buying an AK rifle

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the law is to purchase a firearm you have to be 18. not to own one there is no law on that besides the fact that the gun shouldnt be in someone elses name. now if its an old gun before the background checks came its not registered to anyone anyway.
 
I happen to agree with the law...I don't feel that minors should not be exposed to firearms, but that the parents should have involvement, otherwise how is said minor going to learn how to properly handle the firearm? It is not possible or practical to screen each minor to determine his/her aptitude with respect to the safe handling of a rifle. :)
 
given the law, I'd say don't get an AK-47. You are only 15 years old, and therefore not even old enough to keep the gun in your room (that would count as possession, going by federal law). What would be the point of getting a gun that you can't even touch without an adult present?

Another thing to think about is that the AK is not very ideal for home defense. The bullets (7.62x39mm in particular, since the models you are referring to are chambered in it) will make a hole through the bad guy and most of your/your parents' house. That is a major liability issue should the bullet go through the outer wall of the house and end up in a neighbor's car, house, or worse. Although softpoint or hollowpoint rounds may reduce the risk, they won't stop the bullet from going through a wall or two or three if you miss - or even if you hit your intended target.

You'd be much better off with a shotgun, as said. You are legally old enough to possess one (though you cannot buy it yourself), and be the actual owner of it via having it gifted or otherwise transferred by your parents or family member. Not only does that make things concerning the law much easier, but a 12 ga. loaded with 00 shot is going to be much more effective at HD range without the huge liability risk from overpenetration.

for a shotgun, I'd suggest a Mossberg 500. Very affordable, rugged, and reliable.

Another thing to think about is maybe just getting a basic Saiga. It is not legally an assault weapon unless you convert it. You'd be able to own that, and could simply convert it in a couple years when you're of age to possess a 'real' AK. The best part? You can get one in other calibers (they are available also in 5.45 and 5.56, which are much more suitable calibers for HD)
 
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Which state allows fifteen year olds to buy rifles? I thought the national minimum was eighteen?

it is 18. However, persons under 18 can still possess (not purchase, but possess) rifles and shotguns that are not classified as assault weapons. They can also possess ammo, but cannot buy that themselves, either.

It's kind of like the "being under 21 but being 18 and being able to buy a handgun, but not buy one from an FFL and not able to buy ammo for it" thing, in a way.
 
However, persons under 18 can still possess (not purchase, but possess) rifles and shotguns that are not classified as assault weapons

As the term "assault weapon" has no federal meaning since the sunset of the AWB, what is the basis for this statement? What is the legal citation for this?

Just curious. I don't see any separation of rifles and shotguns into different classes ("assault"/not) beyond the stipulations of Title II of the NFA, but you've said he could possess a shotgun or rifle, but not an "assault" rifle. Show me, please.

-Sam
 
that are not classified as assault weapons.
I didn't realize that was the case...if so, I would steer clear of anything wrongfully classified as an "assault rifle" and go with something else instead, perhaps the Saiga as RP suggests. :)
 
that are not classified as assault weapons.

I didn't realize that was the case...

It isn't the case. Since the sunset of the assault weapons ban the only federal law on the subject is the Gun Control Act of 1968, which imposes the previously mentioned restrictions to purcahse a rifle or shotgun at 18 and a handgun at 21.

And I just looked up the rules in Alabama where the O.P. resides and there are no state rules on rifle (or "Assault Rifle") possession by minors. (Though, quote, "It is unlawful to sell, give, lend or deliver a handgun to any person under 18." So says NRA-ILA.)

-Sam
 
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so if you dad goes out and buys you a AK rifle and then GIVES it to you free and clear that is legal, If you gave the money to your dad to buy the rifle for you, It would be a straw purchase. he would have to lie on the form 4473 where it says "are you the actual buyer of the firearm(s) listed on this form?" If you are giving him the money to buy it, you are the actual buyer.

Lying on the form 4473 is a Federal crime
 
*looks it up*

Apparently it is a state law thing. My bad. Not federal.

I also cannot find if PA had such a law. I could have sworn they did, but cannot find it.

I'll defer that info to someone from PA, then. Look it up just in case.

However, what I did say does apply to handguns, of course.

I think Sam is right about such laws disappearing after the sunset, although my state (VA) still has some minor provisions regarding the sale of them.
 
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Apparently it is a state law thing. My bad. Not federal.
Yup! Just one more thing that has gotten better for us in the last few years!

I also cannot find if PA had such a law. I could have sworn they did, but cannot find it. I'll defer that info to someone from PA, then. Look it up just in case.
Nope. I'm a proud PA resident and we have some of the best (least) firearms laws in the country! As it happens though, the OP lives in Florence, Alabama, which is a long way from PA. I looked up Alabama's rules and he's good to go, there.

I think Sam is right about such laws disappearing after the sunset,
Wasn't THAT a happy day? :D

-Sam
 
I would get a saiga .223, .308, or 20 guage. They would be perfect for home defense and hunting. No need to convert them.
 
happen to agree with the law...I don't feel that minors should not be exposed to firearms, but that the parents should have involvement, otherwise how is said minor going to learn how to properly handle the firearm? It is not possible or practical to screen each minor to determine his/her aptitude with respect to the safe handling of a rifle.

Yeah because some parents know so much about guns :rolleyes: I bought my first gun in highschool and had no input from my father other than becareful. It takes a logical upbringing, not a parent to tell you how to use a gun.

I think the OP should buy whatever gun he feels comfortable with. A shotgun would be a good gun to have for homedefence, obviously better than an AK47 but really whatever floats your boat man. If you want a fun gun to go shoot stuff on the farm buy the AK - just becareful whats behind the target, dont aim it at people and dont look down the barrel.
 
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Yeah because some parents know so much about guns
So you think an 8yr. old kid that sees a gun as a fun toy should be able to purchase a firearm? Or, should the purchaser perform an in-depth investigation on the minor to make sure that he is responsible, and knows how to handle the gun? :rolleyes:
 
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