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The Bravo Company Manufacturing SFW British SAS Rifle

SmallArmsSolutions
Published on July 24, 2018
Category: Reviews
Duration: 29:26

This video provides an in-depth look at the Diemaco (Colt Canada) SFW (Special Forces Weapon), a rifle developed for the British SAS. It details the rifle's origins as a modification of the AR-15 platform, highlighting key differences from the M16A2 such as the A1 rear sight and hammer-forged barrel. The video also covers the Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) SFW variant, comparing its features and modifications to the original Diemaco design. The discussion emphasizes the rifle's accuracy, reliability, and suitability as a light support weapon, contrasting it with the SA80 and M4 carbine.

Tags

Bravo Company Manufacturing SFW
Diemaco SFW
British SAS Rifle
AR-15 Platform
Hammer Forged Barrel
Cold Hammer Forged
Chrome Plated Barrel
Special Forces Weapon
Light Support Weapon
Carbine
Personal Defense Weapon
M4 Carbine
C7 Rifle
C8 Carbine
L119A1
L119A2
Elcan Optic
Triad Rail System
Grenade Launcher Mount
Canadian Military Small Arms
Colt Canada
Diemaco
Bravo Company Manufacturing

Quick Summary

The Diemaco SFW (Special Forces Weapon) is a specialized rifle developed for the British SAS, based on the AR-15 platform. It features a cold hammer-forged, chrome-plated barrel for enhanced durability and accuracy, and an A1-style rear sight for practical combat use, distinguishing it from the M16A2.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction to Small Arms Solutions
  2. 00:16History of Colt Canada (Diemaco)
  3. 00:31Canadian Small Arms Replacement Program (START)
  4. 01:08M16A2 Rear Sight Issues
  5. 01:55Hammer Forged Barrels vs. Button Rifling
  6. 02:09Canadian C7 Rifle and Carbine Licensing
  7. 03:04Diemaco's Engineering Role
  8. 03:46Diemaco's Projects (LMG, Colt 9mm)
  9. 03:51British SAS Requirement for New Rifle
  10. 04:34Colt's Bankruptcy Issues
  11. 05:19Diemaco Approaches British SAS
  12. 05:45The Diemaco SFW (Special Forces Weapon)
  13. 05:53Original Diemaco SFW Upper Receiver
  14. 06:23Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) SFW Variant
  15. 06:53SFW Barrel Specifications and Accuracy
  16. 07:36Grenade Launcher Mount on SFW
  17. 07:49Diemaco Triad Rail System
  18. 08:07M4 Handguards on SFW
  19. 08:31Front Sight Base Evolution
  20. 09:04Receiver Markings and Proof Marks
  21. 09:35Elcan Optic and Backup Sight
  22. 10:09Canadian Military Charging Handle
  23. 10:16Barrel Markings (Diemaco, 5.56 NATO)
  24. 10:45Front Sight Post Design
  25. 11:04Triad Rail System Details
  26. 11:09Colt Canada Front Sight Bases
  27. 11:26Buffer Change and Feed Ramps
  28. 12:00Receiver Details (Diemaco D, Fortification)
  29. 12:11Polymer Front Sight with Apertures
  30. 12:25Elcan Scope Operation
  31. 12:36Charging Handle Modification
  32. 12:47C7A2 Program Midlife Upgrade
  33. 12:56Bolt Carrier Group Staking
  34. 13:20Diemaco Markings (D, MPD)
  35. 13:46Barrel Life and Durability
  36. 13:54Cold Hammer-Forged and Chrome-Plated Barrels
  37. 14:16SFW Combat Record and Trials
  38. 14:34Colt's Missed Opportunity with SAS Contract
  39. 14:58Colt's Interest in Diemaco's Engineering
  40. 15:11Colt's Lack of Engineering Department
  41. 15:51Colt Acquires Diemaco (Colt Canada)
  42. 15:56Challenges with Importing Colt Canada Rifles
  43. 16:20Small Run of Colt Canada Imported Rifles
  44. 17:08Colt's Component Imports from Diemaco
  45. 17:36Colt Canada and Colt Defense Division
  46. 17:46SFW Configurations (15.9" and 10.5")
  47. 18:01L119A2 and One-Piece Upper Receiver
  48. 18:09Continued Use of SFW
  49. 18:12SAS Use of Original C7 Rifles
  50. 18:31L119A1 Effectiveness and Rumors
  51. 18:47Criticism of SA80/L85
  52. 19:06Commercial Following of Military Rifles
  53. 19:19Canadian Rifles in the US Market
  54. 19:25Researching Diemaco
  55. 19:41Diemaco Manufacturing Facility Impression
  56. 19:51Modernized Diemaco Facility vs. Colt Factory
  57. 20:05CNC Machines and Hammer Forging Equipment
  58. 20:15Shooting and Impressive Performance
  59. 20:21Desire for C7A1 Upper Receivers
  60. 20:36BCM Manufacturing of SFW Upper Receiver
  61. 20:51BCM SFW Barrel Length (16")
  62. 21:01BCM SFW Barrel (Cold Hammer-Forged, Chrome-Plated)
  63. 21:09BCM SFW Modifications from Original
  64. 21:15Gunfighter Stock vs. Standard M4 Stock
  65. 21:33Canadian Military Stock Decontamination
  66. 21:49Pistol Grip and Gunfighter Grip
  67. 22:03Original A2 Rear Sight
  68. 22:04Canadian Thermal Magazines
  69. 22:15Original Polymer Magazine Failures
  70. 22:25Canadian Military Adoption of Aluminum Magazines
  71. 22:31Colt Canada Polymer Magazine Sales
  72. 22:40Original M4 Handguards and Heat Shields
  73. 22:51BCM SFW Handguard and Triad System
  74. 22:59Standard A2 Front Sight Post
  75. 23:05BCM SFW vs. Original SFW Look
  76. 23:15Barrel Length and Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel
  77. 23:22BCM's Quality Work
  78. 23:31SFW as a Light Support Weapon
  79. 23:40Heavy Barrel vs. Lightweight Barrels
  80. 24:00Triad System Evolution
  81. 24:05British Official Adoption of Rail Systems
  82. 24:10SFW Combat Record
  83. 24:21Return to Shooting After Medical Clearance
  84. 24:26Range Test with BCM SFW and Elcan
  85. 24:42Ammunition Provided by Jeff Hoffman (Black Hills)
  86. 24:44Black Hills 77gr HPBT Match
  87. 26:40Hornady Barrier 62gr
  88. 27:45Wil-Kill 77gr OTM
  89. 28:35M855 Ballistics
  90. 29:14Video Conclusion and Subscription Request

