Diemaco C7
Encyclopedia
The Colt Canada C7 rifle is a service rifle
variation of the M16 rifle
that is manufactured by Diemaco
/Colt Canada
, a subsidiary of Colt Firearms after 2005, and used by the Canadian Forces
, Hærens Jegerkommando
(Norway
), Military of Denmark
(all branches), Iceland Crisis Response Unit, the Military of the Netherlands
(all branches including the Royal Marechaussee) as its main infantry weapon. Following trials, variants became the weapon of choice of United Kingdom Special Forces
. It has been used in various combat operations by the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.
by Colt. A Canadian Forces Liaison Officer worked with the Marines in the M16A1 Product Improvement Program and relayed information to Canada's Rifle Replacement Program Office. The C7 is much like earlier M16A1E1s, rather than final product M16A2s. The earliest C7s were manufactured by Colt for Canadian Forces as the Colt Model 715. The C7 series of firearms is driven by the same direct impingement
gas system as the M16 series. Like the M16A1, the C7 has both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire modes. The C7 also features the structural strengthening, improved handguards, and longer stock developed for the M16A2. Diemaco changed the trapdoor in the buttstock to make for easier access, and a 0.5 in (12.7 mm) spacer is available to adjust stock length. The most noticeable external difference between American M16A2s and Diemaco C7s is the retention of the A1 style rear sights. Not so apparent is Diemaco's use of hammer-forged barrels. The Canadians originally wished to use a heavy barrel profile instead of the M16A2 profile, but Colt denied permission. Also, Diemaco has developed a different mounting system from Colt for the M203 grenade launcher for the C7 rifle family.
/carrying handle used on the C7 with a modified Weaver rail for mounting optics. Canadian development of rails preceded American standardization of the MIL-STD-1913 "Picatinny rail
", so the "Canadian Rail" or "Diemaco Rail" differs slightly. There are 14 slots instead of 13 and each slot is narrower. The height of the rail is also lower, allowing the use of normal front sights (MIL-STD-1913 requires a different front sight assembly). During development, the original rails were vacuum-bonded to the top of a bare receiver. For production, the rail and receiver were made out of a single forging. The mount can use traditional iron sights or the ELCAN
C79 Optical Sight
3.4× power optical sight, both of which can be adjusted for individual eye relief. The optical sight was designed for the C9
light machine gun
and includes horizontal and vertical mil-bars used for range determination and deflection, and a tritium glow-in-the-dark aiming post rather than the traditional crosshair
s. The 3.4× is powerful enough to properly see targets at the maximum accurate range of 400 m (437.4 yd), though like most magnified optical sights it is prone to criticism for creating tunnel vision in close quarters situations. While the wide aperture helps to speed target acquisition, Canadian soldiers generally forgo the C79 sight in favour of non-magnified optical sights or backup iron sights when engaged or training in close quarters battle
. The front sight was changed to a round post 0.05 in (1.3 mm) in diameter, from the square post.
holographic weapons sight and the Trijicon ACOG
.
Within an eight man section, 6 soldiers will normally carry a C7A2, the section commander and second in command, two grenadiers and two riflemen, with only the machine gunners carrying a C9A2 LMG. The C7A2 is considered a 'mid-life' upgrade for the C7 family. The addition of the TRI-AD rail mount has made it easier for soldiers to attach accessories such as laser designators and tac-lights.
is the carbine member of the C7 family, and is mechanically and aesthetically very similar to the Colt 653. Colt made the initial C8s for Canadian Forces as the Colt Model 725. The C8 has a 368 mm (14.5 in) A1 profile barrel like the Colt Model 653 M16A1 carbine, but with a 1 in 7 in (177.8 mm) rifling twist
appropriate for the 5.56×45mm NATO C77 cartridge. The C8 incorporates the design improvements featured on C7 rifles.
grenade launcher. The British Ministry of Defence
acquired a number of SFWs, primarily for Special Forces, giving them the Land Force designation L119A1. This version of the C8 is also in service with the Norwegian
MJK
and HJK
. Because of the barrel profile, another Diemaco specific mount is required to attach the M203 grenade launcher (though the MoD have decided to use the HK AG-C/L17A1).
had with the C8 led to the creation of the C8FTHB. The C8FTHB (Flat Top Heavy Barrel) features numerous improvements over the C8, including a heavy profile hammer-forged barrel and Elcan C79 Optical Sight
.
