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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

Media


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