SNT Defense: Preparing for K2S Debut
SNT Motiv, the South Korean arms manufacturer descended from Daewoo Precision, has spent most of 2025 laying the groundwork for its American expansion. Operating under the SNT Defense banner in Las Vegas, the company has been quietly building out its production and compliance pipeline for civilian-legal versions of its military weapons. Industry watchers first saw the plan outlined at SHOT Show 2025, and now, as Autumn sets in, many await in anticipation of what the company will have to offer next year.
The centerpiece of the rollout remains the K2S, a semi-automatic descendant of the Korean military’s K2 rifle. The K2 line has earned respect for its hybrid AR and AK mechanical design, combining the AR-15’s familiar ergonomics with the AK’s long-stroke piston reliability. For collectors and enthusiasts who have chased original Daewoo imports for decades, the K2S represents the first genuine continuation of that lineage built with modern materials and a renewed production line.
SNT Defense’s approach centers on U.S. based assembly to comply with import restrictions. Korean made receivers, bolts, and barrels will be mated with American made stocks, grips, and small parts in the company’s Las Vegas facility. The firm has also suggested that some furniture designs may be refreshed to better fit contemporary market tastes, potentially blending polymer upgrades with the recognizable side-folding stock profile that made the original rifle iconic.
Timelines are still up in the air. Early reports pointed toward mid or late 2025 preorder availability, but that window has clearly slipped. The most recent communications, including posts from verified SNT Defense social channels and accounts tied to company representatives, now indicate that official preorders will open at SHOT Show 2026, with first deliveries expected in the second half of the year. While these are not formal press releases, the consistency of the messaging suggests that this is the current plan.
Between now and then, the company appears intent on maintaining interest through parts kit sales and small batch accessory offerings. Enthusiast forums have mentioned potential availability of Korean produced K2S components before year’s end. Though not yet confirmed by retailers, such a move would allow SNT Defense to establish its brand among U.S. gunsmiths and collectors while final production ramps up.
Beyond rifles, SNT Defense has revived another Daewoo classic: the DP51 9mm handgun. Early show displays highlighted a lightly modernized version featuring updated coatings, improved sights, and the same fast-action trigger system that once earned a cult following. Community reports claim the handgun could list around $499 and begin limited distribution late 2025, though that depends on the company’s ability to finalize its dealer network.
Pricing rumors for the K2S remain steady at around $1,799, positioning it as a premium import alternative that still undercuts many boutique AR pattern rifles. Whether that price holds will depend on final sourcing and shipping costs. Inflation, import tariffs, and fluctuating exchange rates could nudge retail figures higher by the time the preorder window officially opens.
Looking ahead to SHOT Show 2026, speculation is building that SNT Defense will use the event as a full scale U.S. launch. Attendees are expecting live fire demos at the Industry Day at the Range, finalized production rifles with serial numbered U.S. markings, and possibly the debut of companion platforms like the K1A sub-carbine or K13 LMG prototypes aimed at government and law enforcement buyers. If SNT delivers on that lineup, it would mark the most ambitious Korean small arms showcase ever presented in the U.S.
Whether SNT Defense will partner with a major American distributor such as RSR Group or Lipsey’s to handle allocation and warranty support remains to be seen. That move could give the K2S a smoother rollout than earlier imports like the DR-200 (in the mid 1990s), whose aftermarket support was spotty. With a permanent U.S. presence and service infrastructure in place, SNT appears serious about long term brand stability rather than a short term novelty launch.
The coming months will determine whether SNT Defense can navigate the regulatory and logistical hurdles that have stalled so many international firearm imports. For now, the company has something tangible: a facility, a production plan, and a community that has waited decades for a proper return of the Daewoo K2 legacy. If SHOT Show 2026 delivers what enthusiasts are hoping for, 2025 may go down as the year Korean small arms finally re-entered the American mainstream. I for one would love to see that happen!
Sources:
Guns.com – “Korean Manufacturer Rebrands as SNT Motiv” (Jan 2025); Black Basin Tactical – “Korean Thunder: The K2 Rifle Sets Its Sights on American Shores at SHOT Show 2025”; GunBroker.com – “SNT Motiv K2S Semi-Auto Rifle Set for USA Release”; Reddit – r/guns: “Daewoo K2S Update from SNT Defense” (Summer 2025); Pew Pew Tactical – SHOT Show 2025 Recap; The Firearm Blog – SHOT Show 2025 Coverage; Wikipedia – SNT Motiv and Daewoo Precision Industries K2.
