-- EDMONTON -- The RCMP is beefing up the firepower of officers on patrol with a weapon now used by the army and police tactical squads. Starting next year, the C8 patrol carbine -- a cut-down version of a rifle similar to an M-16 -- will be made available to front-line RCMP members.Well... let's break that down. More accurate than what?
In an Oct. 19 memo obtained by CHED radio in Edmonton, departing Commissioner William Elliot tells Mounties the C8 will fill a gap in RCMP firearms capabilities.
He says based on tests, the carbine is a more accurate weapon that fires more bullets with less penetrating power, thus reducing the chance of someone else being hit.
The C8 is certainly more accurate than a service sidearm, but, as anyone with a scoped deer gun could tell you, it's no sniper rifle. And there is a down side here... 'cos Mr. Elliot is talkin' out his ass about over-penetration.
I've seen .223 Remington punch through quarter inch mild steel plate. It'll go through standard (non-ceramic) body armour too. It's a good varmint round, but you really wanna be sure of your backstop before taking the shot.
Elliot says the C8 won't replace shotguns and other weapons the RCMP uses, but it will be made available to Mounties.Yup... access to a high capacity standoff firearm could've made the difference there. But so would taking this obvious sociopath off the street years before.
The need for the RCMP to have access to better weapons was highlighted in a report into the shooting deaths of four Mounties outside Mayerthorpe, Alta., on March 3, 2005.
A nice piece of hardware but, let's remember, there's no substitute for using that big computer between your ears.Anyway... here's the skinny...
F e a t u r e s :
1 - Reduced length cold hammer forged heavy barrel
2 - Flash suppressor
3 - Bayonet lug
4 - TRI-AD 1TM MIL-STD-1913 accessory mount
5 - Special carbine chamber and gas system
6 - Accepts all STANAG magazines
7 - Integrated sight rail (Weaver or Picatinny)
8 - Optional ambidextrous controls
9 - Single or double sided sling loop
10 - Standard 4 position buttstock with no slip rubber butt pad