, having a 10 in (254 mm) barrel and a Vortex flash suppressor. The Diemaco Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) is even more compact having an overall length of 20.7 in (525.8 mm) with stock fully retracted. It has a 5.7 in (144.8 mm) barrel and the receiver extension has been shortened by 1.65 in (41.9 mm). A further upgrade upon the C8FTHB is currently being slowly integrated. The new version will be designated the C8A3. The C8A3 will combine the C8FTHB with the upgrades found on the C7A2. These improvements include green furniture, ambidextrous fire selector, magazine catch, and an extended ambidextrous charging handle.
variant of the series. The Diemaco Light Support Weapon (LSW) features a heavy barrel suitable for sustained fire. The LSW can only be fired on fully automatic. The LSW has a boxy square handguard with a carrying handle and a vertical foregrip that can be used as a monopod
. The LSW was made with no bayonet lug
until recently because of the original bipod
. A new bipod attaches to the same barrel yoke as the carrying handle and front grip, so current LSWs are made with a bayonet lug. Unlike many M16 variants, it fires from an open bolt
, allowing the removal of the forward assist
. The LSW used by the Royal Danish Army
fires from a closed bolt
and also has a semi automatic firing mode. The Diemaco LSW was originally a license produced variant of the Colt 750, but both Colt and Diemaco have upgraded their respective weapons to include features like a detachable carry handle and other features separately.
variants, the C7CT and C8CT, with CT meaning Custom Tactical. These accurized C7/C8 variants are designed to provide accurate engagement up to 600 m (656.2 yd), while providing system commonality to other fielded weapons. They have two-stage match triggers and weighted stocks to counterbalance the heavy 508 mm (20 in) or 16 in (406.4 mm) free-floating barrel surrounded by a tubular forestock. A removable bipod, rails for designators, sling, etc. attach to that forestock. A special, distinctive pistol grip is fitted and the C7-style buttstock can be adjusted with shims. Sound suppressors are usually fitted. The rifle is designed as a sniper spotter weapon or a police containment weapon. The CT series weapons meet or exceed all applicable military standards including: reliability in all environmental and operational conditions, accuracy, lethality, maintainability in field conditions and safety.
Custom Tactical Features:
- Direct Gas System: The unique direct gas system eliminates the operating rod and keeps all of the firing forces in line with the bore for maximum accuracy and reliability.
- Hammer Forged Heavy Match Barrel: The very heavy barrel profile maintains zero with accessories fitted and provides extra thermal mass to dissipate heat for enhanced consistency.
- Flat Top: The upper receiver can be manufactured in the original Canadian Forces specification Weaver rail, or with a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail.
ammunition, but is only capable of semiautomatic fire. The stock and lower receiver are one piece.
bought the first batch of C7A1 in 1995 and C8A2 in 1996, designating them the M/95 and M/96 carbine. In 2004 the LSW, named LSV M/04 was added to the arsenal.
These are to replace the German made M/75
(H&K G3), which has been the main infantry weapon since 1975.
The C7A1 is issued to standard infantry units of the Royal Danish Army
. The C8A2 is issued to units where the physically longer C7A1 can be obstructive to that units primary work, such as logisticians
, tankers and special units. Jægerkorpset
and Frømandskorpset (Special forces) use the C8SFW with a 401 mm (15.8 in) barrel and extra front rails. The now defunct Patruljedelingen, a draftee LRRP-unit, also used the C8SFW.
The LSW used to be issued to "support gunners" in infantry squads. However, it is planned that the Royal Danish Army will only use 7.62mm belt-fed machine guns for the support role. Most of the LSW's are intended to be transferred to the Danish Home Guard.
The Army almost exclusively use the C7A1 and C8A2 with the Elcan C79 optical sight, while the Danish Home Guard
use the C8A2 with the Swedish produced Aimpoint. The main feature of the Aimpoint is the "both eyes open" sighting. This is the preferred sighting method at shorter ranges.
The C7A1 was first issued to field units of Logcoy/Danbn/Dancon
of the Danish International Brigade
, in October–November 1995 shortly before the transition from UNPROFOR to IFOR
in Bosnia
.
The Royal Danish Army is starting a process to replace all variants of M/96 and M/95 with a new weapon from Colt Canada. It features a 401 mm (15.8 in) floating barrel, fully ambidextrous controls, flip up iron sights, a collapsible buttstock with more positions, a better charging handle and the IUR integrated upper receiver with integrated quad-rail. The official Danish name is rifle M/10. This reflects lessons learned fighting the Taliban in the Helmand province of Afghanistan (where the Royal Danish Army takes part).
Originally the M/95 and M/96 were issued with plastic 30-round magazines. They are however not being used for front line duty anymore and are replaced by metal magazines. The plastic tend to crack and when it breaks completely, all rounds can be ejected into the air. They can also have problems reliably feeding the weapon when loaded with more than 28 rounds.
, 12 Infantry Battalion Regiment Van Heutsz
and 13 Infantry Battalion Regiment Stoottroepen Prins Bernhard
uses the C7A1, and the C8A1 (Diemaco C8FT) is mainly used by the Korps Commandotroepen
, the paratroopers of the Luchtmobiele Brigade (one company per battalion), the Korps Mariniers and most of the recon units of the various combat units, including the Forward Air Controllers and the reconnaissance units of the cavalry and the artillery.
