Colt Canada unveils at CANSEC 2024 new C8A4 to equip Canadian Army.

[cyclone]

.
Note the optic and the suppressor...

https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/colt-canada-unveils-at-cansec2024-new-c8a4-to-equip-canadian-army

Colt Canada unveils at CANSEC 2024 new C8A4 to equip Canadian Army.

3 Jun, 2024 - 12:27
Defense News Army 2024

Colt Canada – a subsidiary of Colt CZ Group – presented a new variant of the C8 carbine at the CANSEC 2024 exhibition. The C8A4 is considered as a potential future assault rifle configuration for the Canadian Armed Forces as part of the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) project.

Colt C8A4 with Magpul buttstock, low design foregrip, and variable optics, as presented at CANSEC 2024 (Picture source: Colt Canada)

The compact C8A4 assault rifle is Colt Canada's Modular Rail Rifle (MRR). This AR-15 architecture in 5.56mm x 45 caliber combines the internal components of the field-proven C8 carbine with the M-Lok rail system. The MRR operates as a direct gas impingement system with an enhanced gas block. The weapon features a single-stage non-adjustable combat trigger. Thanks to a long STANAG 4694 rail on the top and M-Lok side interfaces with five mounting slots, the robust monolithic upper casing allows for economical attachment of various optics and other accessories while ensuring better weight distribution.

The cold-hammer forged chrome-lined barrel, 295 mm in length and free-floating, contributes to a longer lifespan. The MRR features an ambidextrous safety lever. The AR-15 compatible magazines hold 30 cartridges as standard. Unloaded, the weapon weighs approximately 2900 grams. In the C8A4 variant, the aluminum casing is coated with a sand-colored Cerakote finish. The Magpul MOE grip and the adjustable Magpul CTR stock are also in this color. In the configuration shown, the C8A4 carbine carries a SAI Optics SAI 6 patrol scope and a Huxwrx suppressor. With this equipment, the C8A4 follows a concept similar to the British alternative individual weapon L403A1.

Weighing 2.8 kilograms unloaded and 3.4 kilograms loaded, it combines lightness with functional robustness. This firearm extends to a length of 0.84 meters with the buttstock extended and retracts to 0.76 meters with the buttstock collapsed, thus meeting various operational needs. Its 368 millimeter barrel is designed for precision and durability. With an adjustable rate of fire from 700 to 940 rounds per minute, the C8A4 offers adaptability in various combat scenarios. Its impressive initial velocity of 900 meters per second maximizes ballistic efficiency over distances up to 400 meters for individual fire.

 

[boxhitch]

wonder if first sales contracts are for the CF or for export
our tax dollars hard at work again
maybe like the funded Canadair 415's that we need desperately, first 25 off the line are for export

 

[woodchopper]

well I don't think that is the one they were planning on

11.6" barrel... I was under the impression that the plan was for a barrel somewhere between 14-16"

but other then that the plan has been that all current C7 and C8 rifles are going to be replaced, and yes suppressors will be standard

 

[Painkillers]

Weird optic mount. Why bother with backup irons, if the soldier can't get the mount or optic off the rifle?

 

[Twan]

Weird optic mount. Why bother with backup irons, if the soldier can't get the mount or optic off the rifle?

Just because CC shows a gun with a given optic / mount, doesn't mean that's the exact configuration being procured.

 

[DVX]

Odd they would go with M-LOK instead of rails, considering it takes more tools and time to install things than slapping something on a rail when time is tight.

 

[Ex3dy]

That new ambi lower looks, umm, different. Hopefully they smooth out some of the angular features on both the upper and lower before final production.

 

[Leg]

The C8A4 is considered as a potential future assault rifle configuration for the Canadian Armed Forces as part of the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) project.

In other words, your title is misleading clickbait garbage.

 

[CamparyTon]

mmmmm peanut butter flavour rifle

 

[OldOrange]

mmmmm peanut butter flavour rifle

 

[Painkillers]

Just because CC shows a gun with a given optic / mount, doesn't mean that's the exact configuration being procured.

Fair.

 

[Leg]

Just because CC shows a gun with a given optic / mount, doesn't mean that's the exact configuration being procured.

It damn well should if its in article about the version they claim will equip the CAF, which it isn’t.

 

[Winz]

CANSEC is a trade show. It is entirely there for industry to engage (ie solicit) defence officials' interest in the products/services they can offer or want to sell to the government.

In the case of small arms, CZ/Colt Canada is positioned to get the contract to produce service weapons as it has few (real) competitors (especially given preference for Canadian production). Of course, the final configuration of their product is still determined by the government (ie through DLR in this case) but they would be minor changes, if at all.

 

[Ex3dy]

This thread needs pictures and I need to know what the point of a cantilever optic mount on an IUR is.

 

[beltfed]

in other news Colt Canada catches up to Knight's SR15....~15 years later.

 

[mildot]

in other news Colt Canada catches up to Knight's SR15....~15 years later.

 

[greentips]

the gun itself has no more to go, a gun is a gun there is only so much wheel that can be reinvented until they shoot case less mini HE rounds.

By 2027 we should be having things that is not the 2015 style LPVO and lighter/smaller suppressor. The thing put on top of this ting is still 2010 to 2015 thinking. The thing of the future is not the gun itself, but digital NV/Thermal/Passive targeting module integrated to network of drones and other stuff. Dudes should see an arrow through his lense and point the thing to the direction until it beeps. Like a highly integrated and lighter version of what CC demonstrated some years ago.

 

[old303]

Can Colt legitimately even call it a C8A4 before the government procures it and applies the official designation?

Also, if you're primarily trying to sell a rifle, being open to the purchaser's choice of optic is a good strategy, and the one shown on the rifle may just be an example.

 

[Bile]

This thread needs pictures and I need to know what the point of a cantilever optic mount on an IUR is.

I wish to speculate:

Backward compatibility and or forward compatibility with other firearms and systems. Like the C9 or what-have-you.
Flexibility for moving optic around to deal with other accessories.

2 cents.

 

[golddust]

Why are the military fixated on short barrel rifles? Are all future wars going to held in cities? No open gun fights anymore where longer barrels would make a difference?