Guns.com Vault Auction: Daewoo K1A1

Do you dig the Daewoo? If not, perhaps you should check out this retro Daewoo K1A1 from our upcoming Vault Auction. It might just change your mind.

This Korean-made rifle was introduced in 1981, the same year as the McRib and the first IBM PC. Based on Colt’s AR-15/M16 design, the original select-fire K1 was designated a sub gun by the South Korean military. The K1A1 is a 5.56-chambered, semi-auto, NFA-compliant version built for import to the U.S.

Even if you're new to firearms auctions, Guns.com makes it easy to get in on the action, with bids starting at just 1 cent. Bidding closed on this on August 9th, 2026 and this incredible Daewoo K1A1 went for the low price of $2,925. See what great finds you'll discover at the Guns.com Vault.

Table of Contents

Video Overview
Brief History
Detailed Images
Key Auction Details
Key Features

Video Overview

Brief History

Daewoo is a huge Korean manufacturing conglomerate, making everything from firearms to the microwave in my kitchen. In the U.S., the term “Daewoo” usually refers to the 5.56-chambered sub gun used by the South Korean military and popularized in the West by the Rooftop Koreans, shop owners who defended their property from the rooftops with Daewoo rifles during the 1992 LA riots.

A Republic of Korea Marine assigned to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division, fires a Daewoo K1 submachine gun during a during a live-fire range with U.S. Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Suseong-Ri, South Korea, Aug. 21, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Helms)

The Korean-made rifles were a licensed spin on Colt patents and were produced beginning in 1981. Modern versions of the K1 rifle are still in use with the South Korean military today.

This 1980s K1A1 variant features a collapsible stock, an NFA-compliant 16-inch barrel with integrated muzzle device, AR-15-style controls, and an adjustable rear sight. This K1A1 is in great shape and shows little wear. The rifle comes with one 30-round magazine, one 20-round magazine, and a sling.

Detailed Images

Here are some detailed photographs showcasing the features of this Daewoo K1A1.

Modern manufacturer SNT Defense is hoping to bring the K1A1 stateside for domestic production. Until then, the only hope to get your hands on one is through a Daewoo import, which is increasingly difficult to find. (All photos: Jake Hageman/Guns.com)

The K1A1 is one of the tougher Daewoo imports to track down.

Key Auction Details

With bidding starting at just 1 cent (and no reserves), this auction opens Aug. 3 and ends Aug. 9. Be sure to get in your bid for a chance to add this piece of firearms history to your collection. Here are some standout features that make this Daewoo an appealing find for collectors.

Key Features

Retro Design: The 1980s K1A1 design was only made for a few years.

Rare Find: This K1A1 was produced before the 1989 import ban, and these rifles are not made in the U.S.

Great Condition: This piece shows little wear and is in excellent shape mechanically and cosmetically.

Cult Classic: Here’s your chance to own the rifle popularized by the Rooftop Koreans and still in use with the South Korean military.

Alexander Reville

Alexander Reville is a writer and content creator for Guns.com who transitioned from the warehouse to the content team fueled by a passion for American history and firearms. A proud graduate of Marion Military Institute and a former minor league hockey player, he remains active as a firearms instructor and private security contractor.

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