Colt Canada C19
The Colt C19 is a licence-built, Finnish-designed Tikka T3 CTR bolt action rifle modified for the Canadian Rangers. The C19 replaces the longer and heavier Lee-Enfield No. 4 rifles in service since 1947.
| Colt C-19, C19 Ranger Rifle | |
|---|---|
| Type | Bolt action rifle |
| Place of origin | Canada (Colt Canada) |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2018 |
| Used by | Canada |
| Production history | |
| Designer | SAKO |
| Manufacturer | Colt Canada |
| Unit cost | CA$2,500 |
| Produced | 2016–2018 |
| No. built | 6,500 (2016) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4.0 kg (8.8 lb) |
| Length | 102.0 cm (40.2 in) |
| Barrel length | 51.0 cm (20.1 in) |
| Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO/.308 Winchester |
| Action | bolt action; two locking lug T3 |
| Rate of fire | 30 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 790 m/s (2,600 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 100–600 m (110–660 yd) sight adjustments |
| Feed system | 10-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Rear: rotating diopter drum; front: hooded post quick acquisition iron sights[1][2] |
The rifles are mainly used for self-defence against large North American carnivores like polar bears, and for personal survival as regional surveillance missions are often conducted for extended periods in remote areas, requiring the Rangers to hunt for food. Further the rifles are expected to operate in temperatures ranging from −51 to 39 °C (−60 to 102 °F) with moderate to high humidity and be resistant to corrosion from long-term exposure to salt laden air and water.
According to SAKO, production commenced in mid-2016, with rifle trials into 2017 and the full complement are expected to be delivered by the end of 2019.
Design details
The C19 has the following modifications from the original Tikka T3 CTR:[3]
- Larger bolt handle and enlarged trigger guard to accommodate gloved hands
- Protected front and rear iron sights
- Laminated stock in unique red colour with Ranger badge
- Two-stage trigger with three-position safety
The receiver top has a NATO Accessory Rail for mounting accessories like aiming elements or optics. The free-floating, hammer-forged threaded barrel and other critical components are made of stainless steel. The buttstock is manufactured from plywood laminates. Such engineered woods are stronger and resist warping better than the conventional one-piece patterns, do not require lengthy maturing, and are cheaper. Further the buttstock can be lengthened by adding spacers.
The Colt C19 is equipped with iron sights that consist of a rear sight element mounted on the rear receiver containing a rotary drum protected by sturdy "ears" and a semi-hooded front post. The rear sight is mechanically adjustable for elevation, and features six apertures calibrated for 0–500 m (0–547 yd) in 100 m (110 yd) increments.
The C19 is capable of chambering not only in-service 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition such as the Ball C21 147-grain (9.5 g) cartridge, but also commercially available .308 Winchester ammunition like the 180 gr (11.7 g) Nosler Accubond hunting ammunition issued to the Canadian Rangers, simplifying the Canadian Armed Forces' supply chain.
The C19 rifle is being supplied with a soft transport case, Pelican hard transport case, cleaning kit, sling, and trigger lock.
Tikka T3x Arctic civilian version
In 2017 Tikka introduced the Tikka T3x Arctic model in their regular commercial line, which is the civilian version of the Colt C19. Tikka T3x Arctic rifles lack the crest of the Canadian Rangers depicted on the stocks of C-19 service rifles. They are also more orange in colour than the red of the service rifle. The T3x also comes with the commercial version bolt shroud and cocking piece, lacks the multi-position QD sling loops of the C-19. Rather being fitted with Uncle Mikes mounting studs on the underside.[4][5][6]
References
- "T3 Compact Tactical Rifle". Tikka. Tikka. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
- Fouchard, Steven. "Canadian Rangers approve of smaller, more powerful new rifles". Government of Canada. Army Public Affairs. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
- NEW CANADIAN RANGER RIFLE Press Release: Colt Canada Corporation 2015‐06‐23
- Nathaniel F (September 8, 2016). "You Will Soon Be Able to Own The C-19 Canadian Ranger Rifle – Tikka Introduces the "Arctic"". The Firearm Blog. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- TIKKA T3x ARCTIC The rifle that Canadian Rangers trust
- Tikka’s T3x Arctic Review: A Gift from the North by Rob Curtis November 28, 2017
