Pump-action shotguns, high-powered air rifles and 3500 rounds of ammunition were among weapons police seized during a six-month crackdown aimed at putting a dent in the number of illicit guns in the capital.
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The ACT government and ACT Policing put a bounty on the territory's illegal weapons in October last year, offering rewards of up to $5000 to members of the public who gave information to Crimestoppers that ledto the discovery of an illicit firearm or the prosecution of a gun-related crime.
The result was a haul of 25 working firearms, 11 replicas and a stash of nunchucks, stun gun devices, throwing knives and knuckledusters seized during 25 raids across the territory.
Police also confiscated speed, steroids, laptops, tools and a stolen car during the searches.
At least 12 offenders will face court on firearms charges.
Some of the guns dated back to the early 1900s and police said it was likely most of them, especially the many modified weapons, were involved in a crime at some stage.
Chief Police
''Every gun we get off the streets is one less that can be potentially used in a crime.''
He said they had undergone ballistic testing and forensic analysis in an attempt to link them to specific incidents.
Although it is not yet clear to police how each of the weapons were used and which crimes they were involved in, their fate was certain.
Police have released video footage of some of the loot being chopped up with a plasma torch.
''The guns will be cut up, they'll be destroyed and they'll never be used again,'' Chief Police Officer Lammers said.
Members of the public who provided information were offered up to $5000 per reward, with a police committee able to dish out $50,000 for the whole campaign.
Chief Police Officer Lammers confirmed rewards had been given out, but would not be drawn on how many, or how much money in total.
Police and Emergency Services Minister Simon Corbell said while rates of gun crime had fallen in the ACT, the campaign sought to make the region a more hostile environment for criminals who resorted to firearms.
''Firearms are used to threaten violence, they're used to enforce criminal activity and that's why it's so important to get them out of the community,'' Mr Corbell said.
Anyone who has information about illegal guns in the community can contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
