r/canadaguns • u/EI_CEO_CFT • Apr 03 '26

Buy recommendations Legal rifle most similar to C7/AR15?

I know legal is in the title and I'm begging you guys not to let this devolve into a conversation about legislation; I just want something I can take up north to fuck around with in peace. Onto the post.

I'm in the CAF and my unit doesn't get as much time as I'd like with the rifles. Before that gets sensationalized, I'm not in a trade where thats as relevant anyway - however when we go on tactical exercises I don't like having to take a minute to remember my stoppage drills, field stripping, etc. I'm looking for any rifle, any calibre, that functions the same way as the C7. I know I could get an airsoft clone but I'd prefer to have something that fires. Of course, anything closer to 5.56/.223 Remy ammo would be nice, but Im looking for the cheapest thing that works and fires real ammunition and is legal. Any recommendations are appreciated!

40 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

60 comments sorted by

View all comments

5

u/Few_Lynx2224 Apr 04 '26

I'm in the same situation as you, I have found the best solution is to train malfunctions with some sort of $150-$200 replica (I have an airsoft gun) and then train marksmanship with a legal .223/5.56. I'm trying for boarding party so I use an Alcor .223 semi at fairly close range, but if you want more AR feel I would get a MRA renegade and work on 100-200 yard shooting. Depending on your trade and the likely range of a contact I would choose based on that. For example army logistics would likely be defending a FOB at 50-600 meters so I would get a straight pull with a prism scope (or maybe an lpvo depending on how long you think it will take for you to get the C8A4) and work on some longer range shooting. If you think you are more likely to want to train closer stuff (ex. Navy trades, mp, aircrew that can be downed in enemy aor) I would get a semi like the alcor, or chimera. I have not mentioned the crusader arms backland hunter because it is likely to be banned in a few months when it gets its FRT, but if you are willing to take the risk and spend the money it has almost the exact same operating system as an AR 15. Sorry for the essay.

2

u/EI_CEO_CFT Apr 04 '26

Dude dont apologize this is the EXACT kind of advice i was looking for, thankyou! My trade practically never uses arms and is the kind where if we ever needed to, we've been overrun and things have gone catastrophically wrong lol. We can be attached to infantry though which is something Id like to do one day if given the opportunity. I appreciate the hell out of your post, especially including your considerations for whatll likely be banned spon.

It seems more and more like airsoft gun is the best option. Do you have any recommendations for a replica C7 that can be stripped down similarly?

1

u/Few_Lynx2224 Apr 04 '26

The "WE TECH M16A3 GAS BLOW BACK RIFLE - OPEN BOLT" from Toronto airsoft looks like it would work well, you could take the carry handle off and replace it with a C79 clone

2

u/EI_CEO_CFT Apr 04 '26

Thanks king, much appreciated!

1

u/Few_Lynx2224 Apr 04 '26

What trade may I ask?