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Diemaco SFW rifle?

The Diemaco SFW (Special Forces Weapon) is a rifle developed by Colt Canada (formerly Diemaco) for the British SAS. It's based on the AR-15 platform but features specific modifications like a cold hammer-forged barrel and an A1-style rear sight for improved performance and practicality in military operations.

What are the key differences between the Diemaco SFW and the M16A2?

The SFW differs from the M16A2 primarily in its rear sight, opting for the more practical A1 battle sight instead of the A2's precision-oriented adjustable sight. It also features a cold hammer-forged barrel, which enhances durability and accuracy, and a heavier profile for better heat dissipation.

Why did the British SAS choose the Diemaco SFW over other rifles?

The British SAS required a rifle with superior accuracy and reliability compared to the SA80 and greater suitability for their operational needs than the M4 carbine. The SFW's robust construction, hammer-forged barrel, and specific design modifications met these demanding requirements.

What is the significance of the cold hammer-forged barrel on the SFW?

The cold hammer-forging process creates a stronger, more durable barrel with tighter tolerances. Combined with chrome plating, this significantly extends the barrel's lifespan and maintains accuracy even under heavy use, making the SFW suitable for sustained fire and as a light support weapon.

What is the Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) SFW variant?

The BCM SFW is a commercially available variant that closely replicates the Diemaco SFW. It features a cold hammer-forged, chrome-plated barrel (typically 16 inches for legal compliance in the US) and incorporates many of the original SFW's design elements, offering a similar look and feel for enthusiasts.

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