WINSTON-SALEM (AP) — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is trying to trade two vintage machine guns from the 1920s to a gun store for 88 rifles for its officers.
Chief Deputy Brad Stanley told the Winston-Salem Journal it is a good deal because the old Tommy guns couldn’t be used, while the rifles can help the force reach its goal of giving every officer a long gun, a sidearm and a Taser.
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office is also trying to sell a Thompson that’s been in its armory for decades.
Sheriff Bill Schatzman says the old machine guns were likely donated to the sheriff’s office by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in the 1930s when the company stopped paying workers in cash.
Officials estimate the swap with Craig’s Firearm Supply is worth about $60,000.
County commissioners will vote on the trade next week.