Daewoo K1
SNT Motiv (formerly Daewoo Precision Industries) · Carbine · In Production · 1981
Also known as: K1A, XK1, Daewoo Precision Industries K1, SNT Motiv K1
Overview
The Daewoo K1 is a South Korean 5.56x45mm gas-operated carbine developed by the Agency for Defense Development and Daewoo Precision Industries for special forces and crews needing a compact close-quarters weapon. Adopted in 1981, it uses a direct-impingement action with a short barrel and a retractable wire stock, accepting STANAG magazines.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2870 g (101.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 838 mm (32.99") |
| Folded Length | 653 mm (25.71") |
| Barrel Length | 263 mm (10.35") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 823 m/s (2700 fps) |
| Effective Range | 250 m (273 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 800 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | 6 Grooves, Right-Hand Twist |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56 NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington (chamber compatible)
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 3, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: 30-Round STANAG Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Telescoping/Retractable Wire Buttstock, Gas Direct-Impingement Operation, Short Carbine Barrel For Close-Quarters Use, STANAG-Compatible Magazines, Three-Prong/Long Flash Suppressor
Production
Production years: 1980-present
Produced over the decades by Daewoo Precision Industries, Daewoo Telecom, S&T Daewoo, S&T Motiv, SNT Motiv and Dasan Machineries.
Origin
Country of origin: South Korea
Designer: Agency for Defense Development (ADD)
Notes
Early-production K1/K1A were chambered for .223 Remington; later production transitioned to 5.56x45mm NATO. Often classed as a submachine gun in Korean service despite firing a rifle cartridge.
Background
The K1 originated from a special-forces requirement for an indigenous compact assault weapon for close-quarters battle. Prototyped as the XK1 in 1980 and fielded as the K1 in 1981, it became one of the first standardized small arms of the modern Republic of Korea Armed Forces, serving alongside the longer K2 rifle.