Video: Daewoo K2 Rifle

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
After many years of relying on surplus and donated firearms from the U.S., to include the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, M16A1 as well as guns from other countries, the Republic of South Korea embarked on designing and building an independent manufacturing plant. After all, when your closest neighbor is North Korea, the matter of small arms is extremely important.

Ultimately it was Daewoo Precision Industries that took the best favorite features of several guns to build the Daewoo K1 and K2. The K2 was basically an amalgamation of the M16, the AK-47 and the FN-FAL. During the 1980s, semi-automatic versions of these guns were actually imported to the U.S. by several companies—including Kimber. However, changing firearm legislation during the latter part of the 80s and early 90s restricted further importation of the rifles.

To learn more, watch the complete “I Have This Old Gun” segment on the Daewoo K2 Rifle here above.

Latest

Magpul Hunter Lite Stock
Magpul Hunter Lite Stock

New for 2026: New Products from Magpul

Magpul announces new metal-magazines, new stocks and pistol frames.

New for 2026: Burris Veracity Riflescopes

The latest generation of Veracity scopes is available in a variety of 5X magnification ranges.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory 10-8 Performance Master Class 1911 Pistols

Springfield Armory and Lipseys have partnered to offer a highly custom 1911 with input from Hilton Yam.

New For 2026: Diamondback SDR-A

Following the release of its Self-Defense Revolver in 2024, Diamondback Firearms has now lightened its design and reduced the cost with the new-for-2026 SDR-A.

Rifleman Review: Walther Arms PDP F-Series 4-Inch

Walther Arms continues to expand its F-Series handgun line, a design initially developed for women but that has broad appeal across the firearm consumer market, thanks to its unique design elements and feature set.

Mossberg Expands Budget-Priced Maverick Line With Semi-Auto Model

As part of its International family of shotguns, Mossberg announced the introduction of the Maverick SA Semi-Auto, a versatile, value-focused semi-automatic platform built to deliver reliable performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.