As a continuation of the C7 rifle program, after the conclusion of the SARP (Small Arms Replacement Program), Canada had adopted their rifle based off the American M16A2 program. They had also decided on a carbine program, the C8. This is unlike the US, who never initiated a carbine program until 1996 with the adoption of the M4. The US has had carbines in inventory, but they were all Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) rifles with no “M” designation nor military technical data package. The Canadians ran the rifle and carbine programs simultaneously.
The first carbine is the C8. In many ways similar to the Colt 653 or commercial M16A1 carbines, but with some Canadian changes. First, the carbine used a two-position receiver extension with the old spanner-type receiver extension nut. The carbine maintained the A1-field sights, as well as, the fired cartridge case deflector. There were no extended feed ramps on the barrel extension nor on the upper receiver. The Canadians fixed the feeding issue with the heavier buffer, which allowed more time for the top round on the magazine to get into position for feeding. Colt added the feed ramps and a heavier buffer. Even though only one was needed to fix the feeding issue with SS109/NATO ammunition, Colt used both as a way to distinguish the M4 from the M16 series rifles. The lower is A2 profile with fully automatic instead of burst. The 14.5-inch barrel is a thin pencil profile with A2 compensator. Like all barrels the C8 has the cold hammer forged chrome 1/7 in right twist barrel.
The C7A1, the next upgrade had two notable changes. First was the use of the flat top upper receiver with the Canadian Weaver rail. This is the exact upper receiver used on the rifle. Shown on the rifle above is the detachable carrying handle. As you can see it utilizes the A1-field sight. You could also use the polymer back up sight as well. Also, around the same time the C8A1 was adopted, so was the new polymer stock with rubber butt pad. The early stocks had a very dull checkering on the butt and the stock would slide around easily. The rubber butt pad made a big difference in preventing this. Any C8 carbine could quickly be converted into the A1 model by just swapping the upper receiver. This could be done by any armorer. The existing barrel assembly, bolt carrier group and charging handle could be reused.
The next generation is the C7A2. This has a slight resemblance to the US M4 carbine, only in that the barrel profile has been increased. The top photo shows the rifle equipped with the detachable carrying handle, and the bottom of the carbine is equipped with an Elcan and a backup rear sight. Also added to the C7A2 is the newly developed Triad. The triad are rails that attach by a clamp to the front sight base. It offers rails at 3, 6 and 9:00. This permits flash lights, lasers as well as vertical grips to be attached. The Triad will be seen on every generation rifle or carbine.
Without question the most famous of all models manufactured by Diemaco is the C8A3 SFW (Special Forces Weapon). At the onset of the Global War on Terror, the British SAS had a requirement for a new weapon that was M16-based. They wanted something more reliable and accurate than their SA80 rifles, one that will also work better with higher firing schedules. The M4 would not fit their range and higher firing schedule requirements as is. Right from the start, Colt Defense was not an option. The UK will not do business with any company that has been in bankruptcy within 10 years. This also worked out well because Colt would not have built them a custom rifle. They would have handed them an M4 and said if it is good enough for the US government, it is good enough for you.
The SAS went to Diemaco, which was a perfect match. Diemaco is smaller than Colt and has an excellent engineering staff, which makes it an ideal company for a specialized project like this. The requirement was for an accuracy of 500 yards, so the barrel length was increased from 14.5 to 15.7 inches. For the heavier firing schedule, the barrel contour was increased. For mounting the specified grenade launcher, the sleeve was added to the barrel. The front sight base was modified and the cast was increased to allow for more material. The standard front sight base would crack and pins would fall out from the stress put on the front sight base from the grenade launcher. There is another 10” barrel version for CQB. The SAS spent more money on testing and evaluation than they did for the guns they bought. The carbine was also equipped with the KAC M4 RAS. The carbine was adopted by the SAS as the L119A1.
The C8A3 was also adopted by the Canadian forces. However, it did not have the modified front sight base nor RAS. It is equipped with the green furniture of the C7A2. The C8A3 has seen extensive use in the Global War on Terrorism.
The SAS went to Diemaco, which was a perfect match. Diemaco is smaller than Colt and has an excellent engineering staff, which makes it an ideal company for a specialized project like this. The requirement was for an accuracy of 500 yards, so the barrel length was increased from 14.5 to 15.7 inches. For the heavier firing schedule, the barrel contour was increased. For mounting the specified grenade launcher, the sleeve was added to the barrel. The front sight base was modified and the cast was increased to allow for more material. The standard front sight base would crack and pins would fall out from the stress put on the front sight base from the grenade launcher. There is another 10” barrel version for CQB. The SAS spent more money on testing and evaluation than they did for the guns they bought. The carbine was also equipped with the KAC M4 RAS. The carbine was adopted by the SAS as the L119A1.
The C8A3 was also adopted by the Canadian forces. However, it did not have the modified front sight base nor RAS. It is equipped with the green furniture of the C7A2. The C8A3 has seen extensive use in the Global War on Terrorism.
In the early 2000’s, Colt Defense purchased Diemaco and renamed it Colt Canada. It was sad for me, because I knew what was going to happen. Unfortunately, I was correct in my prediction. Due to Colt Defense failing, they were a vampire off of Diemaco’s success. Eventually Colt Defense would take Colt Canada down with them in their filing of Bankruptcy. As Colt Defense remained stagnant, Colt Canada continued with research and development to another level of rifle, the IUR.
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