Daewoo K-3

Notes: This South Korean squad automatic weapon looks similar to the US M-249 SAW, and will even feed from the same magazines and belts. The operation is, in fact, quite similar, though there are several noticeable external differences, most notably in the shape of the polymer stock, the release lever for the quick-change barrel, and the gas regulator, which is adjustable for fouling and dirt or from a cyclic rate from 700-1000 rpm. The barrel itself is 21 inches long and is tipped with a longer flash suppressor than that of the M-249. The bipod is also more like that of the Minimi than that of the M-249, and is adjustable for height and (to a limited extent) cant. The front sight is a hooded adjustable post, and the protected rear sight is an adjustable aperture. Though the K-3 is meant primarily for use from a bipod, and the K-3 cannot be mounted directly on a tripod, an adapter may be added to the K-3 which allows it to be mounted on a NATO light tripod. The usual mount is from a bipod, but may also be mounted on an NLT. The biggest improvement over the Minimi is the barrel, much longer than that of the Minimi. Feed is from the same magazines and belts as are used on the M-249 SAW (including the mounting of the same ammunition cans and bags), though the K-3 does not seem to suffer from the same problems with magazine feed as the M-249.

In the past few years, the South Koreans have been installing MIL-STD-1913 rails on the K-3, though this is still in progress as of 2006.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

K-3

5.56mm NATO

6.85 kg

30, 100 Belt, 200 Belt

$1829

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

K-3

5/10

3

1-Nil

7

2

4/8

59

(With Bipod)

5/10

3

1-Nil

7

1

4

77

(With Tripod)

5/10

3

1-Nil

7

1

2

119