Diemaco C8 SFW
Throughout much of the 70s, 80s and 90s, the main assault rifle of the SBS was the M16. A modern day SBS trooper is more likely to use the Canadian Diemaco C8 SFW carbine. This is a 5.56mm weapon which can be fired full-auto or single-shot. For additional firepower, the C8 can be fitted with an under-slung 40mm grenade launcher. The C8 is essentially a version of the Colt M4 carbine as used by U.S. special forces but with a slightly longer and heavier barrel.
The first reported use of the C8 in anger was by UKSF forces in Sierra Leone in 2000, when a combined SAS/SBS/Para task force rescued kidnapped British soldiers. The SBS have been spotted toting C8s whilst on operations in Afghanistan, including the uprising at Qala-i-Janghi in 2001. (photos here)
| Diemaco C8 SFW |
| british military designation |
L119A1 |
| weight |
3.6 kg |
| length |
Retractable stock:
80 cm (31.5 in.) (retracted)
88 cm (34.6 in.) (extended) |
| barrel length |
41 cm (16.1 in.) |
| rate of fire |
750-950 round/min |
| caliber |
5.56 X 45 mm NATO |
| magazine capacity |
30 |
| muzzle velocity |
895 m/s (2940 ft/s) |
| effective range |
500 m (219 yd) |
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