Think of it as a modern-day version of the Bible passage about beating swords into plowshares.
The property and evidence bureau of the Orange County Sheriff's Department announced plans to destroy 501 firearms – 305 handguns and 196 long guns.
"The firearms will be taken to a steel mill where they will be melted down and turned into reinforcing bar, also known as rebar," the department said in a press release issued Friday.
Most of the guns were turned over voluntarily for destruction, officials said. Others were confiscated after being used in suicides or crimes, or seized from people who are banned from owning guns.
