Requesting information on ak47

[Defining Obscene]

In VA I'm sure AR's and AK's are common. VA is a gun friendly state. You should join the VA Citizens Defense league. They are very active in keeping your states gun laws decent.

And don't worry about not being able to get a full auto. If you ever needed it for self defense the "spray and pray" automatic mode will just give you a false sense of security. Most of our troops only have single or 3 round burst AR's. In Vietnam when they had full auto M-16's they were just spraying ammo and then they would be out of ammo before the fight even got started without hitting anyone. Being a true marksman/rifleman is FAR more effective.

I prefer AR's but I do want to get an AK eventually. They are reliable and also cheaper than an AR.

Well yeah I wasn't planning on being a Rambo, but just the luxury of having it the way it was intended and knowing the proper usage.

 

[1000-points-of-fright]

There's the old saying "in a gunfight, you use your pistol to fight your way to your rifle". If it came down to a full-scale civilian insurgency, you could always use your semi-auto rifle to "acquire" a full-auto from some unfortunate jackbooted thug.

 

[damoncrowe]

I love my AR-15. The AK is also a great gun, but I love the long range accuracy of the AR. The standard handle sites adjust for up to 600 meters in the carbine and 800m in the rifle! I've shot very accurately through these iron sights at 300 m (325 yards approx). Zero it at 25m and your zeroed at 300m. An earlier poster mentioned bump firing. Great fun to learn. You'll crap your britches, but he's right. It gets expensive. I must exercise some self control with this technique. All in all, both are very good guns with pros and cons (costs v ballistics,etc). The greatest thing about the AR to me though are all of the accesories that are affordable and easy to install. It's no wonder that the armed forces use this weapon. You will not be sorry either way. Oh yeah, the AR's action is completely housed in the stock so basically no external action during firing.

 

[damoncrowe]

When choosing a defensive weapon, here's some great advice. Get a gun that shoots the same ammo as your enemy. Do with that what you will.

 

[Texan4Life]

I see. Its really not worth even the trouble then, much less the price burden. I know how long it takes the gov. to do things so I'll just toss that idea under the bus.

I'm assuming most of the guns here on gunsonthenet.com are semi autos, which I'm very content with. I was considering getting a pistol because I'm not sure if I will be able to keep my family's .45 and/or .357, but I've always wanted to get into rifles nonetheless, specifically AK's. And from the under $450 range, it almost seems like a steal.

Is there anything in particular I should look out for in regards to purchasing AKs from this website or in general? (Other than seller's rating, most users here have A+s here anyway.) I'm no gun guru but I gotta start somewhere.

If your buying online be sure to have someone with a federal firearms license (FFL) in your state lined up to transfer the firearm to you. Most online sellers are strictly FFL to FFL and don't want to hassle with the paper work. Also the FFL transferring it to you will mostly likely charge a fee (usually around 20 or 30 bucks) Why? because of paperwork they are going to have to walk you through (not that much really but can take a long time for a first timer)

I would get a Romanian WASR in 7.62x39 as these are imported by Century and the most common/cheap. The quality will vary and will tend to look crude. But they will (99.9% of the time) have proper headspacing (safety issue and require gauges to measure) and will function just fine. I have a rommy WASR and love it, plus I treat it like crap and it keeps going and going and going Also be sure to get one that accept double stack magazines.

As for things to watch out for... Home builds(AKs people built in their garage from a parts kit) Some are the slickest and best functioning AKs you can find, while more than often you will find some that looks like a retarded monkey put it together.

 

[Defining Obscene]

If your buying online be sure to have someone with a federal firearms license (FFL) in your state lined up to transfer the firearm to you. Most online sellers are strictly FFL to FFL and don't want to hassle with the paper work. Also the FFL transferring it to you will mostly likely charge a fee (usually around 20 or 30 bucks) Why? because of paperwork they are going to have to walk you through (not that much really but can take a long time for a first timer)

I would get a Romanian WASR in 7.62x39 as these are imported by Century and the most common/cheap. The quality will vary and will tend to look crude. But they will (99.9% of the time) have proper headspacing (safety issue and require gauges to measure) and will function just fine. I have a rommy WASR and love it, plus I treat it like crap and it keeps going and going and going Also be sure to get one that accept double stack magazines.

