Beretta pistol, 19th century rifles among guns netted in amnesty

A variety of firearms were handed in during the amnesty.

West Australians have handed in more than 1,200 firearms as part of a national gun amnesty.

A variety of high-powered and modified guns were given up, along with older weapons.

WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson described it as impressive haul.

"Any firearm in the wrong hands can result in tragedy," he said.

He said he was particularly pleased a number of modified weapons had been handed in, along with 200 handguns which were easily concealed.

"Families often, and friends, have kept firearms in cupboards and other places, they haven't been in locked storage and they are at risk of being stolen and we know that criminals will source them from wherever," he said.

A total of 1,242 firearms were given up, with more than 700 of those coming from the Perth metropolitan area.

It followed an amnesty in WA four years ago which saw 1,281 weapons surrendered.

Police Minister Michelle Roberts said she was pleased with the response.

"The amnesty has actually exceeded our expectations," she said.

"It was a national effort, all states involved over that period of three months, so there's national media on it, that may have had an impact in getting the message out a little more widely."

Commissioner Dawson said there was still an opportunity for anyone who missed the formal time frame.

"For those that for whatever reason have not handed in any firearms and you're not the lawful licensed owner then still contact police," he said.

Classic old models among the haul

A number of historical items were handed in.

There were two rifles made in the 19th century, an 1878 Enfield and an 1885 Martini-Henry.

A pre-1900 Belgian pistol, two World War II Luger pistols and a Mauser rifle were also surrendered.

More than 80 weapons dated from the time of World War I.

Commissioner Dawson said old weapons were still dangerous.

"Whether they are in optimum condition or sub-optimal, it doesn't actually matter," he said.

"Some of these weapons are up to 100 years old, but are still deadly."

The guns which have historical significance will be passed on to museums.

Most of the weapons will be destroyed.