AFTE Store - Use of Pistol Grip and Fixed Stocks on Post-Ban AK47/AKM and AK74 Rifles

With the Assault Weapon Ban in 1994, a ban on Assault Weapons made importation of military-type rifles into the country illegal. As per the definition of assault rifle the rifles were modified so they would comply with the ban, so the stocks were replaced from the standard stock and pistol grip assembly to a one-piece thumbhole stock. There was a loop hole in the law that allowed post-ban AK-type rifles to be restored to their original appearance: There must be a minimum of six parts manufactured in the United States. Various companies went into production of modification kits for AK-type rifles to retrofit these rifles with a separate stock and pistol grip in compliance with the law. These parts kits contained American-made stock, pistol grip, forearm grips, disconnector magazine follower and floor plate. It is important to differentiate the American made components and foreign made components to determine if the rifle is in compliance with the assault weapon ban. This study will assist Firearm Examiners to know if a post ban rifle is in a legal condition.