Colt Canada / Diemaco C7 Assault Rifle

The C7 assault rifle stemmed from the Canadian decision to go with the NATO 5.56mm cartridge as the standard ammunition of the Canadian armed forces. The Colt-produced American-made M16A1 rifle became the base weapon of choice in 1984 (as the Colt Model 715) and this was then followed into production by the improved M16A2 variant - adopted into Canadian Army service as the "C7". While appearing outwardly similar to the American M16A2, differences in the C7 version are not readily apparent to the casual observer. However, notable modifications to the weapon do exist and serve to suit Canadian military requirements. Development and production went on to be divided between the Canadian Diemaco and American Colt concerns over the life of the weapon. In 2005, Colt Firearms purchased Diemaco creating the "Colt Canada Corporation" brand label.

 Unlike the American Army's M16A2, the Canadian C7 utilized a full-automatic fire mode - the American M16A2 instead making use of a three-round burst facility as well as single-shot fire. The C7 also sported a deflector at the ejection port that allowed for "pseudo-ambidextrous" operation, not favoring solely right-handed shooters. The C7 was given flip-up type sights for use in both short-range and long-range confrontations and the internal firing mechanism was designed to accept either the NATO SS109 or the US M193 cartridges, making the C7 adaptable to logistical needs. The gas operation, rotating bolt system of the M16 remained intact as did the overall design lines of the original American Colt product. The C7 featured a capable rate-of-fire of 700 to 900 rounds per minute and could sight out to 400 yards with optics (accurized versions reaching out to 600 yards). The C10 became a training version of the full-length C7 rifle, chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge and available in semi-automatic fire only.
The C7A1 became the natural follow-up variant of the C7 with its most noticeable change being the lack of the integrated M16-style carrying handle. Instead, a Weaver rail mounting system was installed for use of various optics - primarily the 3.4x ELCAN C79 optical sight. Iron sights were retained to back-up the optics. The C7A2 then followed and featured changes based on operational service stemming from Canadian involvement in Afghanistan. Controls of this version were made truly ambidextrous while the stock was revised to be telescoping in nature. Three accessory rails were added to allow for items such as aimers and flashlights while an optical sight could be fitted over the receiver. These changes drastically broadened the tactical effectiveness of the C7 family.