Editing Colt Canada C7 and C8 (section)

== Variants ==
===C7A1===
The C7A1 (Diemaco C7FT) replaces the [[iron sight]]/carrying handle assembly used on the C7 with a modified [[Weaver rail]] for mounting optics. Canadian development of rails preceded U.S. 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 higher, allowing the use of a normal-height front sight base whereas a Picatinny rail requires the use of a higher F-marked front sight base to raise the post. 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 Optical Technologies|ELCAN]] [[C79 Optical Sight]] 3.4×28 optical sight, both of which can be adjusted for individual eye relief. The optical sight was designed for the [[FN MINIMI|C9]] [[machine gun|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 {{convert|550|m|yd|abbr=on}}, though like most magnified [[optical sight]]s it is prone to criticism for creating tunnel vision in close quarters situations.

[[File:Copenhagen, Denmark (9294449487).jpg|thumb|Danish [[Royal Life Guards (Denmark)|Royal Life Guards]] with C7 assault rifles]]

While the wide aperture helps to speed target acquisition, Canadian soldiers generally forgo the [[C79 Optical Sight|C79]] sight in favour of non-magnified optical sights or a rear back up iron sight (BUIS) when engaged or training in [[Close Quarters Battle|close quarters battle]]. A detachable carrying handle and rear sight assembly can also be installed on top of the receiver. The BUIS and detachable carrying handle and rear sight assembly feature L-type rear sight apertures that are the same as used in the preceding fixed carrying handle and rear sight assembly. In the later years, upon request, Diemaco/Colt Canada would manufacture MIL-STD-1913 "Picatinny rail" upper receivers.

===C7A2===
With Canadian involvement in Afghanistan, Diemaco and the Canadian Forces 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 three-rail TRIAD that is clamped on the front sight base to allow accessories to be attached. The selector lever, magazine release, and charging handle latch became ambidextrous.<ref name="Army1">{{cite web|url=http://army.ca/wiki/index.php/C7A2|title=C7A2|access-date=2009-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081108050744/http://army.ca/wiki/index.php/C7A2|archive-date=2008-11-08|url-status=live}}</ref> Also, the C7A2 is issued with green colour furniture as standard.<ref name=TFB2>{{cite web |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2011/10/12/guest-post-the-canadian-forces-c7a2-upgrade/ |title=The Canadian Forces C7A2 Upgrade |date=12 October 2011 |pages= |access-date=28 December 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Colt Canada C7A2 Tri-Rail.jpg|thumb|A Canadian soldier firing a C7A2. The C7A2 included a three-rail TRIAD mount clamped on its front sight.]]

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 [[C79 optical sight|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 [[EOTech]] holographic weapons sight and the [[Trijicon]] [[Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight|ACOG]].<ref name="casr.ca">{{cite news|title=Canadian American Strategic Review - Canadian Forces Automatic Rifles|url=http://www.casr.ca/101-army-smallarm-1.htm|date=May 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706171606/http://casr.ca/101-army-smallarm-1.htm|archive-date=2011-07-06}}</ref>

Within an eight-man section, six 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 TRIAD rail mount has made it easier for soldiers to attach accessories such as [[Laser sight (firearms)|laser designator]] and tactical lights.<ref name="casr.ca"/> Many A2s are also seen with folding grips from [[Cadex Defence|Cadex Inc.]] under the handguards which can store 2 [[CR123|CR123 batteries]].

The Canadian Forces is looking to upgrade and modernize their stockpile of C7A2 assault rifles, although nothing is yet official or certain as of 2022. One of the biggest upgrades that may be implemented is the replacement of the standard flat-top upper receiver with standard handguards, handguard end cap and front sight base with a monolithic upper receiver with integrated aluminium quad-rail handguard for increased modularity with accessories and free-floating the barrel for augmented precision. This would put the fleet of service rifles of the Canadian Armed Forces on par with Colt Canada's latest offerings and upgrades of the Danish and Dutch militaries who have adopted rifles with monolithic upper receivers.

