Features of the C8 Rifle - Essay Example

Diemaco C8 Introduction Policing in the UK has evolved greatly and the modern weapons and firearms such as the L85A2s are being used. Over the years the weapons used by the UK police have improved and now the Diemaco c8 is being considered as an important weaponry option. The Diemaco c8 carbine also referred to as colt Canada is a powerful weapon and can be compared to many other models that have gained popularity. However, the decision of choosing the Diemaco C8 carbine rifle for the UK military forces must rest upon the comparison of the rifle to the firearms and weaponry capabilities of the terrorist groups and organizations, for they are constantly investing in upgrading their weapons to cause maximum damage. In this paper we will study the Diemaco C8 carbine rifle in detail, understanding its accuracy, range, efficiency and usability as a powerful firearm, while also comparing it with the firearms and weaponry of terrorist groups and organizations. The different models of C8 are also discusses, enabling us to understand the features of the rifle. Terrorist weaponry capabilities are discussed in detail and compared to the Diemaco C8 carbine rifle, which will help us conclude if the rifle is a good choice for the UK police. Diemaco C8 features and efficiency The C8 was developed by Diemaco and consists of a buttstock with a telescope. This rifle is short barreled and comparatively more convenient than long barreled rifles. There are variations to the C7 and C8 models, developed by Diemaco. Some rifles are produced with flat tops for improved handling ease. The rail is seen to be pica tinny styled instead of the integral handle. It is usually manufactured with detachable handle which includes the diopter sights or sometimes the Elcan optical sights. The C8 carbine is the carbine member of the C7 family, and in outwards appearance very similar to the Colt 653. (en.academic.ru). However, it holds close resemblance to the Colt 653 in terms of its mechanics and aesthetics. The C8 was first manufactured for Canadian forces as the model Colt 725. The features of the C8 are more refined and unique when compared to other Colt models. It has an A1 profile barrel that is 14.5 inches or 368 mm in length. This feature is similar to the Colt model 653 M16A1 carbine. The difference is that it has a 1/7 rifling twist which is better suited for the C77 cartridge. The design improvements are seen to have been derived from the C7 model rifles. There are versions of the C8 which are improved and designed for better range and handling. The improved version, the Diemaco C8FT has most of the parts the same as in the basic C8 except that it has an upper receiver and includes a C79 sight. The C8 is more commonly seen with the detachable handle and A1 sights, both developed by Diemaco. Another feature of the rifle is that it can be stripped in minutes without even using any instruments, thereby making the rifle more comfortable for use and handling. The features of this rifle are seen to be much better in comparison to the current police weaponry in the UK. The C8A2TM carbine rifle has a short heavy barrel that is 5.56 mm long. It has an adjustable stock that may be used for vehicle crews, special operations and police. The most satisfactory aspect of the C8 carbine is that it satisfies all military standards. It fulfils all the reliability, operational and environmental conditions appropriately. Further, it is accurate, maintainable and lethal in different field conditions. The C8 is the answer to a perfect carbine that matches the rifles best characteristics in a compact package. (coltcanada.com). The rifle action is gas operated, has a rotating bolt and has 700 to 900 rounds per minute rate of fire. The muzzle velocity is seen to be 900 m/s. The effective range is about 400 m, about 440 yd effectively. However, it has been said that the rifle is more appropriate for shorter ranges and that accuracy may not be entirely dependable over 100 m. the build quality is seen to be much better than other Colt equivalents and would explain why it has been used by Special Forces of UK and the SAS forces. Weapons used by the UK military police systems at present The weapons used by the UK military currently are standard weapons which are not specifically designed to counter the weapons of terrorist groups and such. It includes weapons such as mini guns, rifles, light, medium and heavy machine guns, and handguns. The SA80a2 is the standard 5. 56 mm rifle used by the British army and the Diemaco C7 assault rifle is used in specialized units. 