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how to identify preban AK47

RocHoplophile
Is there a way, based on the serial number, etc. to determine if an AK47 style rifle is preban? Google search results yield messages on other forums that reference researching serial numbers, but I didn't see anything that said how to research them.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    I have never seen any serial number data for preban AK's. Since they were imported from at least (3) different countries, during the mid to late 80's time frame. Mostly by different companies that are now out of business, you might have a hard time obtaining them. If none of our folks can help there are a number of AK specific sites on the net. AK47.net is one that comes to mind.

    I'm sure the feds, i.e. BATF has the serial numbers, but I don't know how you would go about obtaining them.
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  • Nwcid
    It is no an easy question since they were made by many companies and come from all over the place so a simple serial number system would not work.

    The best bet is if you find one you are interested in post it up here and someone will be able to tell you if it is or not and why.

    What "pre ban" are you looking for? A particular state ban, the 1989 Federal ban?
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  • givette
    Noticed you are from New York. I've purchased AK's and AR's that had all the nasty 'pre-ban' features right here in New York. What you have to do is this..

    Insist that the gunshop selling the item includes on the receipt either the date of manufacture (difficult), or the wording 'This receiver has been manufactured prior to the Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1992'. If they say no, then it's no sale.

    Most gunshop displays in New York will have the minimum of nasty features, so they'll be selling you a legal firearm.

    Forget private sales from individuals. In NY, a gunshop purchase is the only way to go when it comes to 'questionable' rifles. Best, Joe
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  • RocHoplophile
    I would need something legal in New York. It has to have been made before September 14, 1994 or it has to be not a "functioning replica" of a real AK47 as that is understood by NY law (cosmetic replica like WASR-10 is OK, I guess, because I see them occasionally) with a maximum of 1 of: pistol grip; flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor; bayonet mount; folding or telescoping stock; flare or grenade launcher.

    I also can't seem to find any definitive answer about how to tell the difference between a flash suppressor and a muzzle break, or what is actually meant by, "functioning replica."
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  • givette
    "I would need something legal in New York"

    Okay, then. What part of my explaination (in the post immediately above yours) don't you understand?

    I don't mean to sound flippant, as I'm more than willing to break this down further..but I don't know where to begin!

    You are buying a rifle (AK type), correct? Thanks, Joe
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  • nmyers
    Which is exactly why Joe told you to go your local gun shop.

    All that matters is what your local shop has in stock, or is willing & able to get for you. It doesn't matter if you find a rifle in another state that you KNOW is legal, because you can't get it if your local dealer doesn't think he can transfer it to you.

    Neal
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  • RocHoplophile
    Look at the message time stamps. I was in the process of typing it when you submitted your reply. [:)]
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  • v35
    The 84S Norinco series in 5.56 is Preban for sure and receivers are so stamped with the model number. The instruction booklet I.D.s them
    in words and photos. They were S-2 sidefolder, S-1 underfolder and S in fixed stock either wood or plastic. All had threaded muzzles and bayonets.
    Thumbhole stocks and unthreaded muzzles came on later guns.
    The 56S Norinco series were the same configuration AKM's only in
    7.62x39.
    The 5.56's had flash hiders and the 7.62s had slant type muzzle brakes.
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  • 7.62x39Lover
    Listen to v35. Look for those. Once you find one, stock up on these: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=167736789
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  • drobs
    I think you would be good with the following rifles:

    Romanian Sar 1
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=167266263
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=167812696

    Bulgarian SLR95
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=167856887
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=167250599
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=167883094
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=167371516

    Also go read the tacked threads at the top of this forum:
    http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=8&f=9
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