This variant will require the use of the Colt Canada M203A1 with a different mounting system due to the new aluminium quad-rail handguard. Since Colt Canada developed and released the MRR (Modular Rail Rifle) that uses a monolithic upper receiver with the [[Magpul Industries|Magpul]] [[M-LOK]] attachment system, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) might be heading in that direction instead, along with a shorter, {{convert|18.6|in|adj=on}} barrel, instead of the standard {{convert|20|in|0|adj=on}} barrel, and straight gas tube with a low-profile gas block<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.coltcanada.com/mrr.html |title=Colt Canada Modular Rail Rifle (MRR) |access-date=2017-04-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427020337/http://www.coltcanada.com/mrr.html |archive-date=2017-04-27 |url-status=live }}</ref> The possibility of using integrated suppressors is also something that is being looked into. A shorter charging-handle latch will be used instead of the very long C7A2 latch, which gets caught on equipment and vests, causing the latch to bend and break the charging-handle.

===C8===
[[File:Coalition members share experiences during Bold Alligator 120206-M-AF823-114.jpg|thumb|A C8 carbine with a [[blank-firing adapter]] in Canadian service, 2012]]

The '''Colt Canada C8 carbine''' range are [[carbine]] variants of the C7 family, and are mechanically and visually very similar to the [[CAR-15#M4 carbine|Colt Model 723 M16A2 carbine]]. Colt made the initial C8s for Canadian Forces as the Colt Model 725. The C8 has a {{convert|368|mm|in|abbr=on}} A1 profile barrel like the Colt Model 653 M16A1 carbine, but with a 1 in {{convert|7|in|mm|0|order=flip|abbr=on}} [[Rifling|rifling twist]] appropriate for adequately stabilizing the [[5.56×45mm NATO]] C77 cartridge L109 ball and the C78 cartridge longer L110 tracer projectiles and the design improvements featured on C7 assault rifles. The C8 has a cyclic rate of fire of around 750–950 rounds per minute (RPM).

C8 iron sights are normally zeroed with the normal use rear aperture sight at {{convert|250|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} with [[SS109]]/[[M855]]/C77 ammunition. The rear sight can be zeroed for windage in 3.8&nbsp;cm or 0.38 [[Milliradian|mrad]] increments at 100 m, when used with a {{convert|367|mm|in|2|abbr=on}} carbine length sight radius. Elevation can be zeroed in 4.7&nbsp;cm or 0.47 [[Milliradian|mrad]] increments at 100 m. Once the iron sight line is zeroed, the front sight post and rear sight should not be moved.<ref name="Operator’s Manual: C7 family of com"/><ref name="Maintenance Instructions: C7 family"/>

===C8A1===
The C8A1 (Diemaco C8FT) is essentially a C8 carbine with a C7A1 flat-top upper receiver; the carbine having a {{convert|368|mm|adj=on}} barrel versus the {{convert|508|mm|adj=on}} barrel typically seen on the C7.<ref>{{cite news|title=C8A2 Technical Specifications|url=http://www.motov.dk/documents/c8a2.pdf|date=April 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425153340/http://www.motov.dk/documents/c8a2.pdf|archive-date=2012-04-25}}</ref> The overall layout of the weapon remains essentially unchanged except for the upper receiver and the general inclusion of the [[C79 Optical Sight|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. The C8A1 was never officially adopted by the Canadian Forces and was only used in Afghanistan for the ability to use the C79 optical sights.

===C8A2===
The C8A2 carbine is very similar to the C8, but having a cold-hammer forged heavy {{convert|368|mm|adj=on}} barrel, as opposed to the {{convert|368|mm|in|abbr=on}} pencil-profile barrel previously used and a flat-top upper receiver.

