An assault rifle with a bayonet is not just a collectible or sports equipment, but a complex technical object that combines a firearm and a bladed device. In Russia, the possession of such products is strictly regulated by law, and their use requires special skills and permits. But why are such machines still in demand? The point is their versatility: they combine firepower with the close combat capabilities that have historically been valued in military operations. Today they are purchased for target shooting, historical reenactments, or to add to collections.

However, before purchasing, it is important to understand: not every machine gun with a bayonet is legal in civilian use. For example, combat models such as AK-74 or AKM, can only be used by law enforcement agencies. Civilian variants are, as a rule, traumatic or gas analogues, as well as deactivated specimens. In this article, we will look at what types of assault rifles with bayonets exist, how to legally purchase them, and what legal pitfalls lie in wait for unwary owners.

We will pay special attention to practical aspects: how to properly store such weapons, what documents will be required for registration, and what to do if you inherited a machine gun with a bayonet from relatives. We will also consider popular models, their technical characteristics and operating nuances - from fastening the knife to caring for the mechanisms.

Types of assault rifles with bayonets: what you can legally buy in 2026

In Russia, citizens cannot legally own all types of assault rifles with bayonets. Main categories available to individuals:

  • 🔫 Traumatic and gas analogues - externally similar to combat samples (for example, AK-74M or M4), but they shoot with rubber bullets or gas cartridges. The bayonet-knife in them is often fixed or decorative.
  • 🏹 Pneumatic copies - used for sports or entertainment. Power up to 3 Joules does not require a license, but the bayonet in them is usually plastic.
  • 🛡️ Deactivated samples — combat assault rifles that have undergone a deactivation procedure (drilling the barrel, removing the trigger mechanism). Can be stored without permission, but sale is regulated.
  • 🎭 Replicas for historical reconstructions - completely non-combat-ready copies, often made of wood or metal. The bayonet can be removable, but not sharp.

Combat assault rifles (for example, AK-12 or AN-94) are prohibited in civil circulation. Only law enforcement officers, security companies with a special license, or museums can have them. Even if you are offered a “gray” slot machine “out of acquaintance,” remember: Possession of military weapons without permission entails criminal liability under Art. 222 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (up to 8 years in prison).

As for bayonet knives separately, their circulation is regulated by the Law “On Weapons”. Removable knife from a machine gun AKM is equivalent to a bladed weapon and requires permission to store/carry if its length exceeds 90 mm.

📊 What type of bayonet machine are you interested in?
Traumatic/gas
Pneumatic
Deactivated
Replica for reconstruction
Other

To avoid problems with the law, you need to clearly understand the registration procedure. For a traumatic or gas machine you will need:

  1. Get license to purchase at the local OLRR (Licensing and Permitting Department). To do this, you need: a passport, a medical certificate (form 002-O/u), a certificate of no criminal record, a document confirming training (for example, courses in handling weapons).
  2. Buy a weapon in a specialized store upon presentation of a license. The seller is obliged to register the transaction in the Unified Register.
  3. During 14 days register the machine gun with the OLRR, providing a receipt, a weapon passport and a license.
  4. Get permission to store and carry (issued for 5 years, then extended).

For deactivated machines, the procedure is simpler: a purchase and sale agreement and a deactivation certificate (issued by an organization licensed for such work) are sufficient. However, they can only be sold through auctions or licensed stores.

⚠️ Attention: If you inherited an assault rifle with a bayonet, you have 6 monthsto register it in your name or hand it over to the police. Possession of unregistered weapons is an administrative offense (fine up to 50,000 rubles) or a criminal offense (if the weapon is a military weapon).

Separately worth mentioning transportation. You can transport an assault rifle (even a traumatic one) only disassembled, in a case, with documents. The bayonet must be packaged separately. Violation of transportation rules entails a fine of up to 3,000 rubles (Article 20.11 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

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Before purchasing, check whether the seller has a license to sell weapons. Ask to see the certificate of conformity for the model - this will save you from buying a “gray” product that could be confiscated.

Both domestic and foreign models are represented on the Russian market. Let's consider the most popular options for civilian use:

Model Type Caliber/Power Bayonet Average price (2026)
AK-74M Travmat (IZHMASH) Traumatic 9 mm R.A. Fixed, plastic 45 000 — 60 000 ₽
M4 Carbine (Cyma, pneumatic) Pneumatic 6 mm, 1–3 J Removable, metal (blunt) 25 000 — 40 000 ₽
AKM Deactivated Deactivated — Original, fixed 80 000 — 150 000 ₽
Saiga-MK Travmat (Kalashnikov) Traumatic 9 mm R.A. None (retrofitting possible) 50 000 — 70 000 ₽

When choosing, pay attention to:

  • 🔧 Bayonet material: in traumatic models it is often plastic, in pneumatics it is metal, but not sharp.
  • 🎯 Firing accuracy: Pneumatic replicas are usually less accurate than traumatic replicas.
  • 📜 Availability of certificates: Legal guns must have a passport with a serial number.

If you plan to use the rifle for shooting, pay attention to models with an adjustable stock and a Picatinny rail - this will simplify the installation of optical sights or flashlights.

What is the difference between a bayonet and a cleaver?

The bayonet-knife is designed for attachment to the barrel of a weapon and has a special groove for fixation. A cleaver is an independent edged weapon with a more massive blade (length from 30 cm). In Russia, cutlasses are classified as edged weapons and require permission to carry them if the length of the blade exceeds 90 mm.

