Legacy of the K5: Daewoo DP51 Through Lionheart Vulcan-9

This expert review by Mark A. Keefe IV, Editor-in-Chief of American Rifleman, details the Daewoo DP51 pistol. It highlights the unique 'Fast Action' or 'Tri-Action' trigger system, originally developed for the South Korean military as the K5. While the pistol features conventional design elements, its trigger offers a distinct operational advantage by allowing the hammer to be decocked forward while maintaining a chambered round, resulting in a light first-shot trigger pull. The review also touches upon its import challenges in the U.S. and notes significant accuracy issues found during testing.

The Lionheart LH9 is a South Korean K5 variant offering a unique 'Double Action Plus' system for enhanced safety and a crisp trigger break. It boasts high-quality machining, ambidextrous controls, and compatibility with S&W 59-series magazines. While priced higher than some competitors, its distinctive features and reliable performance make it a compelling option for defensive use.

SNT Motiv, formerly Daewoo, is establishing a US manufacturing presence to release civilian-legal versions of its South Korean military firearms. The K2 Classic, a semi-auto K2 rifle, is slated for June 2025, alongside modernized variants like the K2C1 and the AR-pattern K13 rifle. This direct manufacturer launch promises better availability for these designs.

The Lionheart Vulcan 9 is a modernized take on the Korean military's DP51, featuring an aluminum alloy frame and steel slide. It boasts a unique 'Double Action Plus' system, allowing for a consistent trigger pull akin to a striker-fired pistol while retaining hammer-fired operation. The firearm is optics-ready, comes with G10 grips featuring an 'Accelerator Rapid Engagement Grip' (REG) for enhanced control, and offers a threaded barrel option for suppressor use. It is designed as a capable concealed carry firearm with a focus on reliability and user-friendly features.

This guide details the specific technique for separating two MAS-36 rifles that have been inadvertently locked together by their bayonets. It outlines the historical context of this issue, the modification made to the bayonet to resolve it, and the step-by-step procedure for disengagement. The technique requires precise alignment and the use of a pointed tool to access the internal release mechanism, as demonstrated by firearms expert Ian McCollum.

This guide details the loading and firing procedure for the M134 Minigun, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers manual indexing of the barrel cluster, feeding the ammunition belt, engaging controls, and firing. The guide also touches upon the weapon's spin-down inertia and the function of modern clutch systems. Expert instruction from a recognized firearms historian highlights the technical aspects of operating this powerful weapon system.

This guide details the operational features of the H&K G11 K2, a prototype assault rifle known for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt. It covers the selector settings, magazine capacity, integrated optics, and the internal action designed for recoil management during high-rate-of-fire bursts. Expert insights from Ian McCollum highlight the historical context and technical innovations of this advanced firearm.

This guide details the operation of the German L.Gr.W.36 50mm light mortar, as demonstrated by expert Ian McCollum. It covers assembly, leveling procedures, ammunition handling, and live fire execution, emphasizing the difficulty in visually tracking the projectile. The instruction highlights the importance of proper setup for accuracy.