AK-74 Legality in Connecticut

[N003k]

Well, since I've wanted SOME type of AK rifle for awhile, centerfire's AK-74's caught my eye....

Heres my problem though, CT has an AWB, and by eyeballing the 74's I came to the conclusion that, assuming I'm right about it, it would be legal in CT.

Before continuing for reference, here's the link to the one I'm talking about: http://www.centerfiresystems.com/bulgarianak-74545x39riflepartakagun-bul-1.aspx

Now, the thing is, I'm 99.99% sure the CT AWB only extends to AK-47's and AK style's in 7.62x39, since I've seen plenty of sporter Saiga's in other calibers around some shops. If I'm wrong, and you know this, don't bother continuing, just reply and tell me.

Now, if I was right about the above point, I know that this would have a few of the features that count against it in the Generic rifle with X features part, however, my experience with AK's being so very limited, I'm unsure if the one linked to has a bayonet lug. If it does, then it's clearly illegal in CT, and my search continues...

So, in short, is the linked to rifle legal in the state of Connecticut?

If not, does anyone know where I can get some type of AK-74 rifle (IE in 5.45) that WOULD be legal in CT?

 

[WardenWolf]

That rifle does indeed have a bayonet lug. The bayonet lug on an AK doubles as the lower cleaning rod retainer on the bottom of the sight block. Unless it's had its wings ground off, it's a functional bayonet lug. That rifle is also considered to have a threaded barrel.

 

[N003k]

Well then, there goes that, thanks for the reply.

 

[Prince Yamato]

That rifle is also considered to have a threaded barrel.

Actually, it doesn't. I saw one today in fact. The muzzle brake is actually welded in one or two spots.

I bet you could get a dealer to grind the bayonet lugs down for you no problem. Then you would have a CT legal rifle.

 

[N003k]

Hmm, to have the lugs ground down, would that have to be done PRIOR to it being brought into CT, or would I be able to have it brought in through an FFL that has an in house Gunsmith, and have their gunsmith grind down the lug prior to the transfer to me?

 

[beatcop]

Might be able to talk to a Class II manufacturer and see if they'll do it or if it can be done at all.

 

[Prince Yamato]

I'm pretty sure that if you buy it from out of state and ask them to grind down the lug, the gun shop will do it for you. I mean, holy crap, it's a what? Five minute procedure?

 

[mp510]

Hmm, to have the lugs ground down, would that have to be done PRIOR to it being brought into CT, or would I be able to have it brought in through an FFL that has an in house Gunsmith, and have their gunsmith grind down the lug prior to the transfer to me?

I'm pretty sure that if you buy it from out of state and ask them to grind down the lug, the gun shop will do it for you. I mean, holy crap, it's a what? Five minute procedure?

To follow the letter of the law, it would need to be done before coming into the state, unless it was made compliant by removing another feature (ie pistol grip) first.

 

[N003k]

Hmm, so either way, it comes down to the place I'm getting it from being willing to help out my at the very least pulling off the pistol grip before shipping it. I think I'll give them a call tomorrow and see if they're willing to work with me on this, and if they are, I think I'm going to FINALLY have an AK.

Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[desidog]

Call up the K5 arms exchange in milford and ask for Frank - he's the owner, and a knowledgeable guy.

I don't think this is possible, since i wanted a saiga shotgun...no joy in CT there...and that's a farther cry from a -74

 

[desidog]

Repeat.

But while i'm typing i'll rant that it is ridiculous that i can own an M1A, a Mini14, an AR, or a FAL, but i cannot own an AK in CT. No logic.

Say, N003k, nice join date.

 

[beatcop]

AK in 7.62x39 = Bad
AK in other cals = OK
See how that affects crime?


Call a class II and see if he can receive it and grind, then sell. No-go?
Call a class II in another state and have him grind and ship to your ffl.

 

[mp510]

Call up the K5 arms exchange in milford and ask for Frank - he's the owner, and a knowledgeable guy.

