The Designated Marksman Role (DMR) at the squad-level rose to prominence at the turn of the century as American forces struggled to battle insurgents at range throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. The DMR role combined the capabilities of a high-precision rifle with an infantry member to bridge the gap between the standard rifleman and specialized sniper. The result became a potent squad-level component offering long-range firepower when needed.
While there have been a plethora of options available to fighting forces for some time now, Colt Canada has produced, since 2020, its impressive "C20" specifically for the role. The product has found its way into the inventories of both the Canadian Department of National Defence as well as the Danish Armed Forces. Design work began in 2019. For the Royal Danish Army, the C20 will be used to supersede the outgoing German Heckler & Koch HK417 series. First-deliveries were expected sometime in 2021.
The system is essentially an AR-15 style semi-automatic weapon featuring an MRR-L integrated upper receiver, MIL-STD-1913 top rail (for mounting accessories), and Geissele SSA Dual-Stage trigger unit. The shoulder stock is adjustable to suit firer comfort and a hinged, folding bipod is positioned just under the slotted handguard. A chrome-lined barrel is optional and the barrel can be capped with either a multi-slotted brake or a suppressor, the latter offering enhanced clandestine operation. Other qualities are conventional including the rear-angled pistol grip with integrated trigger section and forward-set magazine well. Optics (typically the Schmidt & bender 3-20x50 scope) are set over the receiver in the usual way.
The base model is chambered for the ubiquitous 7.62x51mm NATO standard rifle cartridge, giving better range and man-stopping capabilities than the smaller 5.56mm intermediate round. Unloaded, the complete system weighs in at 9.1lb and overall length is 38 inches with an 18-inch long barrel fitted. Muzzle velocity equals 2,400 feet-per-second when using C181 series ammunition. A semi-automatic action ensures one cartridge is chambered and fired with each trigger pull.
September 2020 - The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization has revealed the purchase of the Colt Canada C20 DMR. These will be used to succeed the HK417 line and will be fielded under the designation of "Finskyttegevaer, Kort" (FINSKGV K).
November 2020 - The Canadian Department of National Defence has received its first examples of the C20 DMS system.
Performance Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Colt Canada C20. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.
405 ft 123.4 m | 135.0 yds Max.Eff.Range
2,400 ft/sec 732 m/sec Muzzle Velocity
Physical The physical qualities of the Colt Canada C20. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.
965 mm 37.99 in O/A Length
447 mm 17.60 in Barrel Length
9.04 lb 4.10 kg Weight
Semi-Automatic Action
7.62x51mm NATO Caliber(s)
20-round detachable box magazine. Feed
Schmidt & bender 3-20x50 Scope Sights
Variants Notable series variants as part of the Colt Canada C20 Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) family line.
C20 - Base Series Designation.
Finskyttegevaer, Kort (FINSKGV K) - Royal Danish Army designation for the C20.
Operators Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Colt Canada C20. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.
Contractor(s): Colt Canada - Canada
[ Canada; Denmark ]
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Image from official Colt Canada marketing materials.
Going Further... The Colt Canada C20 Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) appears in the following collections:
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