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.