===C8SFW===
The [[Special forces|Special Forces]] Weapon (SFW) features a longer, {{convert|410|mm|1|adj=on}} barrel of a significantly heavier profile than the C8A1 and a Rail Adapter System (RAS) handguard. The SFW [[Direct impingement#Stoner bolt and carrier piston system|operating system]] is more copiously gassed when compared to the standard C8A1 to enhance reliability in the presence of heavy fouling or icing at the expense of moving the bolt and bolt carrier faster and harder against the accordingly adapted buffer assembly, resulting in a free recoil increase. It is designed to provide a fire support capability in carbine form. A sleeve, called the Simon Sleeve, is slipped over the end of the barrel and is retained by the [[muzzle brake|compensator]] and its crush washer. It is used to mount standard issued [[C7 Nella bayonet]], [[CAN bayonet 2000|CAN bayonet 2000/2005]] and [[M203A1]]s.<ref name="Maintenance Instructions: C7 family"/>

The front sight base is strengthened for mounting of the [[Heckler & Koch AG-C/EGLM]] grenade launcher. The mass, muzzle velocity and effective range are stated as {{convert|3.4|kg|abbr=on}}, {{convert|895|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|550|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Maintenance Instructions: C7 family"/> The C8SFW is in service with the [[Forsvarets Spesialkommando|Norwegian Special Operations Forces]] as their standard rifle, as the more recently introduced [[HK416]] does not feature a "heavy profile barrel" as the C8SFW. The [[United Kingdom Special Forces]] (UKSF) adopted a C8SFW variant, under the designation "L119A1".  In 2014, the UKSF upgraded to the "L119A2", which features a custom Integrated Upper Receiver (IUR). The Royal Marines Commando have also began phase out the L85A2/L85A3 as their main rifle in favour of the L119.

===C8FTHB===
Concerns that [[Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry]] 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 cold hammer-forged M4 profile barrel featuring a grenade launcher cut out for mounting of the Canadian Forces [[M203A1]] and bayonet and [[Elcan]] [[C79 Optical Sight]].

Some of the earlier C8FTHB carbines used old refurbished C8 receivers. "FTHB" was stamped next to the C8 markings on the lower receivers. Colt Canada later manufactured new lower receivers with C8FTHB markings. Later, C8FTHB carbines that were upgraded to the C8A3 standard had "A3" stamped next to the markings, resulting in "C8FTHBA3" markings. Only 400 C8FTHBs were upgraded to C8FTHBA3s before Colt Canada started simply marking new receivers as "C8A3".

===C8A3===
[[File:160623-n-mz309-321-pacific-ocean-june-23-2016-yeoman-e8423b-1024.jpg|thumb|A US Navy [[Yeoman (United States Navy)|yeoman]] fires a C8A3 carbine aboard {{HMCS|Calgary|FFH 335|6}}]]
The C8FTHB was quickly replaced by the C8A3, which features the same {{convert|400|mm|1|abbr=on}} cold-hammer forged barrel and flat-top upper receiver as the C8FTHB as well as all the mid-life upgrades that appeared on the C7A2 such as the green furniture, ambidextrous charging-handle latch, magazine release and selector lever. It also includes the TRIAD I rail for the C8, which has one slot less than the C7 TRIAD I, to accommodate the M203A1 sight.

===C8CQB===
Two additional C8 variants exist. The C8CQB is similar to the American [[Close Quarters Battle Receiver|Mark 18 Mod 0 CQBR]], having a {{convert|254|mm|adj=on}} or {{convert|295|mm|1|adj=on}} heavy barrel and a [[Vortex Flash Hider]] made by [[Smith Enterprise Inc.]]<ref name="Colt Canada Corporation">{{cite web|url=http://www.coltcanada.com/products-c8iur.htm|title=Colt Canada Corporation|year=212|access-date=6 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922063015/http://www.coltcanada.com/products-c8iur.htm|archive-date=22 September 2013}}</ref> The smaller [[Personal defense weapon|Personal Defense Weapon]] (PDW) variant has an overall length of {{convert|20.7|in|mm|order=flip|abbr=on}} with its stock fully retracted. It has a {{convert|5.7|in|mm|0|order=flip|abbr=on}} barrel and the receiver has been shortened by {{convert|1.65|in|mm|order=flip|abbr=on}}.

