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

SDS Arms MAC-5K
SDS Arms MAC-5K

Review: Military Armament Corporation MAC-5K

SDS Arms, under its Military Armament Corporation (MAC) brand, imports Turkish-made roller-delayed handguns of the H&K MP5 pattern called the MAC-5K.

8 New Revolvers for 2026

Despite the incredible array of polymer-frame, striker-fired, semi-automatic handguns on the market, the classic revolver not only refuses to die, it has seen something of a resurgence in recent years.

The Armed Citizen® May 18, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

8 New Semi-Auto Shotguns for 2026

For 2026, the semi-automatic shotgun market has seen even more growth, with some manufacturers expanding their current offerings and other makers entering the marketplace with novel designs.

SAAMI Celebrates 100th Anniversary

For the past 100 years, the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) has established the standards that ensure our safety when using modern shotshells, cartridges, firearms and more.

Shooting Is Fun: How I Rediscovered the Benefits of Rimfire

A recent event at Range Ready in Robert, La., reminded us how much fun the simple rimfire firearm can be, whether in handgun, carbine or rifle form.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.