Many of the Dutch Army's C7s have had an overhaul: the rifle's black furniture has now been replaced by dark earth furniture. New parts include a new retracting stock, the Diemaco IUR (Integrated Upper receiver) with RIS
rails for mounting flashlights and laser systems, and a vertical foregrip with built-in bipod; the thermold plastic magazines have now become brown in color. The ELCAN sighting system has also disappeared in favor of the Swedish
made Aimpoint CompM4
red dot sight.
Service rifle
The service rifle of a given army or armed force is that which it issues as standard to its soldiers. In modern forces, this is typically a highly versatile and rugged assault rifle suitable for use in nearly all theatres and environments...
variation of the M16 rifle
M16 rifle
The M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO...
that is manufactured by Diemaco
Diemaco
Diemaco was a Canadian defense company based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, that manufactured the C7 family of rifles under a licence from Colt. It was acquired by Colt on May 20, 2005, in a $18.2 million purchase from parent company Héroux-Devtek Inc, which had purchased Diemaco in 2000....
/Colt Canada
Colt Canada
Colt Canada is a firearms manufacturer owned by US based Colt and located in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.The company is a defense contractor that manufactures and supplies small arms to the Canadian Forces and Canadian law enforcement agencies, as well as defense research & development, training,...
, a subsidiary of Colt Firearms after 2005, and used by the Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
, Hærens Jegerkommando
Hærens Jegerkommando
Hærens Jegerkommando is a special forces unit of the Norwegian military. It is the armed forces competence center for commando, airborne and counter terrorist duty in the Norwegian Army. Its headquarters are located 30 km...
(Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
), Military of Denmark
Military of Denmark
The armed forces of the Kingdom of Denmark, known as the Danish Defence is charged with the defence of the Kingdom of Denmark.The Chief of Defence is the head of the Danish Armed Forces, and is head of the Defence Command which is managed by the Ministry of Defence. Constitutionally, the...
(all branches), Iceland Crisis Response Unit, the Military of the Netherlands
Military of the Netherlands
The Armed forces of the Netherlands consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.The service branches consist of:* Koninklijke Landmacht , Royal Netherlands Army....
(all branches including the Royal Marechaussee) as its main infantry weapon. Following trials, variants became the weapon of choice of United Kingdom Special Forces
United Kingdom Special Forces
The United Kingdom Special Forces is a UK Ministry of Defence Directorate which also has the capability to provide a Joint Special Operations Task Force Headquarters...
. It has been used in various combat operations by the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.
C7
The development of the C7 paralleled that of the M16A2M16 rifle
The M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO...
by Colt. A Canadian Forces Liaison Officer worked with the Marines in the M16A1 Product Improvement Program and relayed information to Canada's Rifle Replacement Program Office. The C7 is much like earlier M16A1E1s, rather than final product M16A2s. The earliest C7s were manufactured by Colt for Canadian Forces as the Colt Model 715. The C7 series of firearms is driven by the same direct impingement
Direct impingement
Direct impingement is a type of gas operation for a firearm that directs gas from a fired cartridge directly to the bolt carrier or slide assembly to cycle the action.- Evaluation :...
gas system as the M16 series. Like the M16A1, the C7 has both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire modes. The C7 also features the structural strengthening, improved handguards, and longer stock developed for the M16A2. Diemaco changed the trapdoor in the buttstock to make for easier access, and a 0.5 in (12.7 mm) spacer is available to adjust stock length. The most noticeable external difference between American M16A2s and Diemaco C7s is the retention of the A1 style rear sights. Not so apparent is Diemaco's use of hammer-forged barrels. The Canadians originally wished to use a heavy barrel profile instead of the M16A2 profile, but Colt denied permission. Also, Diemaco has developed a different mounting system from Colt for the M203 grenade launcher for the C7 rifle family.
C7A1
The C7A1 (Diemaco C7FT) replaces the iron sightIron sight
Iron sights are a system of shaped alignment markers used as a sighting device to assist in the aiming of a device such as a firearm, crossbow, or telescope, and exclude the use of optics as in telescopic sights or reflector sights...
/carrying handle used on the C7 with a modified Weaver rail for mounting optics. Canadian development of rails preceded American standardization of the MIL-STD-1913 "Picatinny rail
Picatinny rail
The Picatinny rail or MIL-STD-1913 rail or STANAG 2324 rail or a "Tactical Rail" is a bracket used on some firearms in order to provide a standardized mounting platform. A similar system is the Weaver rail mount.-Description:...