How to attach and remove a bayonet: step-by-step instructions

The process of attaching the bayonet depends on the machine model. Let's look at the classic version using an example AK-74M (relevant for deactivated or replicas):

☑️ Preparation for attaching the bayonet knife

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Mounting steps:

  1. Take the bayonet knife by the handle, guiding the blade up (for AK-74M) or down (for AKM).
  2. Insert the ring on the sheath into the groove on the muzzle brake-compensator.
  3. Rotate the bayonet clockwise until it clicks (the latch should snap into place).
  4. Check the reliability of the fastening by pulling the knife towards you - it should not move.

To remove, follow the steps in reverse order. Important: On live or deactivated machine guns, the latch may be tight - do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the groove.

⚠️ Attention: On traumatic machines (for example, AK-74M Travmat) the bayonet-knife is often fixed or fastened with rivets. Attempting to dismantle it may void the warranty or damage the barrel.

If the bayonet is difficult to rotate, use silicone metal lubricant (for example, WD-40 Specialist). Apply it to the groove and ring, avoiding getting it on the blade.

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Never attach a bayonet to a loaded weapon - this violates safety regulations and can lead to an accidental discharge.

Care and storage: how to extend the life of an assault rifle and bayonet knife

Proper storage is the key to the safety and durability of weapons. Basic rules:

  • 🔐 Safe: the machine gun must be stored in a metal safe with a lock (requirement of Article 22.1 of the Law “On Weapons”). The bayonet can be kept separately, but also under lock and key.
  • 🌡️ Terms: humidity no more than 50%, temperature 10–25°C. Use silica gel bags to absorb moisture.
  • 🧴 Lubrication: once every 3 months, treat the metal parts of the machine and knife with preservative lubricant (for example, Ballistol or Litol-24).
  • 📝 Documents: Keep your gun ID, license and permit in one place (but not in the gun safe!).

To clean the bayonet, use:

  1. A soft cloth (such as flannel) to remove dust.
  2. Cotton swabs soaked in alcohol to clean the mounting groove.
  3. A metal brush (only for rust, followed by lubrication!).

If rust appears on the blade, remove it with a mixture of vinegar and soda (1:1), then rinse with water and dry. Do not use abrasive materials - they will damage the hardening of the steel.

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For long-term storage, wrap the bayonet in oil-soaked paper and place it in a sealed bag with silica gel. This will prevent corrosion.

Where you can shoot from a machine gun with a bayonet: training grounds and clubs

In Russia, shooting from a traumatic or pneumatic assault rifle is permitted only at specialized facilities:

  • 🎯 Shooting clubs - for example, "Dynamo" or "ROSTO". They offer rental weapons and instructors.
  • 🏞️ Polygons - such as "Patriot" (Moscow region) or "Choice" (Leningrad region). Practical shooting competitions are often held.
  • 🏹 Shooting range with a permit for traumatic weapons — check whether the establishment has a license.

Cost per hour of shooting:

  • Traumatic assault rifle: 2,000 - 5,000 ₽ (including cartridges).
  • Pneumatic: 1,000 - 3,000 ₽.
  • Rent of a bayonet for training: 300 - 800 ₽.

Before visiting the test site, please check:

  1. Is it allowed to use own weapon (some clubs work only with rentals).
  2. Is there instructor for beginners (required for the first visit!).
  3. Is it possible to train fighting techniques with a bayonet (this is prohibited in most shooting ranges).
⚠️ Attention: Shooting from a machine gun with a bayonet in nature (in the forest, in the country) is strictly prohibited! This is qualified as a violation of public order (fine up to 5,000 rubles) or hooliganism (Article 213 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

Common mistakes owners make: what not to do

Even seasoned collectors sometimes break the rules, resulting in fines or confiscation of their guns. Common mistakes:

  • 🔄 Purchase "by advertisement" - without checking documents from the seller. Risk: The weapon may be wanted or illegal.
  • 📦 Storage in a place inaccessible for inspection - for example, in a garage without an alarm system. By law, the police have the right to check storage conditions.
  • 🔪 Sharpening a bayonet - if it is blunt (as in traumatic models), the point is equated to the alteration of a weapon (Article 223 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
  • 🚗 Transportation without a case — even if you go to the shooting range, the machine gun must be packed.

Another dangerous practice is modification. For example, replacing a plastic bayonet with a metal one in a traumatic machine gun is equivalent to altering the weapon. The same goes for installing sights or lights without certification.

If you are unsure about the legality of your actions, consult with a gun lawyer. For example, in Moscow such assistance is provided "Legal Center 'Arms and Law'".

Is it possible to buy a combat assault rifle with a bayonet (for example, an AK-12) for self-defense?

No. Military assault rifles are prohibited in civilian use. For self-defense, you can only use traumatic or gas weapons with the permission of OLRR. The bayonet-knife in such models is usually non-removable and not sharp.

Do I need a license for a bayonet separately from a machine gun?

If the bayonet-knife is removable and its length exceeds 90 mm, it is equated to a bladed weapon and requires a separate permit for storage/carrying. In traumatic machines, the knife is usually part of the design and does not require additional documents.

Is it possible to take a deactivated machine gun with a bayonet abroad?

Yes, but you will need a permit for the export of cultural property (if the machine is older than 50 years) or a declaration to customs. In some countries (for example, the USA), the import of deactivated weapons is prohibited without special permission.

What happens if you lose your machine gun permit?

You must immediately notify the OLRR and write an application for a duplicate. Storing weapons without documents is equivalent to their absence (a fine of up to 50,000 rubles or confiscation).

Is it possible to shoot from a machine gun with a bayonet at moving targets?

This is allowed at most ranges, but a confirmed shooter qualification (for example, a rank in practical shooting) is required. In shooting ranges, shooting at moving targets is generally prohibited due to the risk of ricochets.