Saturday marks the last day residents can hand in unregistered guns without the fear of prosecution, with the end of the national firearms amnesty.

The amnesty has been running since July and gives people an opportunity to register, sell or surrender unregistered firearms, with no penalty.

This includes firearms that should have been surrendered or registered during the 1996-97 buy-back, but were not; firearms possessed by people without the appropriate licence; those found on rural properties; and firearms handed down as part of deceased estates.

In Victoria, the amnesty has unearthed some rare, historical firearms, which Victoria Police says have been donated to local museums, the Victorian RSL and the Australian War Museum.

People can also use the amnesty to hand in unwanted registered firearms, as well as parts, silencers, magazines and ammunition.

Those found in possession of an unregistered firearm outside the provisions of the amnesty can face up to 10 years’ imprisonment or fines of more than $190,000.

Guns can be surrendered to certain licensed firearms dealers. To find a drop-off point, visit firearmsamnesty.ag.gov.au.