Daewoo K2
SNT Motiv (formerly Daewoo Precision Industries) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1984
Also known as: K2 Rifle, Daewoo K2, SNT Motiv K2
Overview
The Daewoo K2 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by SNT Motiv (formerly Daewoo Precision Industries) since 1984. This South Korean-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3260 g (115.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3860 g (136.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 970 mm (38.19") |
| Folded Length | 730 mm (28.74") |
| Barrel Length | 465 mm (18.31") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1693 J (1249 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2400 m (2625 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 800 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 185 mm (7.28") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 3, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Folding Stock, Select Fire, Three Round Burst, Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Gas Regulator, Bayonet Lug, Bipod Attachment, Stanag Compatible Magazines
Variants
Service history
Operators
- Republic of Korea Armed Forces · adopted 1984 · as K2
- Republic of Korea Marine Corps · adopted 1984 · as K2
- Nigerian Armed Forces · adopted 1985 · as K2
- Peruvian Naval Infantry · as K2
- Fiji Military Forces · as K2
- Bangladesh Armed Forces · as K2
- Indonesian National Armed Forces · as K2
- Lebanese Armed Forces · as K2
- Senegalese Armed Forces · adopted 2003 · as K2
- Nepalese Army · adopted 2022 · as K2C1
Conflicts
- Korean DMZ Conflict (1984-present)
- Nigerian Civil Conflicts (1990s-present)
- United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (1990s-present)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
Production
Production years: 1984-present
Produced in the hundreds of thousands for ROK Armed Forces; exact total classified. Over 30,000 K2C1 exported to Nepal in 2022. SNT Motiv and Dasan Machineries are current manufacturers.
Origin
Country of origin: South Korea
Designer: Agency for Defense Development (ADD)
Notes
The K2's gas system is often described as a hybrid of the AK-47 and AR-18 designs, using a long-stroke gas piston that is more reliable in adverse conditions than the M16's direct impingement system. The rifle was developed as part of South Korea's push for defense industry self-sufficiency during the Cold War. The K2C1 modernized variant began replacing the original K2 in 2015, featuring Picatinny rails and improved ergonomics. A civilian export version, the Daewoo DR-200, was briefly sold in the United States before import restrictions. North Korea has reportedly produced unlicensed copies of the K2 for its special forces.
Background
The K2 was born from South Korea's determination to develop indigenous defense capabilities following the traumatic experience of the Korean War and ongoing tensions with North Korea. Its development in the late 1970s coincided with President Park Chung-hee's drive for military self-sufficiency. The rifle's distinctive hybrid design, borrowing the best features from both Western and Eastern firearms traditions, reflects South Korea's unique geopolitical position between the two Cold War blocs.