C8 Rifle
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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Colt Canada C7 rifle . (Discuss) |
| C8 carbine (called C8 Rifle in many countries) | |
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 A member of the 7th NL SBS armed with a Diemaco C8 carbine with Elcan C79 sight and Heckler & Koch AG-C grenade launcher |
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| Type | Carbine |
| Place of origin | United States of America/Canada |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1994–present |
| Used by | Canada, Netherlands, Denmark, UKSF, Norway and Iceland |
| Wars | Operation Enduring Freedom |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 1980s-present |
| Number built | 50,000+ |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3.2 kg (loaded) |
| Length | 84 cm (stock expanded), 76 cm (stock collapsed) |
| Barrel length | 36 cm (14.1 in) |
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| Cartridge | 5.56x45mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | 700-800 rpm (cyclic) |
| Muzzle velocity | 905m/s |
| Effective range | 400 m (effective) |
| Feed system | Various STANAG Magazines. |
The C8 carbine is the carbine member of the C7 family, and in outwards appearance very similar to the Colt 653. Colt made the initial C8s for Canadian Forces as the Colt Model 725. The C8 has a 14.5-inch A1 profile barrel like the Colt Model 653 M16A1 carbine, but with a 1/7 rifling twist appropriate for the C77 cartridge. The C8 incorporates the design improvements featured on C7 rifles. This design combines the accuracy of a full-length rifle (such as the M16) with the weight and rapid target acquisition of a compact carbine (such as the M4).
[edit] C8A1
The improved C8A1 (Diemaco C8FT) is essentially the same as the C7A1, just in carbine form. The overall layout of the weapon remains essentially unchanged except for the upper receiver and the general inclusion of the 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.
[edit] C8SFW
Building upon the C8 and C8A1, Diemaco created the Special Forces Weapon (SFW), which provides an interesting combination of ideas. Featuring a longer, 16-inch barrel of a heavier profile than the C8/A1, the SFW is designed to provide a fire support capability in carbine form. The profile of the barrel is not uniform, oddly enough bulging out at the end, whereas the M4 profile barrel steps down. The front sight base is strengthened for mounting of the Heckler & Koch AG-C grenade launcher.The British Ministry of Defence acquired a number of SFWs, primarily for the SAS, giving them the Land Force designation L119A1. This version of the C8 is also in service with the Norwegian MJK and HJK. Because of the barrel profile, another Diemaco specific mount is required to attach the M203 grenade launcher (though the MoD have decided to use the HK AG-C/L17A1).
[edit] Other C8 variants
Recently, Diemaco has begun producing three additional C8 variants. The C8A2 (Diemaco C8FTHB) was built at the request of the Danish Army and incorporates the improvements of the C7A2 and a heavier barrel. It is also available with green furniture. The C8CQB similar to the Mark 18 Mod 0 CQBR, having a 10-inch barrel and a Vortex flash suppressor. The Diemaco Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) is even more compact having an overall length of 20.7 inches with stock fully retracted. It has a 5.7-inch barrel and the receiver extension has been shortened by 1.65 inches.
