K2 Design
The K2 uses a tough polymer for the forearm, pistol-grip and side-foldable buttstock. Externally similar in appearance to the AR18, its bolt carrier group is derived from the American M16 rifle, but only some of the parts are interchangeable. The gas operating system is derived from the AK-47, and is consequently different from that of the M16. The K2 uses the same magazine and bolt as the M16; the bolt carrier does not interchange with the M16. The fire control system is derived from that of the M16 but few parts interchange without modification. The barrel rifling has 6 grooves, 1-in-7.3 right hand twist. The K2, as well as the K1 carbine, can be equipped with the Daewoo K201, an undercarried 40mm grenade launcher patterned after the American M203.
K1 carbine and K2 rifle
While the K1/K1A carbine is commonly regarded as a carbine version of the K2, it is better to consider the K1 a separate carbine because:
- The K1 was developed earlier than the K2.
- The K1 uses direct impingement gas system, while the K2 uses a long stroke gas piston system.
- The K1 has a 1-in-12 rifling twist for KM193 (5.56 mm) rounds, while the K2 has a 1-in-7.3 rifling twist for both the KM193 (5.56 mm) rounds and the K100 (5.56 mm) green tip, full metal jacket rounds.
- The K1 was originally developed as a sub-machine gun, not as an assault carbine.
K2 Variants
Export versions of the K2 were sold as the DR-100 and DR-200, chambered in .223 Remington. DR-300 is chambered for 7.62x39mm.
- K2C: Carbine version of K2 rifle with RAS and minor modification
| Daewoo Precision Industries K2 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin | Republic of Korea |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1984–present |
| Used by | Bangladesh, Fiji, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal |
| Wars | Gulf War Operation Enduring Freedom Iraq War 2006 Fijian coup d'état |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Agency for Defense Development Daewoo Precision Industries |
| Designed | 1983 |
| Manufacturer | Daewoo Precision Industries |
| Produced | 1984–present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3.26 kg |
| Length | 980 mm, 730 mm with folded stock |
| Barrel length | 465 mm |
| | |
| Cartridge | 5.56 x 45 mm NATO |
| Action | Gas operated, Rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | 750 RPM |
| Muzzle velocity | 920 m/s (SS109), 960 m/s (M193) |
| Effective range | 500-600 m (SS109), 460 m (M193) |
| Maximum range | 2400 m |
| Feed system | Various STANAG Magazines. |
| Sights | Iron sights |