", so the "Canadian Rail" or "Diemaco Rail" differs slightly. There are 14 slots instead of 13 and each slot is narrower. The height of the rail is also lower, allowing the use of normal front sights (MIL-STD-1913 requires a different front sight assembly). During development, the original rails were vacuum-bonded to the top of a bare receiver. For production, the rail and receiver were made out of a single forging. The mount can use traditional iron sights or the ELCAN
ELCAN Optical Technologies
ELCAN is a Canadian optics and electronics company owned by Raytheon.The company manufactures devices for civilian and military markets. The company has locations in Midland, Ontario, Richardson, Texas and Málaga, Spain....
C79 Optical Sight
C79 Optical Sight
The C79 Optical sight is a small arms telescopic sight of 3.4x28 magnification. A tritium illuminated reticle provides for normal and low-light conditions sighting. The sight itself is Nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging and is covered with an armoured coating of rubber...
3.4× power optical sight, both of which can be adjusted for individual eye relief. The optical sight was designed for the C9
FN Minimi
The Minimi is a Belgian 5.56mm light machine gun developed by Fabrique Nationale in Herstal by Ernest Vervier. First introduced in 1974, it has entered service with the armed forces of over thirty countries...
light machine gun
Machine gun
A machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm, usually designed to fire rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or large-capacity magazine, typically at a rate of several hundred rounds per minute....
and includes horizontal and vertical mil-bars used for range determination and deflection, and a tritium glow-in-the-dark aiming post rather than the traditional crosshair
Crosshair
A reticle is a net of fine lines or fibers in the eyepiece of a sighting device, such as a telescope, a telescopic sight, a microscope, or the screen of an oscilloscope. The word reticle comes from the Latin "reticulum," meaning "net." Today, engraved lines or embedded fibers may be replaced by a...
s. The 3.4× is powerful enough to properly see targets at the maximum accurate range of 400 m (437.4 yd), though like most magnified optical sights it is prone to criticism for creating tunnel vision in close quarters situations. While the wide aperture helps to speed target acquisition, Canadian soldiers generally forgo the C79 sight in favour of non-magnified optical sights or backup iron sights when engaged or training in close quarters battle
Close quarters battle
Close quarters combat or close quarters battle is a type of fighting in which small units engage the enemy with personal weapons at very short range, potentially to the point of hand-to-hand combat or fighting with hand weapons such as swords or knives...
. The front sight was changed to a round post 0.05 in (1.3 mm) in diameter, from the square post.
C7A2
With Canadian involvement in Afghanistan, Diemaco and the Canadian Forces have developed improvements to the C7A1 to better suit the operational situations at hand. The result, the C7A2, has a four-point telescoping stock unit similar to that of the C8 carbine and a 3-rail TRI-AD I mount on the front sight triangle. The selector lever, magazine release, and charging handle latch are ambidextrous. Also, the C7A2 is issued with green colour furniture as standard. These weapons are often seen with a similar plethora of accessories as their American counterparts given the overall commonalities of the system and the rail mounts. The C7A2 is also issued with the C79A2 ELCAN optical gunsight with 3.4× magnification but with a uniform green rubber armored coating, but some soldiers who are issued it have either been issued or have purchased sights like the EOTechEOTech
EOTech designs, manufactures, and markets electro-optic products and systems. The company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They produce holographic weapon sights for small arms that have been adopted by various military and law enforcement agencies as close quarters battle firearm...
holographic weapons sight and the Trijicon ACOG
ACOG
ACOG may refer to:*Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight*Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games*American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists...
.
Within an eight man section, 6 soldiers will normally carry a C7A2, the section commander and second in command, two grenadiers and two riflemen, with only the machine gunners carrying a C9A2 LMG. The C7A2 is considered a 'mid-life' upgrade for the C7 family. The addition of the TRI-AD rail mount has made it easier for soldiers to attach accessories such as laser designators and tac-lights.
C8
The C8 carbineCarbine
A carbine , from French carabine, is a longarm similar to but shorter than a rifle or musket. Many carbines are shortened versions of full rifles, firing the same ammunition at a lower velocity due to a shorter barrel length....
is the carbine member of the C7 family, and is mechanically and aesthetically very similar to the Colt 653. Colt made the initial C8s for Canadian Forces as the Colt Model 725. The C8 has a 368 mm (14.5 in) A1 profile barrel like the Colt Model 653 M16A1 carbine, but with a 1 in 7 in (177.8 mm) rifling twist
Rifling
Rifling is the process of making helical grooves in the barrel of a gun or firearm, which imparts a spin to a projectile around its long axis...
appropriate for the 5.56×45mm NATO C77 cartridge. The C8 incorporates the design improvements featured on C7 rifles.
