Small Arms Review
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcasts
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcasts
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
Search
Results for {phrase} ({results_count} of {results_count_total})
Displaying {results_count} results of {results_count_total}
Generic filters
Search
Results for {phrase} ({results_count} of {results_count_total})
Displaying {results_count} results of {results_count_total}
Generic filters
Small Arms Review
Home Articles

THE CANADIAN M16

SAR Staff by SAR Staff
August 2, 2022
in Articles, Articles by Issue, Search by Issue, V9N3 (Dec 2005), Volume 9
THE CANADIAN M16
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

By Chris R. Bartocci

Editor’s Note: Subsequent to this article being written, it should be noted that Colt Defense LLC has purchased the Logistics & Defense Division of Heroux-Devtek, Inc., which includes Diemaco. Diemaco will be operated as Colt Canada Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Colt Defense. – Robert G. Segel

As production of standard C7 and C8 weapons went on, it was decided by the Canadian Forces that they wanted to have a platform to enable them to mount optics on the weapons. Traditionally, it has been very uncomfortable to mount a scope on an M16 rifle due to the height of the scope on top of the carrying handle. Not only was it an unnatural way to shoot, it exposed more of the shooter’s head than was desirable. This upgrade was not to be just for specialized units, but for the entire fleet. The Canadian Forces were about to equip every weapon with an optical sight.

Diemaco went to work on the development of an integrated flat top upper receiver. The Canadians decided on a modified Weaver rail that does not conform with the American Mil-Std-1913 rail for one clear reason, it did not exist yet. Their research and development pre-dated the adoption of the mil-std-1913 rail. Numerous methods to attach the rail were tested including (vacuum bonding) gluing it to a modified upper receiver – but for obvious reasons the preferred way would be to have it machined out of a single forging. It took a couple years to finalize their design. Richard Swan, of ARMS, Inc. was called in to assist with the design of the dovetail. ARMS has had many years of experience in the design of dovetails and many were in use by American Forces.

With the adoption of the flat top upper receiver by Canada, it was not meant that only special units would have optics but the entire fleet. The optic chosen by Canada for their forces was the ELCAN optical sight manufactured by Armament Technology of Canada. In front you will see the Diemaco designed plastic back-up sight. The ELCAN scope, as of this writing, is the most produced military optic in the world. Canada, as well as many of their foreign customers, has adopted it.

The C7A1 and C8A1

The new weapons would be type-classified as the A1 variations of the C7 rifle and C8 carbine. Canada did not convert C8’s to C8A1 until quite recently. Diemaco used the term A1 to identify carbines with flat top receivers used in other countries such as Holland. The Danes call their C8A1 the M96 Karbine. These weapons would enter service before the Colt release of the Mil-Std-1913 rail. This was a conversion process to existing C7 rifles and mandated for all future small arms production. The standard rifle and carbine barrel assembly would be used without modification. This enabled current C7 and C8’s to be converted to the new configuration by just replacing the receiver itself.

The final production C7A1 assault rifle. Notice the flat top upper receiver, ELCAN scope, back-up sight and Triad rail attachment on the front sight assembly. This would be comparable to the U.S. forces M16A4 assault rifle that followed the M16A2 many years later. This model is Diemaco’s main infantry rifle. (Photo courtesy of Diemaco’s Kelly Stumpf)

Diemaco also designed two different iron sight capabilities. The first is a primary iron sight, which is a removable carrying handle similar to the Colt designed removable carrying handle on their M16A2 Enhanced rifle and their ACR candidate. This carrying handle would maintain the standard adjustable for windage only rear sight. Additionally, an emergency back-up sight was developed that would serve as a back-up if the optic was to become damaged and inoperable. The final design was made of nylon ST super tough plastic and would mount in front of the optic.

The optic chosen by the Canadian Forces was manufactured by another Canadian firm, Armament Technologies who had also designed an optic for Colt during the Advanced Combat Rifle program. These sights were first designed by Ernst Leitz Canada, which made Leica Cameras, heavy gun and tank sights, and other equipment that required quality precision optics. The company was purchased by Texas Instruments and renamed ELCAN Optical Technologies. It is now owned by Raytheon. The C79 optical sight was an extension of a program for a sight intended for the old C1A1 FAL rifle, updated for the C7A1. The United States forces now uses this optical tube assembly in the M149 sight that they now use. ELCAN also makes all IMAX and PANAVISION camera and projector lenses, inertial guidance muti-facetted mirrors for Maverick missiles and many other military optics. This firm employs about 600 people grinding and coating optics and manufacturing mounts making every kind of optical, night vision and thermal equipment imaginable for military and civilian applications.