5.56 mm mini para light machine guns and L7A2 GPMG belt-fed 7.62mm medium machine guns are carried on foot and mounted on vehicles, boats and helicopters. (eliteukforces.info). The L1A1 HMG is a .50 heavy machine gun used in vehicles and helicopters, less carried on foot. other firearms that are used by the UK military police systems at present also include the 40 mm grenade machine gun, the electrically powered M134 mini gun, and L82A1 anti material rifle which is used for longer range and accurate shooting. The ranges of these weapons are varied and they serve different purposes. The Diemaco C8 rifle is essentially a short range rifle which is effective till about 100 meters. It can easily replace its successor, the C7 and also may be used in the police forces for security and defense purposes. It is sure to stop an approaching target efficiently, making it ideal for security purposes. Terrorist weapon capabilities Terrorist groups do not have direct sources for purchasing firearms and they acquire arms from battle retreats and illegally smuggle them. However, terrorist groups are constantly improvising their weaponry capabilities to counter the improvements of their enemies. Most terrorist groups are more likely to use portable forms of weapons such as Terrorists get their weapons from enemies as they retreat from battle, cross the border to another country and steal them, buy them from countries that want to fight against the same enemy, or build improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The weapons that terrorist like to use the most are guns and bombs because they are the most portable weapons and can be moved easily. Weapons used by them It has been learned that terrorist groups have the Soviet rifle AK 47. They either gained access to this weapon from the Russian army or from other countries. These rifles are highly reliable and were popular for their accuracy and features. These rifles are light and easily usable. However, when compared to the C8, the AK 47, now not the most advanced is not quite as efficient and powerful as the Diemaco C8 carbine rifle. Another weapon that the terrorist groups have gained access to is the Grail SA 7. This missile is portable and very efficient in destruction of target body. This is a Russian missile. This weapon may not be compared to the C8 carbine as C8 is only a rifle, while the Grail SA 7 is a missile launcher. However, this weapon has the disadvantage that the shooter might be spotted and attacked before the shot is fired. The Socket propelled grenade RPG 7 is another powerful weapon that is used by terrorist groups. It can hit a target that is still at 500 yards, but if the target is moving then it works best if the target is 300 yards or closer. (library.thinkquest.com). The penetrative capacities of the C8 are also good and can penetrate armor just as the RPG 7 can. Other missiles used by terrorist groups include the Stringer missile FIM92A. The missile is easy to handle and makes it easy for the shooter to escape the enemy. This may be compared to the C8 as the C8 is also highly portable and easy to handle and use. However, the rifle may not be compared to the capabilities of the missile shooters. When we compare the terrorist capabilities to the weapons used by the UK police, we understand that the C8 is a powerful and efficient firearm. It would be useful if the UK military and police would choose to incorporate them into their weapon system. Conclusion Having studied the features of the C8 rifle and also the weaponry capabilities of terrorist groups, we might draw the conclusion that the Diemaco C8 carbine rifle is a good choice as it is powerful, efficient, easy to handle, and better when compared to the firearms and weapons used by terrorists as well as other modern weapons. The fact that the rifle effective range is quite satisfactory and that it is considerably safe against over penetration favors the choice of this weapon over other modern firearms. The penetrative capacity of the rifle is quite satisfactory when compared to the other models in the rifle series, including those such as the colts. The advantages of the C8 include features such as the direct gas system; hammer forged heavy barrel, flat top, simplicity and durability which contribute to the overall performance of the rifle. Reference coltcanada.com. C8 Carbines. Retrieved May 29, 2010 from http://www.coltcanada.com/c8-page.htm eliteukforces.info. Standard UK military weapons. Retrieved May 29, 2010 from http://www.eliteukforces.info/weapons/ en.academic.ru. C8 Rifle. Retrieved May 29, 2010 from http://en.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enwiki/9259030 library.thinkquest.com. firearms. Retrieved May 29, 2010 from http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0212088/terweap.htm Read More