Colt Canada C20

History of the Colt Canada C20

At the turn of the century, when U.S. troops fought across Iraq and Afghanistan, the squad-level Designated Marksman Role (DMR) became prominent in fights. The DMR role combines the abilities of a high-precision rifle and an infantry member to bridge the gap between standard gunners and professional snipers.

The result is a powerful class component that can provide long-range firepower when needed.

While the Armed Forces have had multiple options for some time now, Colt Canada has been producing an impressive 'C20' for the role since 2020. The product has entered the inventory of the Canadian Ministry of Defence and the Danish Armed Forces. Design work began in 2019. For the Royal Danish Army, the C20 will be used to replace the outgoing German Heckler & Koch HK417 series.

The first deliveries are expected sometime in 2021.

The system is essentially an AR-15-style semi-automatic weapon with an integrated MRR-L upper receiver, MIL-STD-1913 upper rail (for mounting accessories) and a Geissele SSA two-stage trigger assembly. The stock is adjustable to suit the shooter's comfort, and the hinged foldable bipod sits under the slotted handguard. The chrome barrel is optional, and the barrel can be locked with a multi-slot brake or suppressor, the latter offering improved stealth operation.

Other qualities are traditional, including a rear angled pistol grip with an integral trigger section and forward-facing magazine well. The optics (usually a Schmidt & Bender 3-20x50 telescopic sight) are placed above the receiver as usual.

The base model is loaded with the ubiquitous 7.62x51mm NATO standard rifle cartridge, which provides better range and personnel deterrence than the smaller 5.56mm intermediate cartridge. Unloaded, the entire system weighs 9.1 pounds with an overall length of 38 inches and an 18-inch barrel. Muzzle velocity is 2,400 feet per second when using C181 series ammunition.

The semi-automatic action ensures that every time the trigger is pulled, the cartridge can be loaded and fired.

Specification

Fundamentals

Year of Service

2020

Origins

Canada

Categories

Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR)

Manufacturer

Colt Canada - Canada

Carrier

Canada; Denmark

Roles

Accuracy/Precision

Long-range accuracy/accuracy capability; good for sniping, especially when equipped with sights.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

965mm

37.99 inches

Run Length

447mm

17.60 inches

Cured weight

9.04 lbs

4. 10 kg

Attractions

Schmidt & Bender 3-20x50 Rifle Scope

Action

Semi-automatic

Semi-automatic

One shot per trigger; self-loading or self-loading action supported by internal mechanisms; stroke management (and initial cocking) typically required by operators; subsequent shots assisted by unlocking/moving bolts.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

7.62x51mm NATO

Circle/Feed

20-round detachable magazine.

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived

405 feet

(123m | 135m)

Mile speed

2,400 ft/s

(732 m/s)

VARIANTS

C20 - The name of the base series. Finskyttegevaer, Kort (FINSKGV K) - C20 designated by the Royal Danish Army.