By Brian Meyer
Updated: 10/13/08 12:26 PM

Buffalo's gun buyback is receiving favorable reviews from city auditors who have scrutinized data from the Sept. 27 event.

In an audit that will be reviewed Tuesday by the Common Council, Buffalo Comptroller Andrew A. SanFilippo said analysts detected no serious problems with the implementation of the anti-crime offensive.

Auditors wanted to make sure all weapons collected at seven sites throughout the city were accounted for, along with cash cards that were provided to people who turned in weapons.

The final weapons count in the audit is slightly higher than the estimate given hours after the buyback ended. Auditors said 723 guns were collected. This sum includes 235 non-working guns, 220 rifles, 263 handguns and five assault weapons.

This was the city's second gun buyback. The first was staged in 2007 and resulted in 878 guns being turned in. But some city officials were expecting about half the number of weapons to be collected in the second phase.

"Despite a shorter promotional period and the threat of inclement weather, more firearms were removed from the streets than was originally anticipated," SanFilippo said.

He praised Mayor Byron W. Brown, police officials and representatives from the comptroller's office who helped to implement the program.

City records showed that $33,575 in cash cards were distributed, with people receiving different amounts depending on the weapon that was turned in. Assault weapons commanded the highest price -- $100. Nonworking weapons, antique guns and BB guns were at the bottom of the compensation ladder, receiving only $10. The program was funded through money seized during drug raids and other crimes. Auditors said they were able to account for all cash cards, including cards that weren't used...

The weapons are being destroyed as part of Buffalo's "no questions asked" pledge that Brown said is a key component of the buyback...