I built up an American version of the C7 using Armalite  OD green A2 forearm and grip.  Used a Magpul olive drab SL for the butt stock.  I liked the concept so well I am thinking of building up a second C7, but with a free float tube.  Are the Canadians now using any free float tubes on their C7 rifles?  If yes, then what American made forearm comes close to the Canadian tube?  If nothing available then I am thinking BCM KMR or SLR Solo for my build.  What do you think?

I was trying to prevent the C7 thread from going into archives. No rails yet. That C8A4 I posted is just a proposed version. Guys overseas were putting KAC M5 RAS on them. You can get the green KAC rail covers to match. The green cover were made for Norway for the C8 SFW and JTF2. If you find a maple leaf on the back, it's one of the Canadian contract overruns.

This is my C7A2 rifle at work and currently the only thing coming down the pipe to replace it is the C8A3 carbine.

Free float rails is still a ways out when we can't get trucks that work.

Thank you for the responses.  It looks like I will have to go with another hand guard.  The KAC RAS are expensive and are heavy. I would rather go with the LARUE 12.0 quad hand guard ($210) for my next C7, but it weights about 16 oz.  The SLR'S and the BCM KMR"s are lighter and give a slimmer look.    I will probably  Dura Coat them OD Green.

KevinB with a KAC RAS on a C7A1. He's now the Military Sales Manager for FN

The RAS has never been adopted by the CAF.  It's my understanding that the PPCLI had some overseas either as a trial or one time purchase.  They probably went home in everyone's barrack boxes or went back with the unit because the RCR has never had access to them.

The Colt C7 IUR was being considered as a replacement a few years back but I have no idea where that project currently sits.

I just threw on my KAC rail on my SA20 for a quick photo to see what it would look like:



(the 203 isn't real)

That SA20 is beautiful; sure wish we could own those and the SA15's. I have to make due with my BCM 20" upper

Are you guys still using the Insight M3X lights or do each unit give flexibility to purchase and put other lights on their rifles? I had a M3X light on my work rifle, and I just replaced it with a Surefire Scout Ultra because the beam on the M3X sucks

If I do a C7 clone (with A1 ch) does that qualify as an A2 build due to everything else being up to A2 spec?

They're still issued, but depending on the unit there can be alot of flex with what's allowed instead.
Under my RSM, as long as it's not a permanent modification (which to him means it requires tools beyond a screwdriver), it's okay.

Did you switch lights out? If not, what other lights are guys in your unit using instead of the M3X

First time I had a Surefire G2 in a FAB vertical grip. I used that until I got issued a C9. A couple years ago I picked up an M952, but somebody stole it last year in Alberta and I haven't picked up anything since because I'm a crew commander and don't see too much necessity for it.

I've seen a couple other guys get M952's in one form or another, and one of our JTAC's has an M910 on his C8. Mostly Surefire as our Canex (kinda like a PX) and autoshop carry them.

As far as I'm concerned, yes.  The C7 is an M16A2 series rifle, while the match/LMG sights are the most commonly recognized A2 feature, the M16A2 series had a lot of other changes from the M16A2, and not all M16A2-marked guns had the match/LMG rear sights.

~Augee

American version of the C7 rifle, but with a quad type hand guard.

After reading about the Colt Canada C8 British SAS uppers (I Like the hand guards).

I thought for my next C7 type (with a free float hand guard) build, I would try come as close  as I can and use a similar quad rail hand guard. I plan to use a 20" mil contour barrel.  After researching what is available for upper receiver/hand guards, I zeroed in on the Aero Precision Gen 2 M4E1 12" hand guard/receiver with a 4-5 inch quad rail.  These are available from Monmouth Reloading for $204.95 plus shipping.  I have used several other standard Aero Precision lowers and uppers for builds and they are excellent. I have a Tool Craft NIB bolt and carrier with the  order.  

My next step is the barrel.  Does anyone know of a match grade 20" Govt. A2 contour barrel?  I have been looking at FAXON, Green Mountain, Windham and Ballistic Advantage. I would prefer to have a taper pinned FSB, but I have an Armalite clamp on FSB that I purchase several years ago that I will probably use. I would like to have an FN hammer forged, Govt. A2 profile, 20" barrel, (if they exist?) but they are very expensive and I'm not sure they would be any more accurate then a FAXON or Windham barrel.  

What are your thoughts on a match grade barrel?  Fulton Armory match mil contour barrels? CLE or White Oak? I think they only offer heavy barrels. I would like the rifle to shoot minute of man or better out to 600 yds.

Some more fuel for the fire;



C7A2 with privately purchased DIS




The FAB grip I mentioned earlier.

Different rifles, both mine, different units.

Diemaco (before they became Colt Canada) did show various versions on their catalog that were "sniper" variants with the old fashioned aluminum freefloat tubes.

Colt Canada has shown various "monolithic" type uppers, similar to the Colt 6940.