The AK-47 was first manufactured in 1947 as a response to German automatic rifles used in World War II. They were made by Mikhail Kalashnikov, a weapon designer, and a soldier. The AK-47 stands for Avtomat Kalashnikova, and the 47 is used to represent the year of its manufacture.
The AK-47 was designed to be a simple automatic rifle that could be manufactured simply and easily. This meant it could be better mass-produced by the Soviet Union in the late 1940s.
Since then, the AK-47 has become one of the most widespread weapons used globally. In this article, we’ll tell you more about how AK-47s work and what sort of ammo they require.
Is the AK-47 Legal?
The legality of the AK-47 depends upon which state you live in. A true AK-47 has a fully automatic setting and is therefore illegal in the US. However, an AK-47 with a semi-automatic setting is available and legal.
Despite this, you could still legally buy a fully automatic AK-47 in America. If an automatic weapon was fully registered before the Firearm Owners Protection Act in May 1986, then it can still be purchased or sold.
However, these are expensive and are in limited supply. Generally, even the United States Army doesn’t actually field AK-47s even if some of its members are trained to use them, as many of the US’s enemies still use AK-47s, especially terrorist organizations.
In What States is the AK-47 Banned?
There are seven states, and the District of Columbia, that have laws that ban the purchase and/or carrying of assault weapons, which includes the AK-47.
These seven states are California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.
However, Minnesota and Virginia also regulate the usage of assault weapons, so anyone who has committed a violent crime is unable to buy an AK-47.
How Much Does an AK-47 Cost?
The general range of a semi-automatic AK-47 is between $350 and $800. Generally, a round of ammo for the AK-47 starts at around $0.30.
When buying an AK-47, you should always go to a licensed dealer and ensure that you understand what you’re purchasing. Make sure you check your local gun laws regarding storage and regulations, and if you require a permit, you apply for one.
Not all of the same laws will be applicable in all states, so you should ensure that you do your research first.
What Type of Ammo Does an AK-47 Use?
An AK-47 uses 7.62x39mm sized rounds, which were designed by the Soviet Union during World War II. This is roughly equivalent to a 30 caliber round, but they aren’t interchangeable.
If you use an AK-47, it’s always best to get 7.62×39 bullets. The range of these bullets is typically 400 meters, but this does depend on the gun.
When buying 7.62x39mm rounds, you should aim to buy from a quality manufacturer, so you ensure safety when using these rounds.
How To Use An AK-47 Safely
An AK-47 is one of the most dangerous firearms in the world today, and it should always be used safely and responsibly.
Many owners of an AK-47 in the US tend to use it for home defense, hunting, and down on shooting ranges.
However, depending on how you use it will also depend on your local firearms and hunting laws, so it’s vital that you know your local firearms laws.
In order to understand how to use an AK-47 safely, you should know how it works. You pull the trigger, which will release the firing hammer.
The firing hammer then hits the firing pin. Once the firing pin is struck, the bullet primer is ignited, igniting the gunpowder that then fires the bullet. The gas will propel the bullet onward while it also knocks back on the bolt carrier assembly and ejects the empty bullet casing.
As a result of this action, it then brings the hammer back into its firing position. The bolt then pulls out a fresh round from the magazine and puts it into the barrel, and the sear will keep the bolt hammer in place until it returns to position.
When using an AK-47, don’t point it at another person, nor put your finger on the trigger if you don’t intend to shoot. Always keep the muzzle pointed at the ground if you aren’t shooting, and unload it the moment you are done using it.
Keep your safety on if you don’t plan to use it, and never point it anywhere near your face or any other part of your body.
You should also make sure you’re wearing the right protective gear, such as protective eyewear and a reliable pair of ear protectors. This way, nothing will get in your eyes, and your hearing will remain safe.
The AK-47 is simple enough that a child could use it, so you should always store it away safely and securely when it’s not in use.
How To Store An AK-47 Safely
You should always keep a gun out of the reach of children. In some states, it is a legal requirement that you need to keep your guns in a locked cabinet.
These locking devices need to meet state standards and must be approved by a state agency. You should always unload your gun as soon as you stop using it.
You should also keep the safety of your gun on if you don’t intend to use it. However, if you don’t intend to use it, you should make sure that your finger is nowhere near the trigger.
Final Thoughts
An AK-47 is not a toy, and you should never make any alterations or modify it, or you could do some damage to yourself and others around you if this is done wrong.
Make sure it’s serviced regularly, and always handle it safely. When you use an AK-47, always make sure you use it safely and with the right type of 7.62x39mm rounds.
Always use the right type of ammunition, and make sure that you check on your local gun laws.
