is an ak-47 considered

**Scorpius627** · February 22nd, 2009, 08:10 PM

is an ak-47 considered a long gun? and also i live in pa, is it legal for me to buy an ak-47 from a private person also living in pa? or do i have to go through a ffl dealer. i searched the forums and couldn't seem to find the answer. thanks

**markheck1** · February 22nd, 2009, 08:21 PM

A standard Semi-Auto AK-47 is considered just like any other long gun, provided that the barrel is not shortened or anything making it a short barrelled rifle. The seller must reasonably believe that the buyer is not a prohibited person.

**gf45acp** · February 22nd, 2009, 08:24 PM

Howdy Scorpius627, and welcome to the forum.
IANAL, but I believe that you must also be at least 18 years of age.

**markheck1** · February 22nd, 2009, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by gf45acp

Howdy Scorpius627, and welcome to the forum.
IANAL, but I believe that you must also be at least 18 years of age.

ahhh, yes, that as well, good catch

**gnbrotz** · February 22nd, 2009, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by markheck1

The seller must reasonably believe that the buyer is not a prohibited person.

The law does not require a standard of "reasonable belief." The seller has no duty to undertake any inquiries whatsoever. They simply must not "know that the buyer is prohibited." Technically, they don't even have to ask the question.

Guy shows up to by my rifle. I don't know him, recognize him, or have any clue about his criminal history. I sell him the gun. He may be a serial killer, but as long as I don't know that, I am in the clear.

I'm not saying this is a wise course of action, and know many sellers require a bill of sale (often with a statement that the buyer is not prohibited), showing of LTCF, etc., but under the law, these measures are absolutely not required.

**Scorpius627** · February 22nd, 2009, 08:32 PM

i am of age almost 40 to be exact. my neighbor has a friend selling an ak-47 and i was thinking about buying it. i just wanted to make sure it was legal to purchase. we both live in pa. thanks for the quick response.

**markheck1** · February 22nd, 2009, 08:34 PM

ahhhh, I see...wasn't sure how it was worded, thanks!!

**PA Rifleman** · February 22nd, 2009, 09:30 PM

Fixed stock AK=rifle, FTF transactions okay.

Folding stock, watch the length, particularly if it's under 26 inches folded. Some in PA may consider that a "firearm" by PA's definition. In this case, "firearm"=handgun.

From http://paopencarry.org/uniform-firearms-act

"Firearm." Any pistol or revolver with a barrel length less than 15 inches, any shotgun with a barrel length less than 18 inches or any rifle with a barrel length less than 16 inches, or any pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches. The barrel length of a firearm shall be determined by measuring from the muzzle of the barrel to the face of the closed action, bolt or cylinder, whichever is applicable.