During last month's firearm and weapons amnesty, Belgrave police received three swords, two rifles and a knife from outer-eastern residents.

Sergeant Graeme Moore has noticed a distinct reduction in the weapons received since the amnesty was introduced after the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.

"We're getting less and less handed in which is a positive for the entire community."

The amnesty allows residents to hand in weapons and firearms without fear or consequence.

"A lot of people might have been storing the weapons for years and are a bit scared to hand them in."

Just days before the amnesty started on October 1, police seized a loaded pistol from about 1873 after pulling over a Narre Warren man in Belgrave.

Police found the pistol, marijuana and a large amount of cash in the car. The man was charged with possession of the unlicensed pistol and drug offences.

Sergeant Moore said the palm-sized pistol was a perfect example of the types of weapons in the community. "It's a concern and police are always cautious every time they pull a car over."

During the amnesty last year, 2428 firearms and assorted weapons were surrendered across the state.

Inspector Gavan Dorian, of the licensing services division, said police were pleased with the number of weapons already handed in and encouraged people to continue to take advantage of this opportunity.

"It's pleasing to see members of the community have taken advantage of this initiative and have helped reduce the amount of weapons in circulation.

"By coming forward it shows people are not only thinking about their safety but also the safety of the broader community."

See our poll, right, on firearms in the community.