[Militech] First Media Test: Firing a Large-Caliber Sniper Rifle Designed to Take Down Tanks

On-Site at SNT Motive:
Continuous Development of New Models
Driven by Tactical Demands

The military plans to continue its replacement project, and SNT MOTIVE is set to showcase a domestically produced model in partnership with the Czech Republic. Photo by SNT MOTIVE

Certain weapon systems have risen to prominence due to the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East. Drones are among them. They are now used for real-time reconnaissance, deploying small bombs, and even carrying out suicide attacks. Their cost-effectiveness stands out—they can deplete expensive interceptor weapons and be utilized on every battlefield. In contrast, available countermeasures consist solely of lasers and anti-aircraft guns. Even these are difficult to deploy at the squad or platoon level, frontline observation posts, and in mountainous areas. As an alternative, shotguns have emerged as a viable weapon. The Ukrainian military managed to shoot down 24 Russian recon drones at once using a drone-mounted double-barreled shotgun, dubbed the "Winchester drone." The shotgun pellets spread in a 360-degree pattern, destroying the drones completely, even without precise aim. It represents a new heyday for rifles. To witness the evolving technology behind K-series rifles, I visited SNT Motive.

Upon arriving at the company’s entrance, a stone monument bearing the handwritten calligraphy of former President Park Chung-hee—reading “Precision Armaments Manufacturing”—stood in front of the building. This signifies that this is the first site in Korea where firearms were manufactured. After passing the main building and driving a long way through a mountain road, the firing range finally appeared. Upon arrival, I received safety training and put on protective gear including a helmet, bulletproof vest, earplugs, and gloves.

Choi Jaewon, head of Special Development Team 2, explained, “SNT Motive has such advanced technology that we were chosen for the project to replace the K1A submachine gun used by special forces,” guiding me and adding, “We’ll show you the next-generation pistol.”

Developing the Next-Generation Pistol in Collaboration with a Czech Company

The pistol in question is the CZ P-10, made by the Czech defense manufacturer Ceska Zbrojovka (CZ). CZ acquired the U.S. firearms company Colt in 2021 and was restructured as Colt CZ Group SE. According to Colt CZ Group, they sell about 500,000 to 600,000 firearms worldwide annually, and hold a roughly 50% share in the global pistol market. It was curious to see a domestic defense company presenting a foreign pistol. The reason was this: with the domestically produced K5 pistol fielded by the Korean military becoming outdated, the military decided to first replace about 6,500 units for special forces starting in 2024. The Austrian-made Glock was selected, and deliveries are scheduled to begin in July. The military plans to continue with the replacement project, and SNT Motive is set to showcase a domestically produced model in collaboration with the Czech Republic.

I compared the K5 pistol with the CZ P-10. At a glance, their appearance differed. The CZ P-10 lacks the external hammer at the rear. It uses a striker-fired mechanism with an internal striker, which reduces vibration and increases accuracy. The grip material was changed from metal to plastic, making it 100 grams lighter than the K5 pistol.

Mr. Choi stated, "Moving forward, we plan to develop a Korean-style pistol together with the Czech Republic. The price will be at least 10% cheaper than current models, and we will redesign elements such as the grip to better suit the Korean military. Accessories such as suppressors, lights, and laser sights will also be attachable."

Lightweight Design, Advanced Accuracy Technology

I loaded 10 rounds. The weight was immediately noticeable upon lifting the pistol. With the K5 pistol, my wrist wobbled from the recoil with every shot. In contrast, the CZ P-10 dramatically reduced recoil and improved accuracy. There is also a small button above the trigger. This must be pressed for the trigger to engage—a "trigger safe" mechanism that functions as a safety device. A red dot on the sight aided in aiming. Shooting 10 rounds from 10 meters with each pistol, I scored 8 hits with the K5, while all 10 shots from the CZ P-10 hit the target.

An SNT Motive official stated, "The reliability of the existing K5 pistol was verified up to 10,000 rounds fired, while the CZ P-10 was tested up to 50,000 rounds. Although the CZ P-10 has roughly 10% fewer parts than the K5, it actually delivers superior performance."

The STSR20, the first anti-materiel sniper rifle developed domestically, is designed for sniping aircraft or armored vehicles from a long distance. The anti-materiel sniper rifle uses 12.7mm bullets roughly the size of an adult finger. Photo by SNT Motive

The STSR20, the first large-caliber sniper rifle developed in Korea, was also unveiled. The reason for developing a large-caliber sniper rifle is straightforward: to engage aircraft or armored vehicles from a long distance. If a single inexpensive bullet can disable an advanced fighter jet from over a kilometer away, it offers unparalleled cost-effectiveness. The large-caliber sniper rifle uses 12.7mm rounds about the size of an adult finger. The large size of the bullet also produces significant recoil—strong enough that, in the past, shooters sometimes suffered hairline fractures in their collarbones.

Development of Korea’s First Large-Caliber Sniper Rifle

The size of the STSR20 is immediately striking. It measures 1 meter 40 centimeters in length and weighs 14 kilograms. Lifting the stock to chamber a round, the hefty weight was instantly apparent. An SNT Motive official demonstrated the rifle, warning it might be surprising. Even standing two meters behind, I was startled not only by the noise but also by the shockwave that accompanied each shot, strong enough to kick up clouds of dust around the rifle. The muzzle features a port that helps vent the shock. For firing, the shooter braces the stock against their shoulder. Upon the shot, the stock pushes against the collarbone, and even while seated, it lifts your hips from the chair. After firing, I looked inside the barrel and noticed a spring as large as an adult’s fist. Various buffer devices and dampeners are installed inside to reduce the impact from firing such a large-caliber weapon. The domestically produced large-caliber sniper rifle, developed in 2024, received prompt international attention. Last year, approximately 70 units were ordered from an Asian country, and test firing has already been conducted locally at the request of a Middle Eastern nation.

An SNT Motive representative stated, "The technology behind Korean-made rifles is already recognized internationally. We aim to further enhance our technological edge with lighter designs and increased accuracy, and will also pursue domestic replacement programs for aging rifles."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.