Hello there, I'm Kimi, your go-to expert on legal matters and firearms regulations. It's an interesting topic you've brought up, the legality of owning an AK-47 in the United States. Let's dive into the details.

The AK-47, a renowned firearm designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, is a symbol of military power and has been featured in countless conflicts around the world. When it comes to civilian ownership in the United States, the laws are quite complex and have evolved over time.

First and foremost, it's important to understand that the United States operates under a federal system, which means that laws can vary from state to state, but there are also overarching federal laws that apply nationwide. The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear arms, but this right is not without limitations.

Federal Laws:
The Federal law that directly impacts the ownership of firearms like the AK-47 is the Firearm Owners' Protection Act of 1986. This act has specific provisions that restrict the importation of certain firearms. According to this act, an actual AK-47 manufactured after 1986 may not be owned by a civilian in the United States. This is due to the fact that the act bans the importation of firearms that are not considered to have a sporting purpose. The AK-47, being a military-grade weapon, does not typically fall under this category.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, if an AK-47 was manufactured before 1986, it may be legally owned, provided it was imported before the ban took effect. Additionally, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has been known to make exceptions for certain firearms under specific circumstances.

State Laws:
Beyond federal regulations, each state has its own set of laws governing firearm ownership. Some states are more restrictive than others. For example, states like California, New York, and New Jersey have stricter gun control laws that may further limit the ownership of firearms like the AK-47, even if they are semi-automatic versions.

Semi-Automatic vs. Full-Automatic:
It's also crucial to distinguish between semi-automatic and full-automatic firearms. A semi-automatic firearm, which is the most common type available to civilians, fires one round each time the trigger is pulled and automatically reloads the next round. Full-automatic firearms, on the other hand, fire continuously while the trigger is held down. While it may be a common misconception that full-automatic weapons are illegal, this is not entirely accurate. It is not illegal to own a full-auto weapon in the U.S., but there are significant restrictions and a rigorous process to legally acquire such firearms. These include registering the firearm with the ATF, undergoing a thorough background check, and paying a tax.

The National Firearms Act (NFA):
The NFA of 1934 also plays a significant role in regulating the ownership of certain types of firearms, including machine guns. While the NFA does not make it illegal to own a machine gun, it imposes a strict regulatory framework that includes registration, background checks, and a $200 tax for each machine gun transfer.

In conclusion, while it is technically possible for a U.S. civilian to own an AK-47 or a similar pattern rifle that is semi-automatic, there are significant legal hurdles to clear, especially if the firearm was manufactured after 1986. Full-automatic versions are subject to the NFA regulations, and state laws can further complicate the matter. It is always advisable to consult with a legal expert or a licensed firearms dealer to understand the specific laws and regulations in your state and at the federal level before attempting to purchase or own an AK-47 or any other firearm.

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An actual AK-47 assault rifle manufactured after 1986 may not be owned by a US civilian under Federal law (Firearms Owners --Protection-- Act of 1986 and some creative rule-making by ATF). A semi-auto AK pattern rifle may be owned in most states. ... It's not actually illegal to own full-auto weapons in the US.read more >>