SKS that Uses AK Mags: Legal Problems?

[Drakejake]

I am referring to the Norinco SKS models that were designed to use AK mags. Are there any potential legal problems with owning one of these?

Thanks,

Drakejake

 

[Jim K]

The Federal AWB has expired, so if that rifle was originally imported configured to use AK magazines, it should be OK on the Federal level.

But if the question involves a modified SKS. or modifying an SKS, to use AK magazines, yes, I think there still a ban at the Federal level. There is still a law against modifying imports that was in effect before the AWB and has not expired. Check the BATFE web site and see if there is any info. I know that some states have restrictions, CA in particular.

Jim

 

[Drakejake]

Jim, I am talking about the D or M models, which were factory built in China to take detachable AK mags rather than an internal fixed mag as on most of the SKS versions.

Drakejake

 

[Jim K]

If they were imported in that form, they are OK. The law bans modifying imports.

Jim

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

I have an M. It is totally legal. It was imported as a sporting rifle because it doesn't have any evil features (except that it accepts a detachable magazine). But that's ok. Just the same way MAK-90's are ok. It doesn't have a threaded muzzle, a bayonet lug, a bayonet, a flash hider, pistol grip, folding stock, illuminated sights, or anything else. It is just an autoloader that takes detachable magazines. The D models have the evil features because they were imported before the 1989 ban.


Note, it is illegal to install a pistol grip stock or a folding stock on this rifle (M models). I see dozens of them on gunbroker being sold like that. It is an illegal modification. It's just one of those things that the BATFE hasn't cracked down on.

 

[Drakejake]

Glad to hear all of this. I just bought an M model on GunBroker.com. I had followed some auctions for Chinese SKS that used AK mags but this is the first one I bid on and won. I was surprised that I was the only bidder for this slightly used rifle with Monte Carlo stock. I paid the initial price, $325.

Drakejake

 

[rangerruck]

the paratrooper model shoud be dandy.

 

[lee n. field]

Only have problems in Californica, as far as I know.

 

[dfaugh]

Yeah, no problems

unless you start adding evil features (and then only in some places)...I've got an M which is NYS legal (our AWB didn't sunset)...I just can't modify it much. But it's one of my favorite guns, and for what they go for, I think quite a bargain (I paid $325 for mine w/ synthetic stock and scope& mount). Mines quite a bit more accurate than most AKs, but heavier.