C8A1
The improved C8A1 (Diemaco C8FT) is essentially the same as the C7A1, just in carbine form; the carbine having a 38cm barrel versus the 53cm barrel typically seen on the C7 . The overall layout of the weapon remains essentially unchanged except for the upper receiver and the general inclusion of the C79 sight. C8A1s have also been more commonly seen with the detachable carry handle with A1 sights developed by Diemaco for both the C7FT and the C8FT.C8SFW
Building upon the C8 and C8A1, Diemaco created the Special Forces Weapon (SFW), which provides an interesting combination of ideas. Featuring a longer, 16 in (406.4 mm) barrel of a heavier profile than the C8/A1, the SFW is designed to provide a fire support capability in carbine form. The profile of the barrel is not uniform, oddly enough bulging out at the end, whereas the M4 profile barrel steps down. The front sight base is strengthened for mounting of the Heckler & Koch AG-C/EGLMHeckler & Koch AG-C/EGLM
The AG-C/EGLM is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher that attaches to any AR-15 type rifle, including the HK416/17. It is manufactured by Heckler and Koch and is derived from the AG36. EGLM stands for "Enhanced Grenade Launching Module". A stand-alone variant exists. The device attaches under the...
grenade launcher. The British Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)
The Ministry of Defence is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces....
acquired a number of SFWs, primarily for Special Forces, giving them the Land Force designation L119A1. This version of the C8 is also in service with the Norwegian
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
MJK
Marinejegerkommandoen
Marinejegerkommandoen is a Norwegian maritime special forces unit. It was formally established in 1951. It is located in Ramsund in the northern part of Norway and at Haakonsvern Naval Base in Bergen...
and HJK
Hærens Jegerkommando
Hærens Jegerkommando is a special forces unit of the Norwegian military. It is the armed forces competence center for commando, airborne and counter terrorist duty in the Norwegian Army. Its headquarters are located 30 km...
. Because of the barrel profile, another Diemaco specific mount is required to attach the M203 grenade launcher (though the MoD have decided to use the HK AG-C/L17A1).
C8FTHB
Concerns that Princess Patricia's Canadian Light InfantryPrincess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry is one of the three regular force infantry regiments of the Canadian Army. The regiment is composed of four battalions including a primary reserve battalion, for a total of 2,000 soldiers...
had with the C8 led to the creation of the C8FTHB. The C8FTHB (Flat Top Heavy Barrel) features numerous improvements over the C8, including a heavy profile hammer-forged barrel and Elcan C79 Optical Sight
C79 Optical Sight
The C79 Optical sight is a small arms telescopic sight of 3.4x28 magnification. A tritium illuminated reticle provides for normal and low-light conditions sighting. The sight itself is Nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging and is covered with an armoured coating of rubber...
.
Other C8 variants
Recently, Diemaco has begun producing three additional C8 variants. The C8CQB similar to the Mark 18 Mod 0 CQBRCQBR
The Close Quarters Battle Receiver is a replacement upper receiver for the M4A1 Carbine. The CQBR replaces the M4 with a barrel 10.3 in length making it the modern equivalent of the Colt Commando short-barrel M16 variants of the past....
, having a 10 in (254 mm) barrel and a Vortex flash suppressor. The Diemaco Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) is even more compact having an overall length of 20.7 in (525.8 mm) with stock fully retracted. It has a 5.7 in (144.8 mm) barrel and the receiver extension has been shortened by 1.65 in (41.9 mm). A further upgrade upon the C8FTHB is currently being slowly integrated. The new version will be designated the C8A3. The C8A3 will combine the C8FTHB with the upgrades found on the C7A2. These improvements include green furniture, ambidextrous fire selector, magazine catch, and an extended ambidextrous charging handle.
Diemaco LSW
Colt and Diemaco also paired up to develop a squad automatic weaponSquad automatic weapon
A squad automatic weapon is a weapon used to give infantry squads or sections a portable source of automatic firepower. Weapons used in this role are selective-fire rifles, usually fitted with a bipod and heavier barrel to perform as Light machine guns...
variant of the series. The Diemaco Light Support Weapon (LSW) features a heavy barrel suitable for sustained fire. The LSW can only be fired on fully automatic. The LSW has a boxy square handguard with a carrying handle and a vertical foregrip that can be used as a monopod
Monopod
A monopod, also called a unipod, is a single staff or pole used to help support cameras, video cameras, binoculars, rifles or other precision instruments in the field.-Camera and imaging use:...
. The LSW was made with no bayonet lug
Bayonet lug
A bayonet lug is a standard feature on most military muskets, rifles, and shotguns, and on some civilian longarms. It is intended for attaching a bayonet, which is typically a long spike or thrusting knife...
until recently because of the original bipod
Bipod
A bipod is a support device that is similar to a tripod or monopod, but with two legs. It provides significant stability along two axes of motion .-Firearms:...
. A new bipod attaches to the same barrel yoke as the carrying handle and front grip, so current LSWs are made with a bayonet lug. Unlike many M16 variants, it fires from an open bolt
Open bolt
A semi or full automatic firearm is said to fire from an open bolt if, when ready to fire, the bolt and working parts are held to the rear. When the trigger is pulled the bolt goes forward, feeding a round from the magazine into the chamber and firing it...
