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SAS Weapons - C8 SFW Carbine (L119A1)

sas armed with C8 carbines
As seen in Southern Iraq - a UKSF operator with C8 carbine
(view full image)

The Canadian clone of the US M4, the Diemaco C8 SFW (Special Forces Weapon), has been used by the Regiment since the late 90s, taking over the role of primary assault rifle from the venerable M16. Essentially, a cut-down and improved M16, the C8 sacrifices some range for compactness.

The C8 SFW, designated L119A1 within the UK military, offers several improvements over the M4 it is based on. These improvements include a hammer forged heavy mid-length (16.1 inches) barrel.

The C8 fires a 5.56x45mm round and uses standard NATO 30-round magazines. The C8 is a versatile weapon which can be fitted with a variety of scopes / aiming devices. Other attachments include an underslung 40mm grenade launcher. UKSF are reportedly using the HK AG-C (L17A1) grenade launcher.

A shortened version with a 10 inch barrel, known as the C8 CQB is also used by the SAS. The C8 CQB's shorter length makes it ideal for close protection work and room clearing.

The SAS and SBS used the C8 during the daring hostage rescue mission, operation barras, in 2000.



C8 C8 M203
C8 SFW carbine with iron sights C8 with eclan optics + M203 grenade launcher
C8 CQB  
C8 CQB  


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