The C7A2

In 2003, the Canadian Forces implemented a mid-life upgrade to the C7A1 and C8A1 weapons that included being more compact, versatile and ambidextrous as well as better suitability to accept new attachments such as laser sights, flash lights, etc.

The C7A2 is the C7 and C7A1 series weapon mid-life upgrade for the Canadian Forces. All the C7 and C7A2 rifles in the fleet are being upgraded to this configuration. Notice the telescopic stock. This rifle has ambidextrous selector lever, magazine release and charging handle latch.
(Photo courtesy of Diemaco’s Kelly Stumpf)

The C7A2 would omit the fixed stock. All weapons would utilize a telescopic dark green stock with 4 adjustable positions and an anti-slip butt pad enabling the rifle to be more compact to carry. With this switch, a new buffer was used which is identical to Colt’s “H” buffer that replaced one of the standard steel weights with a tungsten weight. This additional mass eliminated light strikes caused by the bolt carrier bouncing back off the barrel extension during automatic fire. A dark green pistol grip replaced the black one.

The upper receiver is the standard flat top upper with the 20-inch barrel. This was left in the 20 inch length for a simple reason; to maintain the ballistic capability of the NATO standard 5.56mm ammunition it was expected to employ. By maintaining the long barrel, the cyclic rate is reduced from the carbine variations and increases reliability due to a lower cyclic rate. This also extends the life of the bolt and other trigger components. If the weapon was to be reconfigured from the C7A1, the upper receiver would be left alone but would have new dark green handguards installed with a Triad 1 attached to the front sight assembly. The Triad 1 offered left, right and bottom rails that enabled the attachment of laser, flash lights and other equipment.

The other main improvement was making the weapon as ambidextrous as possible. The ambidextrous magazine catch was designed by another firm (NORGON) and Diemaco obtained a licensing right to produce the catch assembly in the factory. Other improvement features included an ambidextrous charging handle release lever and selector lever.

The LSW (Light Support Weapon)

The LSW began life as a Colt design of a light support weapon based on the M16 weapon system. This open bolt firing version was designed by Colt’s engineer Henry Tatro. The Colt design was never able to leave the development stages due to a labor strike and inability to free up resources to get a new project off the ground. Diemaco was called in to see if it was a project they were interested in and if they would have the resources to complete the project and get it ready to sell. Diemaco was a perfect company to take on this project due to their engineering capability and relatively small size.

The Diemaco LSW (Light Support Weapon). This is a sustained fire weapon designed jointly by Colt and Diemaco to serve the purpose of a light support weapon. It is predominantly an open bolt mechanism but it has been produced in the closed bolt version as well by request. This has an extra heavy barrel, hydraulic cyclic rate reducing buffer and a vertical pistol grip. This is a later version that has the bipod mounted to the yoke which the vertical pistol grip is attached allowing the mounting of a bayonet. (Photo courtesy of Diemaco’s Kelly Stumpf)

Diemaco made some improvements to the open bolt fire mechanism and updated the design with some of the new M16A2 features including the new stock, pistol grip and lower receiver as well as new fully adjustable rear sights. Diemaco would also make major improvements to the barrel assembly utilizing an extra heavy hammer forged barrel, redesigned interchangeable handguards, a large foregrip that can be used as a monopod, a QD bipod, and a redesigned carrying handle. Diemaco additionally redesigned the gas tube to a larger diameter to deal with the heat of an extended firing weapon. Diemaco also put the finishing touches on a Colt designed hydraulic buffer which slowed the rate of fire down to less than 700 rounds per minute. Diemaco has sold this weapon to customers including Denmark and Holland. This weapon is made in both fixed carrying handle and flat top variations. Diemaco has also produced this weapon in a closed bolt selective fire configuration as requested by the Royal Dutch Marines and Denmark.

The SFW (Special Forces Weapon) Diemaco’s Crown Jewel

The British Special Forces began a search for a weapon that would replace their problematic SA80 assault rifles, holding trials for a potential replacement. Three of the finalists were the Heckler & Koch G36, SIG 500 series rifle and the Diemaco produced SFW (Special Forces Weapon). Because the British Army would not accept contractors who had been in bankruptcy within 10 years, Colt was disqualified from the trials. The winner was the Diemaco SFW. This was only the starting point. The weapon that would be supplied to the British Special Forces would be a highly customized and refined carbine.