, allowing the removal of the forward assist
Forward assist
The forward assist on a rifle is a button found commonly on M16 and AR-15 styled rifles, usually located near the bolt closure, that when hit will push the bolt carrier forward, ensuring that the bolt is locked. In order to ensure that the extractor is clipped around the rim of the shell, the...
. The LSW used by the Royal Danish Army
Royal Danish Army
The Royal Danish Army is the land warfare branch of the Danish Defence Forces, together with the Danish Home Guard.For the last decade, the Royal Danish Army has undergone a massive transformation of structures, equipment and training methods, abandoning its traditional role of anti-invasion...
fires from a closed bolt
Closed bolt
A semi or full-automatic firearm which is said to fire from a closed bolt is one where, when ready to fire, a round is in the chamber and the bolt and working parts are forward...
and also has a semi automatic firing mode. The Diemaco LSW was originally a license produced variant of the Colt 750, but both Colt and Diemaco have upgraded their respective weapons to include features like a detachable carry handle and other features separately.
C7CT and C8CT Designated Marksman variants
Diemaco's C7/C8 family is completed with two designated marksmanDesignated marksman
The designated marksman is a military marksman role in a U.S. infantry squad. The term sniper was used in Soviet doctrine although the soldiers using the Dragunov were the first to use a specifically designed designated marksman's rifle. Sniper is also used in Russian doctrine...
variants, the C7CT and C8CT, with CT meaning Custom Tactical. These accurized C7/C8 variants are designed to provide accurate engagement up to 600 m (656.2 yd), while providing system commonality to other fielded weapons. They have two-stage match triggers and weighted stocks to counterbalance the heavy 508 mm (20 in) or 16 in (406.4 mm) free-floating barrel surrounded by a tubular forestock. A removable bipod, rails for designators, sling, etc. attach to that forestock. A special, distinctive pistol grip is fitted and the C7-style buttstock can be adjusted with shims. Sound suppressors are usually fitted. The rifle is designed as a sniper spotter weapon or a police containment weapon. The CT series weapons meet or exceed all applicable military standards including: reliability in all environmental and operational conditions, accuracy, lethality, maintainability in field conditions and safety.
Custom Tactical Features:
- Direct Gas System: The unique direct gas system eliminates the operating rod and keeps all of the firing forces in line with the bore for maximum accuracy and reliability.
- Hammer Forged Heavy Match Barrel: The very heavy barrel profile maintains zero with accessories fitted and provides extra thermal mass to dissipate heat for enhanced consistency.
- Flat Top: The upper receiver can be manufactured in the original Canadian Forces specification Weaver rail, or with a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail.
C10 small bore training version
Diemaco makes a training version of the C7 named the C10. It fires .22 Long Rifle.22 Long Rifle
The .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridge is a long established variety of ammunition, and in terms of units sold is still by far the most common in the world today. The cartridge is often referred to simply as .22 LR and various rifles, pistols, revolvers, and even some smoothbore shotguns have...
ammunition, but is only capable of semiautomatic fire. The stock and lower receiver are one piece.
C7/C8 variants comparison table
| Colt model number | Diemaco model number | Canadian designation | British designation | Danish designation | Barrel Length | Barrel Type | Handguard type | Buttstock type | Pistol grip type | Lower receiver type | Upper receiver type | Rear sight type | Muzzle device | Forward assist? | Case deflector? | Bayonet lug? | Trigger pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 715 | C7 | C7 | N/A | N/A | 508 mm (20 in) | A2 Profile (1 in 7 in (177.8 mm) twist) | Full-length ribbed | Fixed A2 | A2 | A2 | A2 | A1 | M16A2-style birdcage flash suppressor | Yes | Yes | Yes | S-R-Auto |
| N/A | C7FT | C7A1 | N/A | Gv M/95 | 508 mm (20 in) | A2 Profile (1 in 7 in (177.8 mm) twist) | Full-length ribbed | Fixed A2 | A2 | A2 | Flattop | None | M16A2-style birdcage flash suppressor | Yes | Yes | Yes | S-R-Auto |
| N/A | C7A2 | C7A2 | N/A | N/A | 508 mm (20 in) | A2 Profile (1 in 7 in (177.8 mm) twist) | Full-length ribbed | Four-position retractable | A2 | A2 | Flattop | None | M16A2-style birdcage flash suppressor | Yes | Yes | Yes | S-R-Auto |
| 750 | LSW | N/A | N/A | LSV M/04 | 508 mm (20 in) | A2 HBAR Profile (1 in 7 in (177.8 mm) twist) | Square LMG | Fixed A2 | A2 | A2 | A2 or Flattop | A2 or None | M16A2-style birdcage flash suppressor | Yes or No | Yes | Yes or No | S-R-Auto or S-Auto |
