Is the AK 47 legal in India?

Asked by: Tiara Wehner Jr.  |  Last update: April 9, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (15 votes)

No, an individual cannot legally own an AK-47 in India, as it's classified as a Prohibited Bore (PB) firearm, reserved for special forces and law enforcement; civilians can only possess Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB) guns under strict licensing rules from the Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 2016.

Is AK-47 legal in India?

Civilians in India are not permitted to own, purchase, import, or possess an AK‑47 rifle (or any fully‑automatic or similar assault weapon). The Arms Act, 1959 specifies that fully automatic weapons and most semi‑automatic rifles (including . 303, 7.62 mm, 9 mm, etc.)

Can US citizens carry guns to India?

No, unless you have a specific firearm permit issued by the cops, nobody is allowed to carry firearms. Not even Indian citizens.

Is it legal to carry an AK-47?

Therefore, as long as the carrier is not causing alarm, they are within their rights to carry an AK-47 openly. California: In contrast, California has stricter regulations. Open carry of rifles is generally prohibited.

Why is AK-47 banned?

AK-47s aren't universally illegal but face restrictions, primarily because the military-grade, fully automatic versions are banned for civilian ownership under U.S. law, while semi-automatic versions (which fire one shot per trigger pull) are generally legal, though some states have their own bans on "assault weapons" that include AK-style rifles, stemming from concerns over high-capacity magazines and their use in mass shootings. Import bans on specific Russian-made models (like those from Kalashnikov Concern due to sanctions) also limit certain types. 

AK 47 जैसी खतरनाक बंदूक खरीद सकते हैं?। कैसे मिलता है बंदूक का लाइसेंस?| Gun licence। Masterclass

15 related questions found

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.
 

Can I carry a gun for self-defense in India?

The Arms Act, 1959 and the Arms Rules, 2016 ensure that self-defence weapons are available for all citizens under licence unless their antecedents or propensities do not entitle them for the privilege.

Can you own a Glock in India?

When can I buy CMT Glock pistols as a license holder? CMT Glock Pistols is estimated to be available for purchase in 2023 by licensed sports shooters and self-protection license holders as per Arms Act and Arms Rules by Government of India. Click here for more information.

How much USD can I carry to India?

1. What is the maximum amount of foreign currency that can be brought into India without declaration? The maximum amount of foreign currency that can be brought into India without declaration is US $5,000 in cash and US $10,000, including cash, traveler's cheque, etc.

Which gun can beat AK-47?

What beats an AK-47 depends on the criteria, but generally, modern rifles like the AR-15 platform (M4/M16) offer better accuracy, lighter weight, and modularity, while rifles chambered in more powerful cartridges (like .308/7.62x51mm) have greater range and stopping power, though the AK's legendary reliability in harsh conditions remains hard to surpass, with newer AK variants and piston-driven ARs closing the gap.
 

How much is a gun license in India?

The fee structure for obtaining a gun permit differ according to the type of firearm one wishes to own; there are application fees, training fees, renewal charges, etc. Here is a rough idea: Application Fee: ₹500 to 1,000. Renewal Fee: ₹200 to ₹500 annually.

Can a lawyer own a gun in India?

However, before dismissing the plea, the Court did clarify that there is no bar for the Advocate to apply for a firearm license and observed that their application can be considered in accordance with law under the provisions of the Arms Act, 1959 read with Arms Rules, 2016.

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.

Which rifle can I own in India?

Silencer/ Suppressor are banned by law. With the budget upto 2 lacs you can buy . 22 rifle, 315 or second hand IOF . 30-06 rifle and some obsolete caliber rifles.

Which country builds AK-47?

Developed in the Soviet Union by Russian small-arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov, it is the originating firearm of the Kalashnikov (or "AK") family of rifles.

How much is a Glock 17 in India?

₹53,500. "Documents" required to purchase this product. The Glock 17 Gen4 is a CO₂ airgun, which comes with the original markings and a magazine for 4.5 mm BBs. It also has interchangeable backstraps, which allow it to be customized for any user.

Is 9mm prohibited in India?

India's first indigenous 9mm Machine Pistol has been jointly developed by DRDO and Indian Army. Infantry School, Mhow and DRDO's Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune have designed and developed this weapon using their respective expertise in the complementary areas.

Which pistol is allowed in India?

Handguns (Revolvers & Pistols)

32 Revolver – Manufactured by the Indian Ordnance Factory, known for reliability. IOF . 32 Pistol (Ashani) – A semi-automatic pistol for personal protection. Imported NPB Pistols – From brands like Beretta or Glock, but only through licensed dealers with special import permissions.

Is AR-15 legal in India?

AR 15 in its existing form is also legal provided the person is able to get license for "prohibited bore". Getting a license for prohibited bore is almost next to impossible for common citizens. "Prohibited bore" is a misnomer, it means that it is more restricted than non prohibited bore.

Can I take a gun from the US to India?

Fire Arms. Import of firearms is strictly prohibited. Import of Cartridges in excess of 50 is also prohibited. However, in the case of persons transferring their residence (as per conditions specified in the rules) to India for a minimum period of one year, one firearm of permissible bore can be allowed.

How do I protect myself in India?

Key Provisions of Self-Defense Law

  1. Section 96 IPC – No Offense if in Self-Defense. Actions taken in genuine self-defense are not considered criminal offenses.
  2. Section 97 IPC – Right to Protect Body and Property. Grants the right to defend: ...
  3. Section 100 IPC – Right to Cause Death.

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. 

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.