Canadian C1 SMG

[Vincent]

Attachment 38222

Going by the illustration on page 198 of the GoD book (Guns of Dagenham), I think it's a C1 butt assembly.

It's the first and only part of a C1 I have been able to find here (Texas). Naturally, I would like to find a complete C1, but I am still thrilled to find this.

Are C1's pretty available in Canada?

Information

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[Lee Enfield]

There are/were @100-200 C1 SMGs in citizens hands in Canada. They don't trade very often.

The CF retained @400 for museum and "experimental" useage.

The surviving balance of the original 30,000+ were destroyed @10 years ago.

When they were put into War Stores @1994, many tons of spares were redirected into Sarco and Numrich, so parts should be quite available in the US.

[Peter Laidler]

Sterling told me that they weren't happy with Canada regarding the manufacture of the butts there. The condition of the manufacturing agreement was that any parts not specific or special to the Canadian SMG, such as barrels and butts plus loads of other parts (identified in the book by the 1005-99- start to the part number) would be purchased from Sterling. Butts were a good and lucrative spare part seller for Sterling so when spare parts were required, Canada went and made their own frame .......... But as Canada weren't permitted to sell surplus or excess capacity abroad and generally kept to their agreements, Sterling said no more...........

After the UK Governments conduct with Sterling, Canada were virtually paragons of virtue. While in Australia, Sterling simply allowed Australia to copy the superb magazine for free...................

[browningautorifle]

As for the original question, from what I remember, yes it's a Submachinegun C1 butt. Not really hard to find. But as pointed out, not very many here in Canada. When it came my turn to private purchase, it was a L2A3 I ended up with(I think). It was, of course, handsomely cannibalized with C1 parts...

[RCEMERalf]

I have, in the US, two or three magazines, a breech block and cocking handle and a pistol grip. Willing to sell at market price ( whatever that is) . Regards.

[Peter Laidler]

I think that the C1 pistol grips were the bog standard L2A3/Mk4 onwards grip made by Helix Plastics. This was another good/lucrative seller for the Sterling company. Even Fazakerley used the Helix grips. The grips were a hard brittle plastic and later, Helix said that they could make the grips from a better more modern and forgiving plastic that could be repaired using modern adhesives. But Sterling weren't having any of it!

[Vincent]

Attachment 38394Attachment 38393

I have two kinds of pistol grips. I think the one on the left is Helix. I was told the one on the right is C1. It's made from a different plastic and has a slightly different shape.

I also have a FAMAE PAF grip somewhere. It's shaped quite differently.

RCEMERalf, I am interested in your C1 parts. I sent you a PM.

[browningautorifle]

I tend to agree that the right one is CDN. We didn't have the markings at the top. The matt finish seems right too.

[Maple_Leaf_Eh]

Ditto on the right hand (less marked) plastic pistol grip. I clearly remember the words LO CK and FR EE from my youth in our Reserves. I don't recall any other marks. The fact the words were in English seems unsuspicious to anyone except a Canadian. Canada has had policies of official bilingualism for decades, although these rules post date the arrival of the SMG C1 9mm, there are French language manuals etc for almost everything in use in the Army. Afterall, one quarter of the troops were and are still officially French-speaking.

Back to the original question, you need the fancy butt cap to get the full effect of the folder. The hook on the heel of the bottom tube engages in the front handguard of the SMG when folded.

[Vincent]

Attachment 58692

Does anyone know where I can download or find a copy of the C1 manual?