| 725 | C8 | C8 | N/A | N/A | 368 mm (14.5 in) | A1 Profile (1 in 7 in (177.8 mm) twist) | Short cylindrical ribbed | Two-position retractable | A2 | A2 | A2 | A1 | M16A2-style birdcage flash suppressor | Yes | Yes | Yes | S-R-Auto |
| N/A | C8FT | C8A1 | N/A | N/A | 368 mm (14.5 in) | A1 Profile (1 in 7 in (177.8 mm) twist) | Short cylindrical ribbed | Four-position retractable | A2 | A2 | Flattop | None | M16A2-style birdcage flash suppressor | Yes | Yes | Yes | S-R-Auto |
| N/A | C8FTHB | C8A2 | N/A | Kb M/96 | 368 mm (14.5 in) | A2 HBAR Profile (1 in 7 in (177.8 mm) twist) | Short cylindrical ribbed | Four-position retractable, Three on the DK vers. | A2 | A2 | Flattop | None | M16A2-style birdcage flash suppressor | Yes | Yes | Yes | S-R-Auto |
| N/A | SFW | N/A | L119A1 | N/A | 401 mm (15.8 in) | SFW Profile (1 in 7 in (177.8 mm) twist) | KAC M4 RAS | Four-position retractable | A2 | A2 | Flattop | None | M16A2-style birdcage flash suppressor | Yes | Yes | Yes | S-R-Auto |
Denmark
DenmarkDenmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
bought the first batch of C7A1 in 1995 and C8A2 in 1996, designating them the M/95 and M/96 carbine. In 2004 the LSW, named LSV M/04 was added to the arsenal.
These are to replace the German made M/75
Heckler & Koch G3
The G3 is a 7.62mm battle rifle developed in the 1950s by the German armament manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH in collaboration with the Spanish state-owned design and development agency CETME ....
(H&K G3), which has been the main infantry weapon since 1975.
The C7A1 is issued to standard infantry units of the Royal Danish Army
Royal Danish Army
The Royal Danish Army is the land warfare branch of the Danish Defence Forces, together with the Danish Home Guard.For the last decade, the Royal Danish Army has undergone a massive transformation of structures, equipment and training methods, abandoning its traditional role of anti-invasion...
. The C8A2 is issued to units where the physically longer C7A1 can be obstructive to that units primary work, such as logisticians
Military logistics
Military logistics is the discipline of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of military forces. In its most comprehensive sense, it is those aspects or military operations that deal with:...
, tankers and special units. Jægerkorpset
Jægerkorpset
The Jaeger Corps is the special forces unit of the Royal Danish Army stationed at Aalborg Air Base.-Insignia and status :Jægerkorpset wears the maroon beret with a brass emblem depicting a hunter's bugle on a black felt liner. The beret is issued after completion of an 16 week selection...
and Frømandskorpset (Special forces) use the C8SFW with a 401 mm (15.8 in) barrel and extra front rails. The now defunct Patruljedelingen, a draftee LRRP-unit, also used the C8SFW.
The LSW used to be issued to "support gunners" in infantry squads. However, it is planned that the Royal Danish Army will only use 7.62mm belt-fed machine guns for the support role. Most of the LSW's are intended to be transferred to the Danish Home Guard.
The Army almost exclusively use the C7A1 and C8A2 with the Elcan C79 optical sight, while the Danish Home Guard
Danish Home Guard
The Danish Home Guard is the fourth service of the Danish military, formerly concerned only with the defence of Danish territory, but since 2008, it has also participated in forward operating base guard duties in Afghanistan. Service is voluntary and unpaid, except that the most basic expenses...
use the C8A2 with the Swedish produced Aimpoint. The main feature of the Aimpoint is the "both eyes open" sighting. This is the preferred sighting method at shorter ranges.
The C7A1 was first issued to field units of Logcoy/Danbn/Dancon
Dancon
Dancon, an abbreviation of Danish Contingent, is the term that comprises all Danish national forces in a current military mission of the UN, NATO, or national character. Dancon is not a military unit per se, like a brigade, but rather an organisation in which all military units currently working in...
of the Danish International Brigade
Danish International Brigade
The Danish International Brigade , short DIB was a Danish military brigade.The political decision to form this brigade was conceived in the Danish Defence agreement 1992-1995. The formal decision to form the Brigade was made by the Folketing on November 25, 1993 and this date is often regarded as...
, in October–November 1995 shortly before the transition from UNPROFOR to IFOR
IFOR
The Implementation Force was a NATO-led multinational peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina under a one-year mandate from 20 December 1995 to 20 December 1996 under the codename Operation Joint Endeavour. Its task was to implement the military Annexes of The General Framework Agreement for...
in Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
.
