In Europe
See also: Gun politics in the United KingdomMuch of Western Europe has enacted comprehensive national firearms laws which prevent the lawful ownership of AK-47's. Fully automatic weapons are either explicitly or effectively outlawed in most European countries, including Russia.
In the United Kingdom AK-47 rifles are treated the same as any other firearm of its type, a person must have an exceptional reason and apply to the Home Secretary to gain a permit to own an AK-47. It is possible to lawfully own an AK-47 using a standard firearms licence provided they have been produced or modified to be "Manual Straight Pull" rifles which need to be manually cocked after each shot. This involves a modification to the weapon to essentially remove the gas system by permanently closing the gas port above the barrel and possible removal of the gas piston. There is no restriction on magazine capacity. Deactivated AK rifles are legal to buy and own without a licence.
In Norway it is forbidden for civilians to own any form of fully automatic firearm without a special permit. Similar laws are in force throughout most of Europe.
Read more about this topic: Legal Status Of The AK-47
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