Daewoo K2C1
SNT Motiv (formerly Daewoo Precision Industries) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2014
Also known as: K2C1, SNT Motiv K2C1, Daewoo K2C1 Rifle
Overview
The Daewoo K2C1 is a modernized variant of the K2 assault rifle developed by SNT Motiv (formerly Daewoo Precision Industries) as part of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces' rifle modernization program. Introduced in 2014 and entering mass production in 2015, the K2C1 represents a significant upgrade over the original K2 while maintaining compatibility with the proven long-stroke gas piston operating system. The rifle features a completely redesigned upper receiver with a full-length Picatinny rail for optics mounting and modular handguard system with optional side and bottom rail sections for accessories. Replacing the original side-folding fixed stock, the K2C1 employs an M4-style six-position adjustable telescoping stock based on the Magpul CTR design, providing better ergonomics and adaptability for soldiers of different builds and when wearing body armor. The flat-top receiver incorporates a detachable backup rear sight that mounts via Picatinny rail, allowing it to co-witness with optics or be completely removed. Weighing 3.68 kg empty with the standard 465mm barrel, the K2C1 maintains the original K2's reliable gas-operated rotating bolt action, chrome-lined barrel, and compatibility with STANAG magazines. The rifle is available in two barrel lengths: the standard 465mm (18.3 inch) infantry variant and a shorter 305mm (12 inch) compact model for special operations and vehicle crews. Like its predecessor, the K2C1 offers selective fire capability with semi-automatic, three-round burst, and full-automatic modes, with a cyclic rate of 800 rounds per minute.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3680 g (129.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4280 g (151.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1014 mm (39.92") |
| 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 | 500 m (547 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: Adjustable Stock, Folding Stock, Select Fire, Three Round Burst, Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Gas Regulator, Bayonet Lug, Bipod Attachment, Stanag Compatible Magazines, Picatinny Rail, Flat Top Receiver, Detachable Rear Sight, Extended Handguard Rail, M4 Style Stock, Magpul Ctr Stock
Variants
- K2C1 Short Barrel — Carbine
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Republic of Korea Armed Forces · adopted 2015 · as K2C1
- Republic of Korea Marine Corps · adopted 2015 · as K2C1
- Nepalese Army · adopted 2022 · as K2C1
- Republic of Korea National Police · adopted 2016 · as K2C1
Conflicts
- Korean DMZ Conflict (2015-present)
- United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (2016-present)
Production
Estimated total produced: 200,000 · Production years: 2015-present
Mass production began in 2015 for ROK Armed Forces rifle modernization program. Approximately 200,000 in service with frontline troops as of 2016. Nepal purchased 30,000 units in 2022. Current production continues at SNT Motiv and Dasan Machineries facilities.
Origin
Country of origin: South Korea
Designer: SNT Motiv / Agency for Defense Development
Notes
The K2C1's development was driven by feedback from ROK soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan who observed the advantages of rail-equipped Western rifles like the M4A1 and HK416. The Korean Defense Specifications (KDS) dictated that the 'C' designation indicated exterior modifications only, meaning the K2C1 retained the proven internal mechanisms of the K2 while modernizing the user interface and accessory mounting options. Mass production began in 2015 with tens of thousands manufactured for frontline units by 2016. By some estimates, approximately 200,000 K2C1 rifles were in active service with ROK frontline troops as of 2016. The rifle proved successful enough that Nepal purchased 30,000 units in 2022, marking one of the largest foreign military sales of South Korean small arms. The K2C1's Magpul CTR-style stock offers better cheek weld than the original side folder and can still fold to the side for compact storage. The extended handguard rail system allows mounting of vertical foregrips, lights, lasers, and other accessories without requiring aftermarket modifications. SNT Motiv and Dasan Machineries both manufacture the K2C1 under license. The design philosophy focused on evolutionary improvement rather than revolutionary change, ensuring soldiers familiar with the K2 could transition seamlessly to the K2C1. Some units retain the original K2 for training purposes while frontline infantry receive the modernized K2C1. The rifle demonstrates South Korea's commitment to maintaining indigenous defense production capabilities while incorporating lessons learned from coalition operations.
Background
The K2C1 emerged from hard lessons learned by South Korean soldiers serving alongside American and coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan during the 2000s and early 2010s. ROK military personnel observed how their allies' rail-equipped rifles like the M4A1, HK416, and SCAR provided significant tactical advantages through the ability to mount modern optics, illumination devices, and laser designators. While the K2 remained mechanically sound and reliable, its lack of modularity increasingly seemed outdated in the era of night vision operations and precision engagement. The Korean Defense Ministry launched the rifle modernization program in the early 2010s with clear requirements: maintain the proven reliability of the K2's gas piston system while adding modern rails, improving ergonomics, and enhancing adaptability. The result was the K2C1, which began reaching frontline DMZ units in 2016 to immediate positive feedback. Soldiers appreciated the ability to mount red dot sights and holographic optics for faster target acquisition, especially critical given the short engagement distances typical of Korean terrain. The adjustable stock proved popular with vehicle crews and mechanized infantry who could quickly collapse it when entering or exiting armored vehicles. The K2C1's success story extended beyond Korea's borders when Nepal's army, seeking to modernize from aging bolt-action rifles and assorted small arms, selected it over Chinese and Western alternatives in 2022. The 30,000-rifle contract represented validation of South Korean defense industry quality and established SNT Motiv as a credible player in the global small arms market. For South Korea, the K2C1 symbolizes the maturation of its defense industry from producing licensed copies to developing indigenous modernization programs that meet international standards.