In case this has not been posted here before... this is the official policy of the coalition with regards to weapons possession in Iraq.
It appears that the possession of fully auto AK47s is still OK.
Bremer Announces Iraq Weapons Policy With 14-Day Amnesty Period
[url]http://www.uspolicy.be/Issues/Iraq/bremerarms.052403.htm[/url]
Text:
NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND MacDill AFB, Fla.
May 24, 2003 Release Number: 03-05-87
COALITION ESTABLISHES IRAQ WEAPONS POLICY
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Ambassador L. Paul Bremer, Coalition Provisional Authority, issued a National Order, subject: Weapons Control, on May 23 that will reduce the number of weapons in Iraq and further improve security conditions throughout Iraq. The Order allows for an amnesty period where individuals can turn unauthorized weapons in to Coalition forces with no penalty.
Starting June 1, the people of Iraq will have a 14-day amnesty period to turn in unauthorized weapons to Coalition forces at weapons control points here and throughout the country.
[b]Unauthorized weapons are defined as: automatic firearms firing ammunition larger than 7.62mm; machine guns or crew-served weapons; anti-tank weapons; anti-aircraft weapons; indirect fire weapons; all armored vehicles or self-propelled weapons; and high explosives and explosive devices.[/b]
No one in Iraq, unless authorized, may possess, conceal, hide or bury these weapons. No one can trade, sell, barter, give or exchange automatic or heavy weapons with or to any person who is not an authorized representative of Coalition forces.
Individuals will be instructed to turn in unauthorized weapons by placing the unloaded, disassembled weapon into a clear plastic bag provided by Coalition forces and walk slowly to the collection point. Collection points will be at designated locations like police stations and jointly manned by Iraqi and Coalition forces.
Weapons may only be turned in during daylight hours before 6 p.m. local time at collection points designated and publicized by Coalition authorities.
Weapons turned in to Coalition forces will either be destroyed or set aside for use by the new Iraqi army or police forces.
[b]Small arms -- including automatic rifles firing ammunition up to 7.62mm, semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols -- may be possessed in homes and in a place of business. Small arms must remain at these sites and may not be taken out in public.[/b]
Only authorized persons may possess small arms in public places and those authorized persons will be issued a temporary weapons card (TWC) by Coalition Commanders.
Only the following individuals and groups are authorized to possess automatic or heavy weapons: Coalition forces, police, security, and other forces in uniform under the supervision and authority of the Coalition.
After June 14, individuals caught with unauthorized weapons will be detained and face criminal charges.