As it happens, the staking marks are a manufacturing mark. During early phases of SARP I, Diemaco was getting up to speed on M16 manufacture and developing the Diemaco process for forging barrels. The initial carriers were C marked Colt's for trials. Interestingly, the few that were used are still in service and can be found in CF weapons to this day. The first pre-production carriers were Colt's parts, assembled in Canada. They were offset staked to differentiate where assembly occurred. Early low rate production was Diemaco improved carriers with Colt's keys. Then finally all Diemaco parts, all assembled in Canada. The offset staking was kept to identify Canadian assembled carriers for cooperative various projects. No Diemaco export carriers were ever made with no marks, and all were offset staked. I've never sen another manufacturer use offset staking. Diemaco carriers were all D marked and were switched to CC marks after the company was re-named.
Rollmarks: Colt Canada - Diemaco Lowers
- Thread starter fenceline
- Start date
As it happens, the staking marks are a manufacturing mark. During early phases of SARP I, Diemaco was getting up to speed on M16 manufacture and developing the Diemaco process for forging barrels. The initial carriers were C marked Colt's for trials. Interestingly, the few that were used are still in service and can be found in CF weapons to this day. The first pre-production carriers were Colt's parts, assembled in Canada. They were offset staked to differentiate where assembly occurred. Early low rate production was Diemaco improved carriers with Colt's keys. Then finally all Diemaco parts, all assembled in Canada. The offset staking was kept to identify Canadian assembled carriers for cooperative various projects. No Diemaco export carriers were ever made with no marks, and all were offset staked. I've never sen another manufacturer use offset staking. Diemaco carriers were all D marked and were switched to CC marks after the company was re-named.
- Location
- East of Home, West of the Rest
Now that is some cool information, definitely changes how one interprets otherwise generic marks.
![-[Crosshair]-](/forum/data/avatars/m/31/31565.jpg?1718745216){kind=avatar}
I still find C-marked carriers in vaults everywhere here in Valcartier. They are quite common, actually. I also found a J-marked carrier in a reserve unit's vault... I guess somebody really wanted a Diemaco bolt and switched his civilian BCG for one at his unit, unless Colt Canada made some J-marked carriers in the past.
- Location
- East of Home, West of the Rest
I still find C-marked carriers in vaults everywhere here in Valcartier. They are quite common, actually. I also found a J-marked carrier in a reserve unit's vault... I guess somebody really wanted a Diemaco bolt and switched his civilian BCG for one at his unit, unless Colt Canada made some J-marked carriers in the past.
I just googled "j marked ar15 bolt" and found this. There was mention it was a military contractor supplying replacement parts.
"Made by Smith Ent. for J.C. Manufacturing for use as replacement parts. Commonly found in mid 1980's rebuilt M16A1 rifles."
I still find C-marked carriers in vaults everywhere here in Valcartier. They are quite common, actually. I also found a J-marked carrier in a reserve unit's vault... I guess somebody really wanted a Diemaco bolt and switched his civilian BCG for one at his unit, unless Colt Canada made some J-marked carriers in the past.
A weapons tech Sgt told me the CF bought a bunch of replacement parts out of the US and they were all J marked BC. He was posted at Pet at the time.
- Location
- East of Home, West of the Rest
I was thinking more what Rebel Rouser posted. Someone in the supply chain ordered replacement parts in the 80s.
live4therut
CGN frequent flyer
Matt,
Unrelated question but valid I suppose any differences or markings on a CC charging handle that would differentiate it from others?
Unrelated question but valid I suppose any differences or markings on a CC charging handle that would differentiate it from others?
Yes they went through Canada's Centre of Excellence for Small Arms. That's what I was trying to say...
Colt spares were never used to my knowledge. Only Diemaco spares. The only Colt parts were used during early and pre production sarp phases. These would have all been marked c. It most likely was a user level swap out. I've found bushmaster bolts in CF weapons. No bushmaster parts were ever used in production.
Mine also starts with 15*****DB, purchased from Al Flaherty's, all Colt Canada Diemaco parts including a CC bcg.
Cheers
Jay
- Location
- East of Home, West of the Rest
I'm thinking they all will. Just means the lowers are a slightly different batch than the sa complete guns, complete lowers and stripped lowers. Those were all 2014 made. The IURs will likely all be 2015 made. Just an interesting note for those looking to authenticate a genuine complete rifle vs one put together from assorted colt Canada individual runs or sourced parts.
The bcg at least, and the transfer notification from o'dell's puts SFRC's rifles arriving at ~Dec 22. O'dell's messed up and put their invoice/ transfer notification for 8 rifles in with mine (first rifle on transfer from o'dell's to sfrc). So they are fresh from factory with contract Date of 2015-10, packed 2015-12. At least that is what the BCG bag says. I'd assume final assembly happened before then? The anodizing Is completely different for iur vs lower. A black Vs colt grey. They weren't originally made for each other I'd be willing to bet. Still tight as virgin, needed punches and brass mallet to take it down.
