Diemaco C7A1 vs Colt M16A4

Published on December 10, 2023
Duration: 16:49

This video compares the Diemaco C7A1 and Colt M16A4, highlighting Canada's early adoption of the flat-top upper receiver and Weaver rail system around 1990, predating the US military's 1913 Picatinny rail. The C7A1 is praised for its practical A1 rear sight, full-auto capability, and cold hammer-forged barrels, contrasting with the M16A2's range-focused design. The discussion delves into the history and standardization of the 1913 Picatinny rail, crediting Dick Swan with its development and dimensions.

Quick Summary

The Canadian military pioneered the flat-top upper receiver around 1990 with the Diemaco C7A1, aiming to equip all soldiers with optics. This system featured a Weaver-style rail with 14 slots, differing from the later US 1913 Picatinny rail. The C7A1 also incorporated practical combat features like an A1 rear sight and full-auto capability.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction: C7A1 vs M16A4
  2. 00:11Diemaco C7A1 Overview
  3. 00:25Significance of Flat-Top Upper Receiver
  4. 00:36Canadian Rail Development (Early 1990s)
  5. 00:57Canadian Weaver Rail vs. 1913 Rail
  6. 01:08C7A1 Practical Design Choices
  7. 01:21Cold Hammer Forge Barrels
  8. 01:37History of Rails: Hank Tatro & ACR Program
  9. 02:11Dick Swan's Involvement with Colt
  10. 02:25Colt's 1913 Rail Development Timeline
  11. 02:33Canadian Rail Design Advantages
  12. 02:54Elcan Optic and Backup Sight
  13. 03:08Canadian Carrying Handle with A1 Sight
  14. 03:15M16A2 vs. Combat Practicality
  15. 03:56Minimal Upgrade Effort for Canadians
  16. 04:27Triad Rails and Front Sight Post
  17. 04:45Closer Look at C7A1 Rail and Optic
  18. 04:58Optic Failure: Backup Sight Deployment
  19. 05:38Using Detachable Carrying Handle
  20. 05:51C7A1 Carrying Handle vs. A2
  21. 06:10Introduction to the American M16A4
  22. 06:15M16A2 to M16A4 Evolution
  23. 06:25M16A4 Adoption and M4 Carbine
  24. 06:43US Military Upgrade Process (A4)
  25. 07:07M16A4 Carrying Handle (A2)
  26. 07:21History of the 1913 Rail
  27. 07:34Dick Swan's Role in 1913 Rail Development
  28. 08:13Colt's Initial Denial of Swan's Involvement
  29. 08:50Verification of Dick Swan's Contribution
  30. 09:37Origin of '1913' Designation
  31. 09:54M4 Carbine Rail Adoption Changes
  32. 10:27Comparing C7A1 and 1913 Rails
  33. 10:30C7A1 Rail: Slots and Height
  34. 11:05Front Sight Bases: Canadian vs. US
  35. 11:33Carrying Handle Weight and Design
  36. 12:01Final US Marine Corps M16A4 Configuration
  37. 12:13M16A4 Marine Corps Setup
  38. 12:22Trijicon ACOG and M5 RAS
  39. 13:01Heat Transfer Issues with RAS Handguard
  40. 13:36Free-Floating Handguards
  41. 13:55M16A4 Lower Receiver and Upper Receiver
  42. 14:09AR-15 A4 vs. M16A4 Replicas
  43. 14:35Canadian Foresight in Weapon Development
  44. 14:41Canadian vs. US Military Improvement Process
  45. 15:02Importation Challenges for Canadian Rifles
  46. 15:08Building a C7A1 Replica
  47. 15:24Diemaco C7A2 Overview
  48. 15:36C7A2: Telescopic Stock and Furniture
  49. 15:50Ambidextrous Features
  50. 16:02Conclusion: Canadian Innovation
  51. 16:21Cold Hammer Forge Barrels Revisited
  52. 16:33C7 Rifles and Colt TDP
  53. 16:42Video Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Canadian Diemaco C7A1 rifle significant in firearm development?

The Diemaco C7A1 was significant because Canada was the first to develop and field a flat-top upper receiver for their rifles around 1990, aiming to equip every soldier with an optic, predating similar US military developments.

How did the Canadian C7A1's rail system differ from the US military's 1913 Picatinny rail?

The Canadian C7A1 used a Weaver-style rail with 14 narrower slots, which sat higher to accommodate optics without a raised front sight base. The US 1913 Picatinny rail has 13 slots and a different profile.

What advantages did the Diemaco C7A1 offer over the Colt M16A2?

The C7A1 featured a more practical A1 rear sight, full-auto capability, and cold hammer-forged barrels, which the speaker considered more suitable for combat than the M16A2's range-focused design and limited sight adjustments.

Who is credited with developing the dimensions for the 1913 Picatinny rail?

Dick Swan is credited with developing the dimensions for the 1913 Picatinny rail. His contributions were initially downplayed by Colt but later verified through documentation and witness accounts.

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