As for things to watch out for... Home builds(AKs people built in their garage from a parts kit) Some are the slickest and best functioning AKs you can find, while more than often you will find some that looks like a retarded monkey put it together.

I'm leaning towards the Romanian WASR's too, the Yugo's are right up there with them. And yea I've seen a few AK's on here that don't look too sturdy, and they're priced higher anyway.

So to find an FFL I could go to some place like Blue Ridge Arsenal and they'll offer that service for a nominal fee? Also, how far in advance would be wise to contact them about this?

 

[Texan4Life]

If the seller is in the same state as you a FFL transfer is not needed. Though, it may still be if the seller is only will to ship to another dealer

Yeah most gun shops will be willing to do a transfer. Just go and talk to them and see how much they charge. Also ask if they are willing to send the rifle back (if you don't like it) though having a dealer to do that on just a transfer is rare, so I wouldn't expect it (plus they will probably charge more for the hassle). Some dealers are not willing to mess with returns. To avoid having to hassle with a return, buy from a seller with a awesome rating with alot of sales. This will minimized getting something other than described, even if you have to pay a tad more. To me 20 or 30 bucks cheaper isn't worth the hassle of buying from a seller that has 3 sales and B rating.

It kinda like buying a car.. look it over, work the action, kick the tires.

so lets say you win an auction then you have to send a signed copy of the dealers FFL plus the payment to the seller, which will then ship it to the dealer. and then you go and see if your satisfied with the rifle and then paperwork time.

Thats the gist of it anyway. A dealer may have his own preference for the transaction.

And of course, like with cars, if the dealer or seller seems fishy/shady walk away, cuz it not worth it.

EDIT:
But being is VA, you should be able to find a dealer that stocks AKs (or can order one). That would be the simplest and probably best for someone who has never bought a firearm before. And that way if you have a problem for some reason, the dealer would (should) have no problem helping you with it. And of course you have to be at least 18 years old and no felonies in order to pass the background check.

Oh and this is from a Texas standpoint. State/local laws vary. Though I think VA is the same/very similar as far as buying a firearm goes.

 

[damoncrowe]

I live in TN and bought my carbine in KY. I only had to have the mandatory background check. No FFL. However if it had been a pistol, I would have to get a transfer to a TN dealer.

 

[Texan4Life]

I live in TN and bought my carbine in KY. I only had to have the mandatory background check. No FFL. However if it had been a pistol, I would have to get a transfer to a TN dealer.

I thought it was federal law that if a firearm is to be sold across state lines it had to be through a FFL?

 

[damoncrowe]

I thought it was federal law that if a firearm is to be sold across state lines it had to be through a FFL?

Maybe different in various states, but I think what you have said is true of "short guns." (LAR's have to have transfer out of state.)I believe that as long as the barrel is at least 16"?, it is consider a long gun or rifle, but anything else is grouped as a handgun. I may be corrected on the length, but I know several people that have done the same thing in different stores. We were going to buy a Glock 19 at the same store and possibly a P-32, but the transfer was going to make it more expensive than simply driving back to TN and paying the larger ticket price. What sucked was my local sporting goods store said they could not even get the P-32, but were still going to charge us $50.00 to transfer. We bought it elsewhere for a very reasonable price. Let me know what you come up with.

 

[Defining Obscene]

If the seller is in the same state as you a FFL transfer is not needed. Though, it may still be if the seller is only will to ship to another dealer

Yeah most gun shops will be willing to do a transfer. Just go and talk to them and see how much they charge. Also ask if they are willing to send the rifle back (if you don't like it) though having a dealer to do that on just a transfer is rare, so I wouldn't expect it (plus they will probably charge more for the hassle). Some dealers are not willing to mess with returns. To avoid having to hassle with a return, buy from a seller with a awesome rating with alot of sales. This will minimized getting something other than described, even if you have to pay a tad more. To me 20 or 30 bucks cheaper isn't worth the hassle of buying from a seller that has 3 sales and B rating.

