http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080327/ap_on_re_us/ak47s;_ylt=Atk9sTyPdhXE5cfrfDC_AFOs0NUE
According to this "in depth" article, AK-47's are becoming more and more popular for crimes. The BATF is tracing the number of Ak's used in crimes.
"Since 1993, the year before the ban took affect, ATF has recorded a more than sevenfold increase in 7.62x39mm guns — which includes the original Russian-made AK-47 and a variety of copycats from around the world. The number of AK-type guns rose from 1,140 in 1993 to 8,547 last year. Since 2005, the first full year after the bans expiration, ATF has recorded an 11 percent increase in such tracings."
The article then goes on to say, "ATF says the increases in the first half of the 1990s are partly the result of wider usage of its weapons database by local law enforcement agencies. But after that point, the numbers reflect a real increase in tracings of AK-type guns, the agency acknowledged." So, on one hand the BATF is blaming Ak's for crime, but then states that their statistics are flawed.
And here is the total load of shit--"Bullets fired by AK-47s travel at a higher velocity than those from many other weapons, and can do grievous damage to the body. Often they have enough energy to pass clear through." Most 7.62x39mm bullets travel less then 2400 fps...and far slower then a 308, 30-06, 30-30 or even a "lowly" 223 Rem.
Even the Brady Center says, "... assault weapons made up 4.82 percent of ATF crime gun traces." This means of all the crimes that the weapon is traceable for, less then 5% can be tied to this weapon.
