Manufactured by Colt Canada, the two variants of the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle have been designated C25 and C26 and will replace the currently fielded C7 and C8 which have been in service for 35 years. Chambered in 5.56mm NATO, Colt Canada was able to quickly bring the project to fruition due to improvement efforts which have been ongoing.
I was able to photograph and fire both variants at Rampart Range Day. These photos are configured as per the contract, including optics and outfitted with the Strategic Sciences Corporation Multi Function Muzzle Device provided in Canada by Millbrook Strategic Sciences. Interestingly, the Department of National Defence did not option the add-on component of the MFMD and are sticking solely with the primary device. Additionally, both models are outfitted with new variable power optics by Colt Optics.
Both feature ambidextrous controls and a single piece upper receiver which integrates the handguard.
The C25 (General Service) features:
- 13.7″ barrel
- 5 M-Lok slots
- 1-6x LVPO
Still in final development, the C26 (Full Spectrum) features:
- 15.7″ barrel
- 7 M-Lok slots
- 1-10x LVPO
The production contract which was awarded in March calls for 30,000 assault rifles between 2026 and 2029.
Very nice looking rifle. Any insight as to why those specific barrel lengths were chosen? What about the rail length on the general service rifle? Why did they decide to go so short?
Yeah, I find it interesting that both Canada and the have selected 13.7″ barrels. Canada from Colt Canada and the UK from KAC.
I find it funny that Canadian military will soon have a better standard issue weapon than the US Army.
Yep, totally RifleMogging the US (and most of the world) with this setup.
Compared to the M4? Both are 5.56 so other than ergonomics they’re essentially the same rifle with the same capabilities.
Compared to the M7? I would concede the Canadian choice makes more sense but my statement above still holds true, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.
I am curious as to where the LICC’s 6.5x43mm fits into their future picture as their SOF was part of the team bringing it to the table for NATO standardization.
I’d argue that the Colt Canada guns outclass both a rack grade M4 and the M4. Technically, the Colt Canada rifles are superior to an M4 because of the monolithic handguard and barrel options. As far as the M7, I would personally argue that an intermediate carbine will always be a better general issue weapons system than a battle rifle/battle carbine.
It will also be interesting to see what happens with the LICC and HICAR.
There hasn’t been much news regarding the IWS or LICC since FN got NSN’s last year.
Conversely, there has been much scuttlebutt about high pressure 5.56 loadings since NAS3 hit the scene, and HICAR kicks that into high gear.
I’m most curious to see who submits white papers…Sig will have a competitive advantage since they have high pressure M855A1 surrogates and carbines already.
We’ll have to see what manufacturers can get NAS3 cases to inform their submissions, since the government ammo won’t be unveiled until after paper submission.
It’s not hard when you are just buying enough rifles to outfit three states’ National Guard units.