr Castellaro said.

And for anyone still hesitant about bringing in their unregistered firearms, he says 'don't be frightened'.

"We are here to help you and make this process as simple and stress free as possible," Mr Castellaro said.

A dedicated amnesty webpage can be found here.

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