The Canadian Department of National Defense has confirmed an order for new Colt C20 semi-automatic sniper rifles in 7.62mm x 51 NATO calibre. The order covers the delivery of 272 rifles plus spare parts, for a total price of 8.5M CAD.
Colt Canada’s C20, 7.62 NATO, Semi-Automatic Sniper Weapon was developed to support the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) requirement for an Intermediate Sniper Weapon. Photo: Department of National Defense.
The 7.62mm C20 will replace the 5.56mm C8 rifles previously used in sniper sections, with first deliveries expected in November 2020, and full issue being achieved by March 2021. Colt Canada (located in Kitchener, Ontario) will be the manufacturer of the new rifle.
Standard features include; Gas Impingement Operation System, 18-inch Chrome-lined Barrel, MRR-L Integrated Upper Receiver, 46 Slot Continuous MIL-STD-1913 Top Rail, M-Lok slots in the 3, 6 and 9 O’Clock Positions, Geissele SSA Dual-Stage Trigger, LMT .308 DMR Adjustable Buttstock. Photos: Colt Canada
The C20 has been tested and proven to all relevant NATO D/14 standards for safety, functionality in extreme conditions, and endurance, having fired 8,000 rounds with no stoppages. The C20 also achieved an average of .66 MOA over 144 five round groups, collected throughout endurance testing. All groups were shot first round cold with suppressor, using 175gr Federal Gold Medal Match ammunition. Photo: Department of National Defence.
The Canadian government will also launch a competition sometime this month to buy 229 bolt action sniper rifles, designated the C21, which will be used for long-range precision shooting.
