SNT Motiv STC16
SNT Motiv Co., Ltd. · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2024
Also known as: STC-16, K13, SNT Motiv K13
Overview
The SNT Motiv STC16 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by SNT Motiv Co., Ltd. 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) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 900 mm (35.43") |
| Folded Length | 680 mm (26.77") |
| Barrel Length | 292 mm (11.50") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 870 m/s (2854 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1514 J (1117 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Free Floating Barrel, M Lok Handguard, Picatinny Rail Top, Ambidextrous Controls, Ambidextrous Charging Handle, Ambidextrous Magazine Release, Adjustable Telescoping Stock, Slotted Muzzle Brake, Select Fire, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Oversized Trigger Guard
Variants
- STC16 (14-inch) — Standard
- STC16 (11.5-inch) — Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Republic of Korea Special Operations Forces · adopted 2023 · as STC16
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,700 · Production years: 2023-present
Initial order of approximately 1,700 units for ROK special operations forces. Expected to see expanded adoption as a K2 replacement candidate.
Origin
Country of origin: South Korea
Notes
The STC16 is available in multiple barrel lengths including 11.5-inch and 14-inch configurations. The 11.5-inch variant was selected under the ROK 'Special Operations Submachinegun Type 2' program. The design follows modern AR-platform conventions with a short-stroke gas piston, similar to the HK416. The rifle features an oversized trigger loop designed for operation with gloved hands in cold Korean winters. Weight of 3.0 kg makes it lighter than the K1A carbine it partially replaces despite a slightly longer overall length. Also designated K13 by the ROK military.
Background
The STC16 emerged from South Korea's effort to modernize its aging K2 rifle inventory with a weapon that meets contemporary special operations requirements. Its selection by ROK special forces marked a shift toward modular, AR-pattern rifles with short-stroke piston systems, aligning South Korean small arms with the global trend exemplified by the HK416 and similar platforms.