Civilian AK-47 Rifles Vanish From U.S. Shelves as Prices Jump 5-Fold
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 13
Civilian AK-47 Rifles Vanish From U.S. Shelves as Prices Jump 5-Fold
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 13
$1,000-plus civilian AK-47-style rifles are replacing the low-cost staple many U.S. buyers once found easily, turning the platform into what sellers describe as a boutique item.
Tariffs, sanctions and higher ammunition costs tied to Russia's invasion of Ukraine have squeezed supply and raised ownership costs, while the AR-15 has pulled demand toward a cheaper, more available rival.
European manufacturers that once fed the U.S. civilian market are now prioritizing weapons and parts closer to home as governments and buyers rearm against a potential threat from Moscow.
The AK's retreat from American shelves shows how geopolitics is reshaping even the U.S. consumer gun market, despite the rifle's enduring iconic status.
As foreign AK-47s vanish from U.S. stores, will American gunmakers revive the legendary rifle for a new era?
How will Europe's military buildup affect prices and availability for American consumers beyond just firearms and ammunition?