I don't think this is possible, since i wanted a saiga shotgun...no joy in CT there...and that's a farther cry from a -74

Even Hoffmans sells Saigas. There is a few of them at most gunshows in this state as well- which are usually crawling with CT State Troopers (uniformed and plain clothes) and local PD. The last one up in Windsor even had an ATFE Table just a couple yards from a Saiga seller. You just can't have too many features on the saiga- your pretty much stuck with the OEM configuration.

Call a class II in another state and have him grind and ship to your ffl.

Yup, sending it to a gunsmith in a free state for neutering would be legal.

Hmm, so either way, it comes down to the place I'm getting it from being willing to help out my at the very least pulling off the pistol grip before shipping it. I think I'll give them a call tomorrow and see if they're willing to work with me on this, and if they are, I think I'm going to FINALLY have an AK.

Thanks for all the help guys!

Also, make sure the muzzle brake (flash hiders=bad) is permenantly attached as well. That could be bad ju-ju if it isn't- since you would still have too many features (bayo lug, threading, detachable mag).

 

[desidog]

MP510: thanks for that...apparently K5 gave me the wrong info...so perhaps OP should not call them after all!

I am a gun enthusiast, but must admit that i have never been to a gun show.

 

[N003k]

Yeaaa, my first rifle was a WASR-3, ended up selling it for a profit, even though I was lucky if it would feed a second round without me manually working the action, and I've seen plenty of Saiga's at Hoffmans, and I think the one and only time I actually WENT to K5 they had either a Dragunov (It was around 2000$) or a way overmarked PSL....

Then again, New England Stream and Field refuse to even touch an AK type weapon because of the laws on them...

I think it comes down to the stores covering their you know whats more then anything else.

I also found what I assume has to be a class II manufacturer (Jojo's Gun Works) says he makes custom SBR's and class III weapons on his site, and the time I was in his shop he said he was willing to order guns from other places at a very moderate markup, so may try him for this.

Edit: Desidog, a couple weeks ago I actually saw and handled a Saiga 20gauge at Riverview Sales, the rub is I think you have to get them in the basic configuration without a pistol grip if I rememeber the AWB correctly.

 

[desidog]

While there's a CT audience; I also have yet to find a cheap FFL in CT - like $20 or under - provided the AK74 is legal, who would you use and what would you pay?

I spend half my time in Idaho, where i have the tacticool-er half of my guns, since CT has the AWB, and my FFL out there charges $20/transfer....it makes buying something like a 10/22 receiver absurd to pay $40-50 for delivery before shipping.

 

[Yellowfin]

5.45x39 is more fun to shoot from what I gather.

 

[mp510]

5.45x39 is more fun to shoot from what I gather.

The only 7.62 AK that I ever fired was a full auto (probably converted) Norinco with a wood AKM type stock on it. It was also the only gun that I ever found uncomfortable to shoot. At a local action rifle match last fall, the winner of the iron sights (SSR) class was shooting an AK-74 clone of some sort. Very fast and surprisingly accurate.

While there's a CT audience; I also have yet to find a cheap FFL in CT - like $20 or under - provided the AK74 is legal, who would you use and what would you pay?

What part of the state do you live in? There is a guy in the quiet cornor (NE CT) who charges $15 for transfers out of his house. I've never used him but I did inquire on one of his inventory items once and he seems like a pretty good fellow. A couple of people on ARFCOM swear by him. Same with a shop down in the SE cornor that charges $20.

NGX and Jo-Jo's are both very familiar with the technicalities of mil type semi-autos. NGX is $40. Jo-Jo's is comparable.

 

[desidog]

Thanks for the help. I'm in the SW corner tag-end, and was in the market for a .410 back when they were around $200 - when informed they were illegal, i dropped all hope. Now, I just checked gunbroker and gunsamerica, and the ones i saw were asking 450 -which makes it considerably less fun for a non-precision gun...so unfortunately i think i missed the Saiga boat.

It's too bad, cause i had an idea to chisel out a tigerstripe maple thumbhole stock, and stain it green.