===Diemaco LSW===
{{See also|Colt Automatic Rifle}}
[[File:De Diemaco C7 LSW (Light Support Weapon) van het Korps Mariniers (2009 D050713-X1007).jpg|thumb|right|A Dutch C7 LSW with [[C79 optical sight|ELCAN 3.4×28 optical sight]]]]

Colt and Diemaco also paired up to develop a [[squad automatic weapon]] variant of the series. The Diemaco Light Support Weapon (LSW) features an enlarged straight [[Gas-operated reloading|gas tube]] and an almost 1 inch thick heavy barrel to make the barrel less susceptible for [[Thermal shock|overheating]] and hence increase the [[Rate of fire#Effective rate|sustained or effective rate of fire]] capability. The LSW can only fire automatically and uses a proprietary Diemaco hydraulic buffer assembly. 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 2001<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sadefensejournal.com/the-colt-lmg|title=The Colt LMG|last=Bartocci|first=Christopher R.|date=2022-09-19|publisher=Small Arms Defense Journal|access-date=1 July 2024}}</ref> due to 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]], necessitating the removal of the [[forward assist]] for operating safety. It was the only weapon in the Diemaco product line to feature an M16A2-type fully adjustable rear sight, allowing the rear sight to be dialed in for specific range settings between 300 and 800 meters and to allow windage adjustments without the need of a tool or cartridge.

The LSW was used by the [[Royal Danish Army]] and is still used by the [[Netherlands Marine Corps]] (LOAW / LOAWNLD). It fires from a [[closed bolt]] and also has a semi-automatic firing mode and forward assist. 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.

===C7CT and C8CT===
Diemaco's C7/C8 family also has two [[designated marksman rifle]] variants, the C7CT and C8CT, with CT being short for Custom Tactical. These accurized C7/C8 variants are designed to provide accurate engagement up to {{convert|600|m|yd|abbr=on}}, while providing system commonality to other fielded weapons. They have two-stage match triggers and weighted stocks to counterbalance the heavy {{convert|508|mm|in|abbr=on}} or {{convert|16|in|mm|order=flip|abbr=on}} 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.<ref name="SFU1">{{Cite web|url=http://www2.sfu.ca/casr/101-rifle-c7ct-mrs.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418074921/http://www2.sfu.ca/casr/101-rifle-c7ct-mrs.htm|url-status=dead|title=Canadian Forces Rifle — Marksman Rifle System 5.56mm C7CT DM|archivedate=April 18, 2008}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{ cite news| title=Custom Tactical| url=http://www.coltcanada.com/ct-page.htm| year=2011| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026144333/http://www.coltcanada.com/ct-page.htm| archive-date=2011-10-26}}</ref>

Custom tactical features:
* [[Direct impingement|Direct gas system]]: The unique direct [[Gas-operated reloading|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 offered a training version of the C7 named the C10, which would be a semi-automatic variant chambered in [[.22 Long Rifle]] ammunition. The polymer stock and lower receiver would be one piece. {{cn|date=May 2024}}
The C10 was proposed but never implemented. 

===IUR – Integrated Upper Receiver===
In 2008 or 2009, Colt Canada introduced a completely new designed upper receiver with integrated rail attachment system.<ref name="Colt Canada Corporation"/> The front handguard is in this system permanently attached to the upper receiver. The whole system is forged from one piece, and is sometimes called a monolithic rail. This system allows for a completely free floating barrel. Another unique feature is that the system can be adapted for different barrel lengths by screwing on an extension.

