Article content

Staff from the 2nd Canadian Rangers Patrol Group (2 CRPG) are undergoing training on the new C19 rifle at Valcartier Base, Quebec. The course, which started Monday and runs until August 23, will allow them to teach the basics of this rifle to the Canadian Rangers (CR) from 2 CRPG. The rifles will be distributed to the rangers in 2018/2019.

The .308 calibre C19 replaces the Lee-Enfield .303 rifle which the Canadian Rangers have used since 1947. The C19 is lighter, shorter and more precise, according to the Canadian Forces.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Training for new Ranger Rifle begins at Valcartier base Back to video

The new C19 rifles are an improved version of the FTC Tikka T3 developed by SAKO (Finland), and manufactured under licence by Colt Canada. They are more robust, and operate more reliably at temperatures well below freezing, an essential feature to ensure the smooth operation of Canadian Rangers in the Arctic, according to the Canadian Forces. “The C19 has security features which will be easy to operate for both right-handed than left-handed shooters,” it added. “The C19 trigger guard is wider, which facilitates the effective use of the rifle with winter gloves.”

The 2nd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (2 CRPG) provides a military presence of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in Northern-Quebec region and the Lower North Shore. Canadian Rangers are men and women living in remote and isolated communities in Canada. They are members of the Canadian Armed Forces as part-time reservists whose responsibility is to protect Canada’s sovereignty in the North and to defend national interests on the coasts.

Photos courtesy Canadian Forces.