It kinda like buying a car.. look it over, work the action, kick the tires.

so lets say you win an auction then you have to send a signed copy of the dealers FFL plus the payment to the seller, which will then ship it to the dealer. and then you go and see if your satisfied with the rifle and then paperwork time.

Thats the gist of it anyway. A dealer may have his own preference for the transaction.

And of course, like with cars, if the dealer or seller seems fishy/shady walk away, cuz it not worth it.

EDIT:
But being is VA, you should be able to find a dealer that stocks AKs (or can order one). That would be the simplest and probably best for someone who has never bought a firearm before. And that way if you have a problem for some reason, the dealer would (should) have no problem helping you with it. And of course you have to be at least 18 years old and no felonies in order to pass the background check.

Oh and this is from a Texas standpoint. State/local laws vary. Though I think VA is the same/very similar as far as buying a firearm goes.

I wish there were more gunstores in my area, theres only 2. I've looked at their gun selection and surprisingly neither one sells AKs. They mostly sell high priced HKs, Smith & Wesson, Remingtons, and every type of gun I'm not really looking for right now.


http://www.davidsonsinc.com/consumers/subsites/inven_search.asp?preview=

and

http://www.blueridgearsenal.com/service.htm


I'm not even sure if Blue Ridge permits AK ammunition.. Buying off the net may be my only option.

 

[damoncrowe]

I thought it was federal law that if a firearm is to be sold across state lines it had to be through a FFL?

I bet your talking about ordering and shipping across state lines. i.e. If I ordered the gun from a KY dealer from my home in TN and they were shipping, it would have to go through dealer transfer. Maybe?

 

[Texan4Life]

did you search for dealers via davidsons search? Because that will only give you dealers that are on file with davidsons.

http://www.gunshopfinder.com/virginiabytown.asp

It only list four (click their little stars for more info)... though something tells me VA has more than four gun shops. I would check the yellow pages.


http://www.gunshopfinder.com/bytownresults.asp?ID=4070 - this link talks about blue ridge. says they can order whatever you want.

Century International Arms is the main importer of the Romanian rifles.

http://www.centuryarms.biz/proddetail.asp?prod=RI1188-N

You cant see the price because they are a wholesaler and only sell to dealers. basically your gonna have to drive around/call the places to find out what they or can/cant order for you.

As for the ammo rules. Ive never been to a range (live on 250 acres, shoot out the back door ) so I don't have a clue what they mean. Other than some ranges can be down right depressing. but finding a good range is a similar process, scout them out and read and understand their rules.

As for finding dealers and ranges I would find a firearm specific forum like thehighroad.com or another one. and other folks from VA could probably help you out a lot more.

 

[Defining Obscene]

did you search for dealers via davidsons search? Because that will only give you dealers that are on file with davidsons.

http://www.gunshopfinder.com/virginiabytown.asp

It only list four (click their little stars for more info)... though something tells me VA has more than four gun shops. I would check the yellow pages.


http://www.gunshopfinder.com/bytownresults.asp?ID=4070 - this link talks about blue ridge. says they can order whatever you want.

Century International Arms is the main importer of the Romanian rifles.

http://www.centuryarms.biz/proddetail.asp?prod=RI1188-N

You cant see the price because they are a wholesaler and only sell to dealers. basically your gonna have to drive around/call the places to find out what they or can/cant order for you.

As for the ammo rules. Ive never been to a range (live on 250 acres, shoot out the back door ) so I don't have a clue what they mean. Other than some ranges can be down right depressing. but finding a good range is a similar process, scout them out and read and understand their rules.

As for finding dealers and ranges I would find a firearm specific forum like thehighroad.com or another one. and other folks from VA could probably help you out a lot more.

