AK47 was designe as a full auto weapon. SKS is a semi auto similar in design but built by other mfrs. There are AK47 look alikes and I may be unaware of recent changes to the design. I'll restate, As far as my knowledge goes all AK47s are full auto. M16 is full auto. AR15 is semi auto version.
Check out Robinson Armaments; they offer Ak47s, made in Russia no less, either in semi or full auto. Other companies do as well. Now I agree that when Mr. Kalashnikov invented the AK 47, it was invented as a full auto "assault weapon", but today one can acquire "AK 47" in a wide variety of designs. Point being that from the article posted, it is impossible to know whether the perps were using full or semi versions. I have owned many versions of AKs, but never a full auto version, and thus, never needed "no stinkin license" to own or use them. But you are correct that the "mint" AK was designed by the Mr. K as a full auto light infantry weapon.