Officers from Bethanga recovered four long-arm guns between the Murray River Road and the lake at Bungil on Tuesday.

Police allege one of the weapons was stolen in a burglary at Baranduda two years ago, and two others used in an alleged armed robbery in which a man was threatened on June 29.

They are investigating where the fourth weapon came from, and are yet to find an owner.

Detective Sgt Graeme Simpfendorfer said ammunition was also discovered, but the weapons were not loaded.

“Some of the guns were of particular concern,” he said.

“They can kill, but certainly those longer-range firearms are of concern to us.

“They are found in the rural environment, but in the wrong hands ... we don’t want to see that.”

The community had been concerned the weapons had been unaccounted for.

“We’re very happy to have them back,” Detective Sgt Simpfendorfer said.

“It was concerning to us to have these high-powered rifles remaining outstanding.

“The local Bethanga member expressed his concern to us that his community was quite worried that these remained out there somewhere.

“And we wanted the message out there that they can rest a little easier.”

Information from the public had been used to locate the weapons.

It was unlikely the guns would have been found by accident by a passer-by, Detective Sgt Simpfendorfer said.

Police did not want to discuss the alleged link between the burglary in 2012 and one of the weapons as the matter is before the courts.

A man, 39, was charged earlier this month over his alleged involvement in the June 29 incident.

The Wodonga Magistrates Court heard the accused had allegedly fired a gun at a shooting companion after he demanded he hand his weapons over.

He is due to return to court on October 16 for a committal mention.