The system was introduced as an upgrade in the Dutch Army with the C7 and C8 in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brochure Colt Canada 2010|url=http://www.coltcanada.com/pdf/CC-2010-brochure-rev20120417.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030005128/http://www.coltcanada.com/pdf/CC-2010-brochure-rev20120417.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 30, 2012|year=2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://avrm.wordpress.com/category/defensie-ministerie-van-defensie/bewapening/diemaco-c7c8-5/ |language=nl |title=Algemene Vereniging van Reserve Militairen |access-date=January 31, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325211341/http://avrm.wordpress.com/category/defensie-ministerie-van-defensie/bewapening/diemaco-c7c8-5/ |archive-date=March 25, 2014 }}</ref>
In 2010, the C8 IUR (Integrated Upper Receiver) was introduced as an upgrade by all four branches of the [[Danish Defence|Danish military]] and the [[Danish Security and Intelligence Service]]'s [[Politiets Aktionsstyrke|SWAT]] teams, as the "Gevær M/10".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.forsvaret.dk/viden-om/materiel/udrustning/vaaben/gevaerer/Pages/Gevaerer2.aspx|title=Geværer|access-date=2015-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214073350/http://www2.forsvaret.dk/viden-om/materiel/udrustning/vaaben/gevaerer/Pages/Gevaerer2.aspx|archive-date=2015-02-14|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2011, the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] adopted a semi-automatic only version of the C8 IUR with ancillary components as their patrol carbine.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Chris Purdy |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/front-line-rcmp-officers-to-get-high-powered-guns/article4251468/ |title=Front-line RCMP officers to get high-powered guns |publisher=The Globe and Mail |access-date=2013-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108013956/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/front-line-rcmp-officers-to-get-high-powered-guns/article4251468/ |archive-date=2014-11-08 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://soldiersystems.net/2011/10/23/rcmp-adopts-c8-carbine/ |title=RCMP Adopts C8 Carbine |publisher=Soldier Systems |date=2011-10-23 |access-date=2013-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629000230/http://soldiersystems.net/2011/10/23/rcmp-adopts-c8-carbine/ |archive-date=2012-06-29 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===MRR – Modular Rail Rifle===
Colt Canada introduced the MRR, or Modular Rail Rifle, in 2015 and released it for sale to the market in 2016. It is essentially a monolithic upper receiver with Magpul's M-LOK attachment system for accessories. The rifles are offered with {{cvt|11.6|,|14.5|,|15.7|and|18.6|in}} barrels. The {{cvt|11.6|in}} version features a shorter handguard. As of late 2016, the {{cvt|14.5|in}} variant is offered only to law enforcement and the military.

===C8A4=== 

[[File:Soldier-from-1-coy-ggfg-during-ex-fall-guardsman-at-cfb-v0-d3newc0t9ywd1.webp|right|alt=Infantrsoulder useing the C8A4, the Soldier is from 1 Coy GGFG during EX FALL GUARDSMAN at CFB Petawawa,|soldier-from-1-coy-ggfg-during-ex-fall-guardsman|thumb|312x312px]]

The C8A4 is the latest evolution of [[Colt Canada]]'s C7 and C8 family of rifles, unveiled at the CANSEC 2024 exhibition as part of the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) program. This variant builds upon the well-established C8 platform, incorporating upgrades such as the [[M-LOK]] rail system, an ambidextrous safety lever, and a cold-hammer forged, chrome-lined free-floating barrel for improved longevity and accuracy. The monolithic upper receiver, modified with a full-length [[STANAG]] 4694 rail and multiple M-LOK slots, allows for flexible configuration of optics and accessories. Operating on a direct gas impingement system, the C8A4 also reportedly features a non-adjustable single-stage combat trigger and a [[Magpul Industries|Magpul]] MOE grip and CTR stock. The rifle has a loaded weight of 3.4 kg and a rate of fire from 700 to 940 rounds per minute, with a muzzle velocity of 900 m/s.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}} Since 2024, the C8A4 has been observed in operational use among [[Canadian Armed Forces]] personnel, including members of the [[Governor General's Foot Guards]], indicating its early field adoption in front-line units. The configuration shown at CANSEC<ref>{{Cite news |author= N/A|url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/colt-canada-unveils-at-cansec2024-new-c8a4-to-equip-canadian-army|title=Front-line The Colt Canada unveils at CANSEC 2024 new C8A4 to equip Canadian Army. Army Recognition |url-status=live }}</ref> includes a SAI Optics 6 patrol scope with its usage temporary, with units using different scopes as there has not been a official optic selected for the rifle.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}} A Huxwrx suppressor has been used, which has drawn visual comparisons to the British [[L403A1]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}