Where Did All the AK-47s Go?
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- AK-47-type rifles, once common in U.S. civilian markets, are rapidly disappearing from shelves due to various economic and geopolitical factors.
- The decline is linked to tariffs, sanctions, and increased ammunition costs stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which have driven up prices significantly.
- The rising popularity of the AR-15 has also contributed to the AK-47’s reduced demand among American gun buyers.
- Originally costing a few hundred dollars in the 1980s, AK rifles now often sell for five times that amount, making them more of a boutique item than a mass-market firearm.
- This shift illustrates how global events and market dynamics influence the preferences and purchasing habits of U.S. firearms enthusiasts.