Diemaco C7

Diemaco C7

Overview

C7A1

The C7 assault rifle in its most common configuration: the C7A1 with Elcan scope. Source: www.eme421.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin Canada United States Type Assault rifle Entered service 1984 Status In service Development Early 1980's Developer Canada - Diemaco (now Colt Canada) United States - Colt Production 1982 - present Producer Canada - Diemaco (now Colt Canada) Designations C7A1 C7FT in Canadian service Gv M/95 C7FT in Danish service

Description

Introduction

The C7 is a late Cold War era assault rifle of Canadian origin. The C7 is a variant of the M16 assault rifle with features from both the M16A1 and M16A2. Nearly all C7 rifles are fitted with optics, which was rather unique at the time of introduction. The C7 was developed into several variants and was continuously upgraded over time.

Design

The C7 can be considered an M16A2 with M16A1 rear sights and the ability for fully automatic fire. It uses the same direct impingement gas system and rotating bolt as used in the M16. Most C7 are of the flat top model and are fitted with the Elcan 3.4x scope.

Firepower

The C7 fires the 5.56x45mm NATO round from 30 round magazines. It is a select fire rifle with a cyclic rate of fire of about 700 to 900 rpm. The practical effective range for the C7 is about 400 meters. As with the M16A2 the accuracy is very good although the weapon needs consistent cleaning in order to maintain reliability. It is possible to mount the M203 or AG-C under barrel grenade launcher.

Users

The C7 became the standard issue assault rifle in Canada, Denmark and the Netherlands. It was adopted by many nations in smaller quantities to for special forces use. In Canada and the Netherlands the exsisting C7's in service were modified to extend their capabilities and service life.

Details

Colt Canada C7A2

Canadian soldier firing a C7A2 assault rifle. Note the full length barrel and retractable stock. Source: US Marine Corps (LCpl Christopher Gallagher) - © Public domain

Variants of the C7 assault rifle

C7 Original production C7 assault rifle with fixed carry handle. This features M16A1 type sights. This model was assigned the Colt model number R715. C7FT Original production C7 assault rifle with flat top receiver with Picatinny accessory rail. Known as C7A1 in Canadian service. The standard issue optic is the Elcan C79 3.4x riflescope. C7A2 Canadian upgrade program for the C7A1. Also available produced new. This features a four position retractable stock and green furniture. C7NLD Dutch upgrade program that adds a retractable stock and quad rail forearm. The Elcan C79 scope was replaced by an Aimpoint Comp-M4 with separate magnifier. Facts C7 C7A1 C7A2 General Origin Canada Type Assault rifle Caliber Caliber 5.56x45mm NATO Magazine 30 round detachable box Barrel length 510 mm Rifling 6 grooves, 178 mm right hand twist Muzzle velocity 920 m/s Operation Action Gas operated, direct impingement Locking Rotating bolt Fire selector 0 - 1 - F Rate of fire 700 - 900 rpm Dimensions Stock type Fixed Length 1.020 mm Weight 3.4 kg empty Sights Mechanical Iron sights, post front and aperture rear General Origin Canada Type Assault rifle Caliber Caliber 5.56x45mm NATO Magazine 30 round detachable box Barrel length 510 mm Rifling 6 grooves, 178 mm right hand twist Muzzle velocity 920 m/s Operation Action Gas operated, direct impingement Locking Rotating bolt Fire selector 0 - 1 - F Rate of fire 700 - 900 rpm Dimensions Stock type Fixed Length 1.020 mm Weight 3.9 kg empty with Elcan C79 Sights Mechanical Backup iron sights Optics Weaver accessory rail for mounting optics Elcan C79 standard issue optical sight General Origin Canada Type Assault rifle Caliber Caliber 5.56x45mm NATO Magazine 30 round detachable box Barrel length 510 mm Rifling 6 grooves, 178 mm right hand twist Muzzle velocity 920 m/s Operation Action Gas operated, direct impingement Locking Rotating bolt Fire selector 0 - 1 - F Rate of fire 700 - 900 rpm Dimensions Stock type Retractable Length 1.01 m stock extended 0.93 m stock retracted Weight 4 kg empty with Elcan C79 Sights Mechanical Backup iron sights Optics Weaver accessory rail for mounting optics Elcan C79 standard issue optical sight

Media

Colt Canada C7A2

Canadian soldier firing a C7A2 assault rifle. Note the full length barrel and retractable stock.

Source: US Marine Corps (LCpl Abby Burtner)

Copyright: Public domain

C7NLD

Dutch soldier with C7NLD rifle taking aim during an exercise in 2015. Note the blank firing adapter and laser training system.

Source: US Army (Pfc Lloyd Justine Villanueva)

Copyright: Public domain

Diemaco C7FT

Dutch marine with C7FT assault rifle with Elcan C79 riflescope.

Source: FaceMePLS

Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Colt Canada C7A2

Canadian soldier holding a C7A2 assault rifle with M203 under barrel grenade launcher.

Source: US Army (Pvt Randy Wren)

Copyright: Public domain

C7NLD

Dutch soldier with C7NLD rifle taking aim behind an armored vehicle.

Source: US Army (Pvt Courtney Hubbard)

Copyright: Public domain

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