Can you “buy back” something that you never owned or had control over in the first place?

The reality of gun buyback programs is that criminals are less likely to give up their guns.  Will gang members, armed robbers, and carjackers exchange their guns for a $100 gift card?

Guns that would have never been used in a crime are the ones that are turned in.  This leads to armed criminals and law abiding citizens without a way to protect themselves.