The Royal Danish Army is starting a process to replace all variants of M/96 and M/95 with a new weapon from Colt Canada. It features a 401 mm (15.8 in) floating barrel, fully ambidextrous controls, flip up iron sights, a collapsible buttstock with more positions, a better charging handle and the IUR integrated upper receiver with integrated quad-rail. The official Danish name is rifle M/10. This reflects lessons learned fighting the Taliban in the Helmand province of Afghanistan (where the Royal Danish Army takes part).
Originally the M/95 and M/96 were issued with plastic 30-round magazines. They are however not being used for front line duty anymore and are replaced by metal magazines. The plastic tend to crack and when it breaks completely, all rounds can be ejected into the air. They can also have problems reliably feeding the weapon when loaded with more than 28 rounds.
Afghan National Army
In 2007 and 2008, Canada donated 2,500 surplus C7 rifles to the Afghan National Army. In 2011, the ANA gave back the C7's since the Afghan security forces chose the American M-16 variant instead. Canadian Forces officials said the Canadian rifles would be shipped to Canada for disposal.The Netherlands
The most commonly used version in the Dutch Military is the C7. The Luchtmobiele Brigade (Airmobile Brigade), consisting of 11 Infantry Battalion Garderegiment Grenadiers en JagersGarderegiment Grenadiers en Jagers
Garderegiment Grenadiers en Jagers is a regiment of the Royal Netherlands Army; it is one of two, along with the Garderegiment Fuseliers Prinses Irene that is classed as 'Guards'...
, 12 Infantry Battalion Regiment Van Heutsz
Regiment Van Heutsz
The Regiment Van Heutsz is a line infantry regiment of the Royal Netherlands Army. The regiment was named after J.B. van Heutsz a former Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, and was formed on July 1, 1950. It currently, in 2011, operates as 12 Air Assault Infantry Battalion as part of 11...
and 13 Infantry Battalion Regiment Stoottroepen Prins Bernhard
Regiment Stoottroepen Prins Bernhard
The Regiment Stoottroepen Prins Bernhard is an infantry regiment of the Royal Netherlands Army.The Regiment Stoottroepen was founded on 21 September 1944 in Eindhoven, and composed of members of the Dutch resistance from those parts of the Netherlands that had been recently liberated from German...
uses the C7A1, and the C8A1 (Diemaco C8FT) is mainly used by the Korps Commandotroepen
Korps Commandotroepen
The Korps Commandotroepen are the elite special forces of the Royal Netherlands Army. It is one of the two principal units tasked with special operations in the Netherlands , and it is deployable anywhere in the world under any circumstance, conducting all conceivable missions from...
, the paratroopers of the Luchtmobiele Brigade (one company per battalion), the Korps Mariniers and most of the recon units of the various combat units, including the Forward Air Controllers and the reconnaissance units of the cavalry and the artillery.
Many of the Dutch Army's C7s have had an overhaul: the rifle's black furniture has now been replaced by dark earth furniture. New parts include a new retracting stock, the Diemaco IUR (Integrated Upper receiver) with RIS
Rail Integration System
Rail Interface System are the primary method of attaching accessories to small firearms such as assault rifles and light machine guns...
rails for mounting flashlights and laser systems, and a vertical foregrip with built-in bipod; the thermold plastic magazines have now become brown in color. The ELCAN sighting system has also disappeared in favor of the Swedish
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
made Aimpoint CompM4
Aimpoint CompM4
The Aimpoint CompM4 is a non-magnified red dot style gun sight adopted by the U.S. military. It is produced by the Swedish company Aimpoint AB and is the successor to the earlier Aimpoint CompM2.-Overview:...
red dot sight.
Users
- Used by the Afghan National ArmyAfghan National ArmyThe Afghan National Army is a service branch of the military of Afghanistan, which is currently trained by the coalition forces to ultimately take the role in land-based military operations in Afghanistan. , the Afghan National Army is divided into seven regional Corps. The strength of the Afghan...
.: Used by the Canadian ForcesCanadian ForcesThe Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
and the Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceRoyal Canadian Mounted PoliceThe Royal Canadian Mounted Police , literally ‘Royal Gendarmerie of Canada’; colloquially known as The Mounties, and internally as ‘The Force’) is the national police force of Canada, and one of the most recognized of its kind in the world. It is unique in the world as a national, federal,...
: Used by the Military of the NetherlandsMilitary of the NetherlandsThe Armed forces of the Netherlands consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.The service branches consist of:* Koninklijke Landmacht , Royal Netherlands Army....
.: Norwegian Police ServiceNorwegian Police ServiceThe Norwegian Police Service is the official police force in Norway which are run by the Minister of Justice and Police. The department consists of 27 regional areas and seven national special forces. The department has about 11,000 employees....
.: Used by the Pathfinder Platoon of the Parachute Regiment.
External links
- Canadian Forces website(link fixed 1 Nov 09)
- Colt Canada (Formerly Diemaco)
- - Assault rifle suppressors for Colt / Colt Canada models -