Originally posted by BillP:
[qb]A question, I heard that the CF is upgrading their C-8s to the heavy barrel version, identical to the Diemaco SFW.Also modular rail attachments are being added to the handguardsfor various lights/optics/sights.The barrel being stepped, like the US M4, would accomodate the M203. Fact or fiction?? I recall a travelling road-show where several different variants of the C-7/C-8 were on display. Fact or just another way to tease the soldier?[/qb]
I have heard that the CF does stock this bit of kit (M203) although speaking to the odd soldier, none have yet seen or used it. With the latest activity in Afghanistan, however, I have now seen images of both CF soldiers using an M203 attachment, as well as in today‘s Toronto Sun, troops in the mountains on Op Harpoon carrying the C-8, distinctively noted by its adjustable stock.
I haven‘t yet seen the C-8 with the M203. This is, I have read, a common U.S. special forces configuration.
I suppose in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan, the range difference between the longer C-7 and the shorter C-8 are too negligible to worry about.
I have read on this website up to now that the C-8 is only generally issued to vehicle crews -- however, is it something that an infantry soldier can request? For example, in Afghanistan, would the head sheds come around to all the troops and asked, "Hey, would you like a nifty C-8 instead of that long, akward C-7?" Or is it more likely to have been, "Hey, here‘s a C-8, give us back the other rifle now while you go searching for Taliban in them mountains..."
