U.S. Bans Russian AK-47 Rifles

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Under Obama administration Ukraine-related sanctions in response to Russia’s incursions into Ukraine and the apparent downing of a Malaysian passenger jet by a Russian-made surface-to-air missile, Executive Order 13662 was implemented which bans imports of Russian-made Kalashnikov AK-47s and other rifles using Kalashnikov action or parts.

The new sanction only applies to Russian made AKs, which will directly impact Tullytown, Pennsylvania-based RWC Group LLC, the exclusive US importer of Concern Kalashnikov and other arms and parts using Kalashnikov actions, according to the sanction.

“Until such time that we fully assess the sanctions, we will not be making any comment. We will release a statement hopefully in the next 48-72 hours,” a spokesperson for the company told Homeland Security Today.

iHLS – Israel Homeland Security

According to HS Today also banned are Russian-made armaments and parts manufactured by Izhmash Research & Production Association of Russia, one of the world’s largest firearms manufacturers and the manufacturer of Saiga rifles and shotguns, biathlon target rifles and the AK-47 Saiga rifles and shotguns based on the Kalashnikov design.

AK rifles and parts that are imported from other nations are still legal. The sanction also doesn’t apply to Russian-made Kalashnikov firearms or parts that have already been imported into the United States.