That's exactly what's going to happen this weekend in Topeka as the government reluctantly puts about 400 confiscated firearms up for sale. The state wants gun buyers to browse through the selection of guns and rifles, and then leave without spending a cent. The Department of Revenue gun auction, to be held 10 a.m. Saturday in a warehouse at 130 S. Kansas Ave.
State law dictates that the firearms sale be open to the public.
Federal law, however, says confiscated weapons can only be sold to licensed dealers. The sale was originally scheduled for July, but was postponed. Revenue officials at that time had planned not to advertise the show, fearing that gun owners would be frustrated to find that firearm they just can't live without, and then be told they can't buy it. They then learned that state law required public notice of the sale. There are, of course, those who question whether the state should be in the gun trafficing business at all.