Is it illegal to own an AK-47?
Asked by: Nathanael Brown V | Last update: February 12, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (16 votes)
Owning an AK-47 in the U.S. is generally legal at the federal level for semi-automatic versions but heavily restricted or banned in many states, particularly those with "assault weapon" laws like California, which ban specific models or feature-laden firearms, making legality highly dependent on your state and the specific rifle's characteristics. Fully automatic AK-47s are legal only if registered before May 1986, are extremely expensive, and subject to strict regulation.
What states don't allow AK-47?
Eleven states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington), as well as the District of Columbia, have enacted laws that generally ban the sale, manufacture, and transfer of assault weapons.
Is AK-47 sold in the USA?
In general, however, a true AK-47 has a fully automatic setting, which is illegal in the United States. Models with semi-automatic settings are available and legal in the U.S. Manufacturers cannot make or import fully automatic weapons for the civilian market. But you can still legally buy a fully automatic AK-47.
Can you have an AK-47 in your car?
Per PC 30510, all AKs are assault rifles. All assault rifles are banned in CA. So, it's illegal, carrying it in your truck is a quick way to get arrested.
Can I own an AK-47 at 18?
Under the Gun Control Act (GCA), shotguns and rifles, and ammunition for shotguns or rifles may be sold only to individuals 18 years of age or older. All firearms other than shotguns and rifles, and all ammunition other than ammunition for shotguns or rifles may be sold only to individuals 21 years of age or older.
Why You Would Want to Own an AK47
Can I legally own an AK-47?
Legal Status of the AK-47
The AK-47, when classified as a semi-automatic rifle, is legal to own in most states. However, certain configurations can fall under more stringent regulations, particularly if they are classified as “assault weapons.”
Which is better, an AK-47 or an AR-15?
Neither the AR-15 nor the AK-47 is universally "better"; they excel in different areas, with the AR-15 generally favored for accuracy, modularity, and ergonomics, while the AK-47 excels in extreme reliability, simpler operation, and durability in harsh conditions. The AR-15 (chambered in 5.56mm) offers tighter tolerances, easier customization, lighter weight, and better ergonomics, making it popular for precision and versatility, but potentially more sensitive to fouling. The AK-47 (typically 7.62x39mm) uses looser tolerances, a robust gas piston system, and larger parts, allowing it to function flawlessly in mud, sand, and extreme cold, but with lower intrinsic accuracy and less ergonomic controls.
Does AK-47 need gas?
The AK-47 uses a long-stroke gas system generally associated with high reliability in adverse conditions.
What states don't allow guns in cars?
Currently, 46 states allow open carry in some form. The remaining four states — California, Florida, Illinois and New York (plus Washington D.C.) — generally prohibit it.
What rifles are 100% American made?
For 100% American-made rifles, look to brands like Stag Arms, Ruger (American Rifle series), Henry Repeating Arms, POF-USA (Patriot Ordnance Factory), Montana Rifle Co., Griffin & Howe, and Cox Arms USA, offering everything from classic lever-actions (Henry) and precision bolt-actions (Griffin & Howe, Montana Rifle Co.) to modern AR platforms (Stag, POF-USA, Cox Arms), all emphasizing US manufacturing for components and assembly to ensure quality and reliability for hunters and shooters.
How many bullets does AK-47 hold?
An AK-47's standard magazine holds 30 bullets, but other capacities exist, including 10, 20, 40-round box magazines, and even 75-round drum magazines, with the curved 30-round version being the most iconic for its 7.62x39mm ammunition.
Is AK-47 discontinued?
While later models of AK rifles have replaced the AK-47 in many modernized countries, the AK-47 is still produced for nations with low and undeveloped military budgets. The AK-15 is a variation of the AK-12 designed to hold 7.62 x 39: the ammunition used by AK-47s.
What is the freest gun state?
There isn't one single "freest" gun state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota are consistently ranked among the most gun-friendly due to permissive laws like constitutional/permitless carry, strong self-defense protections (Stand Your Ground), and lack of sales tax on firearms. Other states often cited for lenient laws include Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, Utah, and Mississippi, though some recent political shifts in states like Arizona have impacted their rankings.
How much can an AK-47 cost?
Depends on location. Anywhere from $800 to $3000 probably, and that's for semi auto. If you want full auto it'll cost you wayyyyy more.
Can I buy an M4 as a civilian?
Yes, you can legally own an M4 rifle in the US, but there are certain conditions and restrictions. A civilian cannot own a genuine military specification M4 carbine in a select-fire or fully automatic configuration.
What state is the hardest to own a gun in?
Report Highlights:
- Hawaii is the #1 worst state for gun owners due to strict purchasing and carry laws, as well as defying the Supreme Court on the individual's right to carry.
- Massachusetts is the #2 worst state for gun owners due to its permit-to-purchase and reciprocity laws.
What guns are illegal in the US?
NFA weapons are weapons that are heavily restricted at a federal level by the National Firearms Act of 1934 and the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986. These include automatic firearms (such as machine guns), short-barreled shotguns, and short-barreled rifles.
What is the least gun-friendly state?
The 10 States With the Strictest Gun Laws
- New York.
- Connecticut.
- Hawaii.
- New Jersey.
- Maryland.
- Massachusetts.
- Washington.
- Colorado.
Do Navy SEALs use AK-47s?
Yes, Navy SEALs sometimes use AK-47s (or variants like the Chinese Type 56) for specific reasons like training, reliability in harsh conditions (especially saltwater/sand), confusing the enemy, or when captured enemy weapons are strategically advantageous for deniability or ammo availability, though their primary weapons are usually U.S.-made rifles like the M4.
What is the deadliest rifle in the world?
There's no single "most dangerous" rifle, as danger depends on criteria (lethality, ubiquity, historical impact), but contenders include the AK-47 for its sheer numbers and reliability, the powerful .950 JDJ for its destructive power, the historically feared MG 42 machine gun, and early automatic rifles like the Fedorov Avtomat, with danger often tied to the gun's application and user.
Is AK-47 more powerful than AR-15?
Neither the AK-47 nor the AR-15 is definitively "more powerful," as their power differs by range and application; the AK-47's larger 7.62x39mm bullet hits harder at close range and penetrates better, while the AR-15's faster 5.56mm round offers better long-range accuracy and energy retention, with the AR generally being lighter and more customizable, and the AK more rugged.
Which gun can beat AK-47?
What beats an AK-47 depends on the context, but generally, rifles like the M4/AR-15 platform (especially modern gas-piston versions), G3, FN SCAR, and Heckler & Koch G36 often offer better accuracy, range, or modularity, while an AK-47 excels in reliability and ruggedness in harsh conditions; for raw power, rifles with cartridges like .308 or .30-06 outperform the AK-47's 7.62x39mm round.
Why do soldiers not use AK-47?
The U.S. military doesn't use AK-47s because their doctrine favors long-range accuracy, modularity, and domestic production, areas where the M16/M4 platform excels over the simpler, less accurate, and harder-to-modify AK design, which was intended for short-range, close-quarters fighting and built for reliability over precision. Plus, the U.S. prioritizes using American-made weapons, and the AK-47 is associated with adversaries, making it a poor fit for U.S. forces.
Can I use an AK-47 for home defense?
The AK-47 is well-known for its reliability in various environments, including dust, mud, and extreme weather. This makes it a trustworthy option for home defense, ready to operate when needed.