Gun may get second chance with local VFW

A vintage rifle the Carpentersville village board had intended to destroy along with about 30 other weapons belonging to the village's police department was granted a reprieve.

Trustees voted 6-0 to remove an M-1 carbine from the list of weapons to be destroyed after the West Dundee VFW Post showed interest in the semiautomatic weapon.

The motion postpones the destruction of the weapons until the village can determine an appropriate way to hand possession of the weapon to the VFW Post.

"This is a worthwhile use for the weapon," Village President Bill Sarto said. "They have a need for this particular firearm; this is one they need."

The weapon would complete the VFW Post's color and honor guards.

But donating the weapon to the post could prove problematic since the board's ordinance mandated all weapons be destroyed, said Village Attorney Jim Rhodes.

"State law and village ordinance does not allow the village to donate property that has value," Rhodes said.

In addition, Rhodes said the village could not sell the weapon to an individual or entity that is not a licensed gun dealer.

The police came to possess the weapon, which was part of an estate.

Trustee Linda Ramirez-Sliwinski suggested the village board contact the estate executor and ask the family to donate the weapon directly to the VFW.