AR Sponsor
Posted: 2/1/2023 6:11:56 PM EDT
|
There's just something cool about foreign ARs - in particular anything not HK is often overlooked. But as Diemaco/Colt Canada parts are hard to come by, it's easy to see how these threads fall by the archives. I wanted to start another thread so others could perhaps share their clones or real deals otherwise, and to share my recently completed eclectic C7A2 build:       Special thanks to: Braceman - for reprofiling both upper and buffer tubes AND throwing in the large FA cut for free. Hunter Rifle Works - for Diemaco/CC grey anodizing Parts List: FN 20" Govt Barrel, CHF 1-7 Twist KAC M5 RAS w/ Panels Tango Down VFG Surefire 660 Diemaco M4 Upper, cut to C7 spec, re-ano'd CC grey Colt Large FA Diemaco BCG MOA Customs C7A2 engraved A2 lower, re-ano'd CC grey Diemaco/Colt Canada Extended Charging Handle HAO Ambi Magazine Catch (Airsoft clone, but it has the correct markings ) Diemaco A2 Grip C7A2 Sling Plate Double Star CAR style lock ring Reprofiled 4-POS Buffer Tube, re-ano'd CC grey Diemaco Carbine Buttstock Trijicon TA01NSN ACOG |
|
Gasp! Blasphemy! It's not supposed to have the KAC M5, Acog, Tango Down Grip. And to add insult, its black! Certainly it wasn't ever issued like so, but digging for some info (Army.ca has a few interesting threads from mid 2000s) revealed these items would find its way onto personal rifles, such as those of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) during the early GWOT. During trials for the C7 mid life upgrade program that would yield the C7A2, the KAC M5 was tested as the means to mount accessories, importantly IR devices. The KAC M5 fared favorably, but ultimately its high price kept it from adoption. Instead, the Canadian government solicited Diemaco to design a cheaper solution, that is the TRIAD barrel mounted rail. However, according to Kevin Boland, ex-CF and KAC employee, the Canadian government tried to have Diemaco copy the M5 design (albeit cheaper). When KAC caught wind, it seems an end was put to that. Additionally the Tango Down Mk46 vertical grip was considered, but suffered the same fate (and was attempted to be copied). Instead, the Cadex folding grip was chosen; a grip I can confidently say is flimsy as a paper pizza plate. It seems as a result of the trial runs, the PPCLI kept KAC M5 rails on hand where some soldiers would opt to use over the typical barrel mounted TRIAD affair. Moreover, in theatre there was some discretionary freedom to use privately purchased optics and non permanent accessories. Particularly of interest is the use of ACOGs over the issued Elcan C79, no doubt due to the wandering zero that plagued early gen C79s. The C79A2 would have a spring tensioner added to the mount in order to mitigate this. A2s are quite rare in the states.     |
As for the black furniture, well it's quite odd for sure and most likely all C7A2s were issued green, but it seems a few may have had buttstock replacements that were black. Not to be confused with with early green stocks that had faded dark brown: Either way, the search for Diemaco green furniture continues. |
|
Everything on my C7A2 is Diemaco except the Barrel (colt Hbar) and the lower until I can get one cut (have the buffer tube just not installed and have the HH marked Buffer) Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
|
earlier pics before I swapped out for real parts but have the Cadex attached Attached File Attached File Attached File |
|
Quoted: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/494759/Diemaco_Front_Sight_Post_installed_1_jpg-2694620.JPG even have the Canadian front sight post Damn! That pic makes it look like your FSB/handguard are canted as hell. |
|
Quoted: Always liked the way the Eickhorn designed bayonets look - I have a KCB-77 for my AUG that fits NATO lugs. have the Nella M7 as well Attached File Attached File |
|
Quoted: My old L119A2 - this is an absolute turd of an upper but a cool build: https://i.imgur.com/9BTHtsK.jpg I hate I missed the boat on those uppers. I've been keeping an eye out for the last year or two and haven't seen a single one pop for sale. |
|
Quoted: There’s been at least 5 sold in the last two years. At least 3 on Gunbroker as well There was a L119A2 10" upper I was eyeing some time ago, but the bid went way over what I paid for my 15.7" that came with a Comp M4s... As a side note, I recall you mentioning you might have found a repro source for the Norwegian gas block - any luck with that? |
|
Quoted: There was a L119A2 10" upper I was eyeing some time ago, but the bid went way over what I paid for my 15.7" that came with a Comp M4s... As a side note, I recall you mentioning you might have found a repro source for the Norwegian gas block - any luck with that? love to find a Diemaco 20" barrel or a known Diemaco FSB I can put on an FN CHF barrel |
|
Quoted: There was a L119A2 10" upper I was eyeing some time ago, but the bid went way over what I paid for my 15.7" that came with a Comp M4s... As a side note, I recall you mentioning you might have found a repro source for the Norwegian gas block - any luck with that? Im still working on it. The guy i was working with is no longer interested, but i still have a rough copy and a CAD file for it. Its gonna need refinement but i’ll get both the Norwegian and Danish folding gas blocks done eventually. When i do, they’re probably going to be fairly expensive and there will be likely less than 10 of either model |
AR Sponsor