The “Crown Jewel” of the Diemaco line, the SFW (Special Forces Weapon), designed to meet the stringent needs of the British Special Forces. It has a special 15.8 inch barrel designed to meet stringent accuracy and terminal performance requirements and is also heavy for heavy automatic fire. This particular SFW is mounted on a Colt M4A1 lower receiver. Notice the ELCAN scope, back-up sight and barrel profile.

Based on the accuracy requirement, it could not be made with a 14-1/2 inch barrel. In order to maintain accuracy, Diemaco produced a 15.8 inch heavy barrel. The barrel was heavy only between the chamber and front sight to provide a rigid mounting platform for add-ons and a greater heat sink for sustained firing. Furthermore, the heavy section and addition of a front barrel sleeve changed the vibration modes of the barrel when firing. Part of the requirement was light weight; however there was a trade off for accuracy that enabled the required accuracy to be met. There was another benefit: an increase in terminal performance over the 14-1/2 inch barrel. By increasing the velocity from 865m/s of the shorter barrel to the 895m/s of the SFW barrel there was an increase in penetration, range and terminal performance. The SFW were also equipped with a KAC RAS system.

Another modification was made based on the type of grenade launcher used. The British Special Forces use a Heckler & Koch grenade launcher that attaches to the bayonet lug. It was found that with use, the taper pins would either fall out or snap. When the front sight assembly was replaced, it would crack. Diemaco redesigned the front sight assembly to be made of a solid forging to increase the strength to deal with the grenade launcher.

This version has been sold in other configurations as well to other military and law enforcement customers. They may be found with standard handguards and standard front sight assemblies as well. An additional model is the SFSW (Special Forces Support Weapon) which has an even heavier barrel designed for the increased firing schedule. These come equipped with a RAS, vertical pistol grip, FAL-style carrying handle, bipod as well as a hydraulic rate reducing buffer (similar to that used in the LSW).

The C8CQB (Close Quarters Battle)

Many special operations units, both military and police, spend a lot of time in urban environments in close quarters scenarios. These include entries into buildings and caves which make longer barreled weapons clumsy and hard to move under cover and around corners. To answer this demand, Diemaco added another member to their C8 family of weapons, the C8CQB. This utilizes a 10 inch barrel with a Vortex flash suppressor. Other than the shorter barrel, it is identical to the rest of the C8 family of weapons. This is the only weapon that Diemaco puts in the rubber “D” ring extractor insert to increase extractor force to aid in reliability and may be equipped with a silencer (suppressor) as well. On these small entry guns the optic of choice is the reflex-type sights such as the Eotech holographic sight or the Trijicon ACOG reflex sight.

The Diemaco CQB (Close Quarter Battle) C8 carbine. This short barreled carbine is very popular with Diemaco Law Enforcement customers. Notice the EOTech sight mounted on the rail on the receiver. (Photo courtesy of Diemaco’s Kelly Stumpf)

The C7 and C8 CT (Custom Tactical)

Many accurized versions of the AR-15/M16 weapon system are available at this time. The most notable being the Mk12 MOD 0/1 rifle in use by the United States Special Operations Command. Due to the inherent accuracy of this weapon system, it is possible with little effort to get a match grade barrel and have it shooting sub-moa at 100 meters. This degree of accuracy has both military and law enforcement applications. Diemaco produces two basic versions of accurized rifles/carbines.

The C7CT (Custom Tactical) is a highly modified C7A1. This rifle has a 20-inch heavy non-chrome lined, hammer forged barrel with an aluminum free floated barrel handguard. The barrel is designed to take a removable noise/flash suppressor very similar to that of the Mk12 MOD 0/1. To enhance accuracy, the rifle has a two stage trigger and titanium firing pin. The upper receiver has a flat top upper receiver with either a mil-std-1913 rail or the Canadian Weaver rail. Often the scope is attached to a Triad scope base to allow other devices to be attached. The buttstock is fitted with a removable weight to counter balance the additional weight of the heavy barrel. A bipod and sling swivels are also standard equipment. Additionally, a modified pistol grip is used to enhance performance. The maximum effective range with Canadian C77 ball ammunition is approximately 600 meters.

