The military has recently announced plans to issue rifles, in addition to handguns, to commanders at the lieutenant level and above, sparking considerable debate. After assessing demand, the Ministry of National Defense is set to finalize the distribution plan by the end of this year. This shift is noteworthy, given the context behind the decision.
Currently, the military provides handguns as personal firearms to officers at the lieutenant level and above. However, in urgent situations, these officers might need a rifle but could use an inappropriate or poorly aimed weapon. Additionally, the K5 pistol issued to officers at the lieutenant colonel level and above has faced criticism for its limited range and destructive power, which fall short for full combat scenarios and are more suited for self-defense.
Military officials acknowledge this issue. A source within the military stated, “Given the current situation with North Korea, which continues to engage in strategic provocations such as anti-South leaflet balloons and GPS jamming, commanders need to be more actively involved in bolstering their defense capabilities. Relying solely on handguns for real combat situations is inadequate; therefore, senior officers also need to be equipped with rifles.”
So, what exactly is the K5 pistol that the military currently issues to senior commanders?
The K5 pistol is notable for being developed domestically. It incorporates the advantages of leading global pistols that were available during its development. Featuring a unique ‘Fast Action’ technology, the K5 was designed to offer advanced performance. Approximately 35,000 units have been exported to the civilian market overseas, earning a reputation as a “cost-effective pistol.”
Korean-made K5 pistol mass-produced for the first time in September 1989
In the late 1970s, the U.S. military launched the Joint Service Small Arms Program (JSSAP) to standardize pistols across all branches. The U.S. Air Force initially selected the Beretta 92S in 1981. However, after further evaluation, the U.S. Army adopted the Beretta M9 as the official pistol. This transition marked a significant shift from the .45 caliber to the 9mm caliber, setting a new global standard for pistols. Before this, the U.S. Army had used the Colt M1911 series, the official sidearm since 1911.
The South Korean military sought to modernize its firearm inventory in response to these global trends. During the Korean War and the Vietnam War, South Korea relied on the Colt M1911A1, a .45 caliber pistol supplied by the U.S. military. South Korea aimed to develop a new, more suitable 9mm pistol to meet the evolving standards and better fit Korean body types.
The development process began in April 1981 to create a pistol that could handle ammunition more effectively and match local ergonomic needs. By 1983, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Daewoo Precision (now SNT Motiv) had initiated the Korean pistol project.
Following the success of the K1 submachine gun and the K2 rifle, South Korea focused on developing a 9mm military pistol. The result was the XK5 pistol, which underwent practical technology and operational tests in 1986 and January 1988. After standardization in October 1988, the K5 pistol entered mass production in September 1989.
The K5 pistol, recognized as the official sidearm of the South Korean military, is used by a diverse range of personnel. This includes lieutenant-level and above commanders, military police, special mission units, army aviation helicopter pilots, tank crews, self-propelled gun operators, special forces soldiers, Joint Security Area guards, military doctors, veterinarians, and senior non-commissioned officers.
One of the K5’s standout features is its high first-round hit rate, achieved through its unique “Fast Action” mechanism. This feature is not commonly found in mass-produced pistols worldwide and enhances the pistol’s stability. The Fast Action system integrates the advantages of both single and double-action firing methods.
In a traditional single-action pistol, the trigger is lighter after the initial cocking of the hammer or sliding action. Still, the gun requires preparation for the first shot, which can delay response time. Conversely, a double-action pistol eliminates the need for preparation by cocking the hammer with the trigger pull, but this results in a heavier trigger pull for the first round, which can impact accuracy.
SNT Motiv, the manufacturer of the K5, has innovatively combined the benefits of both methods through the Fast Action system. This technology allows the hammer to be manually cocked to prepare for firing, similar to a single-action pistol. When the trigger is pulled, it functions like a double-action pistol with a longer trigger pull. Still, it maintains a lighter trigger pressure, enhancing accuracy and reducing the likelihood of misfires. SNT Motiv holds an international patent for this technology.
Additionally, the K5 incorporates advancements in materials and design. The pistol’s construction was lightened by switching from steel to aluminum alloy, reflecting the trend toward reducing weight. The manual safety, hammer block system, safety lever, and magazine release button are designed for ambidextrous use, ensuring left-handed users can operate the pistol comfortably.
The K5 pistol is distributed across various branches of the South Korean military, with some variations based on unit requirements and roles. Here’s a breakdown of its usage:
Army:
- The K5 is issued primarily to staff officers, especially lieutenant-level officers. To maintain their proficiency, these officers undergo handgun shooting training twice a year, once in each half of the year.
- The pistol is distributed to tank crews, special forces operators, and military police engaged in special missions. Every soldier in the Joint Security Area (JSA) battalion is issued a K5.
Navy:
- The Navy issues the K5 pistol to ship personnel, although older models such as .45 and .38 caliber pistols are still more common. Land-based Navy personnel primarily use the older pistols. Training for Navy personnel also occurs approximately twice a year.
Air Force:
- Pistols are issued to officers at the major level and above, with the K5 being provided to pilots based on the specific needs of their flight units. Pilots do not carry pistols during peacetime, but they must have them during major training exercises.
Overall, the K5 pistol is a key component of personal armament for various military roles, tailored to meet the operational needs of different branches and units.
Senior commanders replaced with 38 caliber revolver
For senior commanders, the K5 pistol is replaced by a .38 caliber revolver, worn with a leather pistol belt, distinguishing it as a symbol of higher rank.
The .38 caliber revolver, produced by Colt in the U.S. in 1889, operates by rotating its magazine, which also serves as the chamber. This design allows for continuous firing by rotating the magazine in one space with each trigger pull while simultaneously cocking the hammer. Despite its innovative mechanism for its time, the revolver is limited to six rounds. It has an effective range of less than 30 meters, making it more suited for ceremonial use and self-defense rather than combat.
Unlike the K5, an automatic pistol, the .38 caliber revolver uses a semi-automatic firing method. It was initially adopted by the U.S. Navy for military purposes and later by the U.S. Army in 1903. Although lightweight, its bullet is considered less effective for combat due to its relatively weak stopping power. Consequently, it is generally issued to non-combat roles, such as generals and investigators. The Army has used it for self-defense since its introduction from the U.S. military in 1948.
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