The Canadian military is moving away from the Colt Canada C7 rifle and C8 carbine and towards the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle, or CMAR. All three weapons are derived from the AR-15 platform that has, however, evolved significantly since the adoption of the C7 and in 1982.
The new CMAR, which will also be produced by Colt and manufactured in Canada, represents an evolution of the AR platform and is centered around modularity.
It will come in the “Full Spectrum” and “General Service” configurations. The Full Spectrum will be issued to front line troops likely to be in combat, whereas the General Service will go to everyone else.
The exact differences between the configurations aren’t currently known, but we predict that the Full Spectrum models will likely be equipped with a suppressor and more advanced optic.
The rifle’s base appears to be derived from the Colt M5, but with small changes made for the Canadian military.
The rifle features a two-stage trigger that is likely highly refined and better than most stock MIL-Spec triggers. It appears to have 13.7-inch cold hammer forged barrels and weigh around 7.5 pounds, making it about three quarters of a pound lighter than the rifles it will replace. However, depending on the accessories issued, it’s likely that the weight savings will be eaten up.
It has a monolith upper receiver, which means that the handguard and upper receiver are one piece. This creates a rugged design that offers several benefits: The longer upper rail can utilize optical enhancements – like night vision and thermal clip-ons – with less handguard flex; the same goes for laser aiming units, specifically those used for night vision.
The rifle features fully ambidextrous controls. Its handguard uses Magpul’s M-LOK modular design allowing to directly attach accessories to it, or select positions of attachable rail portions. This design decision creates a lighter, thinner handguard.
The CMAR has a six-position modern, adjustable stock from Magpul. The stock is quite well made and popular with a variety of professional and civilian shooters. As expected, the rifle chambers 5.56 NATO.
I doubt that the rifle’s size and functions will change between the two configurations.
More than a rifle
Gone are the days when a rifle is just a rifle; nowadays, a rifle is a system with the ability to attach various accessories to it.
We’ve seen a few variations of the CMAR with different accessories.
In terms of optics, the rifle has been seen with the SAI-6 1-6 low-power variable optic. Yet, Colt Optics has received the contract for the CMAR optic and the CMAR 1-6X LPVO will be the optic of choice for the CMAR.
LPVOs have become extremely popular with police, military forces, and civilian shooters. The U.S. Marine Corps issues the 1-8X VCOG for combat troops. These optics offer variable magnification making them versatile for close to moderate ranges.
Photos have also surfaced showing the CMAR equipped with the Multi-Function Muzzle Device from Strategic Sciences or MFMD. This space-age suppressor looks quite odd, but has proven to be an extremely effective muzzle device. It reportedly acts as a suppressor, as well as a flash hider and muzzle brake.
The MFMD is a 3D printed suppressor made from an extremely strong metal known as Inconel. It is fairly short, and, depending on the configuration, weighs about 20 ounces.
Topping things off is the tactical sling. According to news reports the sling will be capable of converting from a two-point to a one-point at the user’s desire. The sling appears to be a Magpul design, potentially an MS1 with the convertible feature.
Overall, the CMAR isn’t a revolutionary rifle, but it’s the product of a decade of innovation. It’s a well-built with modern, proven features.
It’s often better to embrace proven and well-respected features rather than try to create the next revolutionary rifle. Time will tell, but the CMAR will likely serve the Canadian Armed Forces well.
Feature Image: Member of the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group with CMAR, November 2025.(The Firearms Blog via Canadian Armed Forces)
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