The Diemaco C7CT (Custom Tactical) designed for sniping. This rifle has an extra heavy barrel (same as a LSW) that is free floated with a match grade trigger. This would be comparable the United States Special Operations Command Mk12 rifle.
(Photo courtesy of Diemaco’s Kelly Stumpf)

The C8CT is the carbine version which offers the same benefits but with a 16 inch barrel and a telescopic stock. The stock is modified with an adjustable butt pad. Due to the shorter barrel the maximum effective range is 400 meters.

Conclusions

Although not available in the United States, Diemaco produces one of the finest M16-type weapons in the world. What truly sets Diemaco aside from the rest of the manufacturers of this weapon is their diversity and ability to customize to the customers’ specifications. The weapons covered in these pages are but a small sample of what Diemaco produces. Many variations have been made at the request of their customers. Diemaco has taken the standard M16A2 and moved ahead with refinements and modifications of their own design.

Due to the Canadian Governments licensing agreement with Colt, the market place for Diemaco is limited. However, this is a company to be taken very seriously and if available to a customer, should be looked at very closely.

The author would like to thank Matt Kirkpatrick, Kelly Stumpf and Ian Anderson of Diemaco for their assistance with this series. Additionally, Mr. Andrew Weber of Armament Technology.

This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V9N3 (December 2005)
and was posted online on March 29, 2013

Author

  • SAR Staff

    View all posts

Tags: 2005C7A2C7CTC8CQBC8CTCanadian ForcesCanadian M16Chris R. BartocciColtDiemacoLSWSFWV9N3
Previous Post

GUIDE LAMP

Next Post

NEW REVIEW: DECEMBER 2005

Next Post
NEW REVIEW: DECEMBER 2005

NEW REVIEW: DECEMBER 2005

TRENDING STORIES

  • Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

    Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Perfecting the Israeli Krinkov – Krebs Custom Galil ACE 5.45x39mm Pistol

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • H&K LOWER ID GUIDE

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Evolution of the U.S. Grenade Launcher From World War II to Today’s Conflicts

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Guns of the Silver Screen: V23N1

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

Krebs Custom Galil ACE 5.45x39mm Pistol

Perfecting the Israeli Krinkov – Krebs Custom Galil ACE 5.45x39mm Pistol

H&K LOWER ID GUIDE

H&K LOWER ID GUIDE

Evolution of the U.S. Grenade Launcher From World War II to Today’s Conflicts

Evolution of the U.S. Grenade Launcher From World War II to Today’s Conflicts

New Review: V19N1

New Review: V23N3

SAR|Special

SAR|Special

The Grand Power Q100

The Grand Power Q100

A Fading Star: The star S135 Submachine Gun, That is

A Fading Star: The star S135 Submachine Gun, That is

DRD Tactical Sub-6

Zanders Introduces Exclusive DRD Tactical Sub-6 Rifles

SIG Sauer P365 XMACRO

SIG Sauer Introduces the New 17+ 1 P365-XMACRO

Bubix Bro Pistol

Bubix Bro: A Better Idea for a Concealed Carry Pistol

Mystery Ranch Limited-Edition Gunfighter 14 & 24 SB Packs

Mystery Ranch Limited-Edition Gunfighter 14 & 24 SB Packs

QUICK LINKS

  • About Chipotle Publishing
  • About Small Arms Review
  • Advertise with Us
  • Write for Us

CONTACT DETAILS

  • Phone: +1 (702) 565-0746
  • E-mail: office@smallarmsreview.com
  • Web: www.chipotlepublishing.com
  • Chipotle Publishing, LLC 631 N. Stephanie St., No. 282, Henderson, NV 89014
Small Arms Review

FOLLOW US

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

Search
Results for {phrase} ({results_count} of {results_count_total})
Displaying {results_count} results of {results_count_total}
Generic filters
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
      • Volume 2
      • Volume 3
      • Volume 4
      • Volume 5
      • Volume 6
      • Volume 7
      • Volume 8
      • Volume 9
      • Volume 10
      • Volume 11
      • Volume 12
      • Volume 13
      • Volume 14
      • Volume 15
      • Volume 16
      • Volume 17
      • Volume 18
      • Volume 19
      • Volume 20
      • Volume 21
      • Volume 22
      • Volume 23
      • Volume 24
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcasts
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Are you in the know?
Stay up to date with the latest articles.

Facebook-f Linkedin Instagram

Redirecting to External Website

You are leaving the Small Arms Review website and will be redirected to an external link in a 5 Seconds.
VISIT NOW!