I have personally turned in a gun to the Phoenix PD and they gave it back to me, no problem.

I also knew a guy here who turned in a plum Sig Sauer 9mm he found IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION in town and he got that one back, too.

Maybe it's just because it's AZ, and there really isn't a gun-resistance-type mentality here. There's a record of your buying a gun at the store where you purchase it, but it doesn't go anywhere, there's no registration and you can carry, exposed, anywhere except a bar or restaurant where alcohol is served, without a permit. There's currently legislation to even eliminate that exclusion, unless it's specifically posted as prohibited by ownership. You can buy from an individual or at a gun show (from an individual, not an FFL holder) without any paperwork, legally. And of course a CCW permit is a couple of classes and a little range time away.

It's not at all unusual to see people in line at the local convenience store carrying, but they're usually cab drivers, etc., who may have a real need to carry one. It might get you some extra attention from the po-po, but it's perfectly legal. I might get a second glance from motorists when riding a motorcycle down Central Ave. with a pistol in a holster, but there's nothing wrong with doing so, as long as that holster is visible.

BTW, Israeli police are trained to carry with a loaded mag, but not chambered, so they practice draw, rack then shoot, from what I have read. If I had a gun already pointed at me, it's not going to make much difference whether or not all I have to do is pull back a hammer, take off a safety or rack a slide. I'm done at that point myself. Safety standpoint, though, I'd prefer to not be relying on a safety/de-cocker or the fact that a transfer bar isn't going to let an accident discharge my weapon.

My $1.05, mileage may vary.

John B.