Do you think it would cost more or less (than auctions) for them to order direct from the wholesaler? Regardless, I would probably take the wholesale option unless a real steal would appear. And would I still need to fill out an FFL?

 

[OddballAZ]

Do you think it would cost more or less (than auctions) for them to order direct from the wholesaler? Regardless, I would probably take the wholesale option unless a real steal would appear. And would I still need to fill out an FFL?

The "FFL" is a Federal Firearms License. Gun dealers have FFL's. You will need to fill out a form when you buy a gun from someone with an FFL.

You can order a firearm over the internet but it needs to be shipped to someone with an FFL who will then technically transfer the gun to you. I've done it before. The fee was only $20 but that was his fee, and the FFL holder can charge whatever they want so don't be surprised to hear anything from $20-$60 for the transfer fee. First you should probably find someone with an FFL. Gun stores have them of course, but they normally will charge $40-$60. You can probably find a gun collector or antique firearm dealer/collector who has their FFL and might do the transfers for cheaper than a normal gun store. But get the FFL dealer lined up first.

 

[Jim_Karr]

Actually the AK is more accurate then the AR out of the box.As I wrote in another thread. Join a Militia and they can hook you up with no nonsense equipment at a affordable price. No paperwork needed either to keep you under radar. This should be really considered when buying assault rifles. Keep low profile and no records of what firearms you own.

 

[Defining Obscene]

Actually the AK is more accurate then the AR out of the box.As I wrote in another thread. Join a Militia and they can hook you up with no nonsense equipment at a affordable price. No paperwork needed either to keep you under radar. This should be really considered when buying assault rifles. Keep low profile and no records of what firearms you own.

I have no idea how to "join a militia" or know where one exists. Sounds like a black market strategy IMO. Even if its cheap prices, the risk of being "caught" (especially with a dem. pres.) doesn't seem very enticing. But truthfully if I had the knowledge of a local militia, I would consider it.

 

[pcosmar]

I have no idea how to "join a militia" or know where one exists. Sounds like a black market strategy IMO. Even if its cheap prices, the risk of being "caught" (especially with a dem. pres.) doesn't seem very enticing. But truthfully if I had the knowledge of a local militia, I would consider it.

A face to face private sale is perfectly legal. No paperwork and it is none of anybodies business but your own.
You are part of the militia as a citizen.
Find like minded people, get together and work on your skills.
http://www.awrm.org/

 

[maeqFREEDOMfree]

the ak-47 is said by many, including myself to be the best all around assult rifle ever deployed.

I would highly recommend this gun to anyone looking for a reliable rifle that is fairly accurate up to about 400 yards.

When purchasing my first rifle, i chose to go for a slightly bigger round and went with a CETME. this was a huge mistake.

The AR-15 is an amazing gun. however, it is not my first choice for a rifle. As previously mentioned, the AR is very similar to standard military issue rifles. it fires a .223 (smaller than the 7.62X39).
while they are avery fun gun to shoot, plan on spending about $1000 to get a nice new one (you can probably get a great used rifle cheaper)

however, the AK is very affordable for all budgets. I've been to gun shows where dealers have surplus rifles that were made years ago and packed in grease for storage. the guns were never used and usually sell for under $400 bucks (here in michigan anyway).

If cost is an issue, another thing you might want to look into is layaway at your local gun store. pretty much all the stores around here will hold a gun for you inevitably if you put $100 down. then make your payments when you can and when the gun's paid off, you can take it home.

The best advice i've been given about purchasing guns is simple: buy the gun that you operate most effectively, i.e., the one you shoot the best with.

 

[Defining Obscene]

A face to face private sale is perfectly legal. No paperwork and it is none of anybodies business but your own.
You are part of the militia as a citizen.
Find like minded people, get together and work on your skills.
http://www.awrm.org/

Wow obviously I was unaware of these circumstances. How far does this "legally" extend? I mean obviously I should have a permit, but what beyond that other than state regulations? (no autos, silencers, etc)