PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles Police Department doesn’t know how it ended up with two World War II-era submachine guns, but it has decided it’s time the weapons found a new home.
Police Chief Terry Gallagher, after discussing the issue with the City Council on Tuesday, said he will contact museums about taking the guns off the department’s hands.
The .45-caliber Reising Model 55 submachine guns have been in the department’s possession since at least 1972.
Gallagher said the department may have received them through military surplus.
There’s no indication they were ever used by local police.
“The only reason they stuck around so long is they are fully automatic,” said Detective Tyler Peninger, adding that it was unclear whether they could be sold or given away.
Gallagher had proposed selling the guns for about $6,000 each to a federally licensed buyer, but a few council members voiced concern over whether they could still fall into the wrong hands.
“If the law is followed, those guns will only be in the possession of federally authorized collectors,” Gallagher said.
The council was split 3-3, with Brooke Nelson absent, as to whether to sell or destroy the guns.
Donating them to a museum was seen as an alternative.
The issue was tabled until Gallagher could research whether any museums would be interested.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.