Canadian Ranger Rifles, 2007

[Stevo]

Perhaps the Gov't should run a few courses on basic rifle maintenance before issuing any rifles.

What exactly is that supposed to mean?

[oldhound]

What exactly is that supposed to mean?

I mean that when someone receives a rifle from the gov't for whatever reason. They are responsible for it and it should be looked after and in a working state. There is no excuse . If this is not being done they shoudn't have them.

[Irish John]

For those of us south of the border, what exactly is a "Ranger" in Canada? Are we talking ranger as in a back country ranger like in the US National Park system? Or ranger as in a military unit? Or an auxiary to the RCMP? I've met ranger in the provincial park system in Ontario when visiting family but I don't recall them being armed with a long gun.

[Maple_Leaf_Eh]

Canadian Rangers are the opposite the US Army Rangers and only vaguely similar to parrk rangers. They are in fact Canadian Forces Reservists, who are issued .303BR bolt action rifles as part of their personal equipment.

http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/7_5_1.asp

[Stevo]

They also give us spiffy red hoodies and hats.

"Class picture" from the first winter survival school my Patrol ran for Regular and Reserve CF troops.

[oldhound]

For those of us south of the border, what exactly is a "Ranger" in Canada? Are we talking ranger as in a back country ranger like in the US National Park system? Or ranger as in a military unit? Or an auxiary to the RCMP? I've met ranger in the provincial park system in Ontario when visiting family but I don't recall them being armed with a long gun.

I think the Rangers were formed during WW2. They patroled the North and the Canadian Arctic, and have been doing so ever since. They have been a valuable asset for the Gov't and are respected by everyone. Apparently the old Enfields are just about wore out so I hope they get new rifles from this Gov't. I have no doubt thro that if threatened the rangers could react in a most efficient manner. PS I also would bet a dollar that there are some rangers that would keep there Enfields with the rear aperture sight. The ones that can hit a seal in the head at 200 yards.

[Stevo]

I think the Rangers were formed during WW2. They patroled the North and the Canadian Arctic, and have been doing so ever since. They have been a valuable asset for the Gov't and are respected by everyone. Apparently the old Enfields are just about wore out so I hope they get new rifles from this Gov't. I have no doubt thro that if threatened the rangers could react in a most efficient manner. PS I also would bet a dollar that there are some rangers that would keep there Enfields with the rear aperture sight. The ones that can hit a seal in the head at 200 yards.

The Pacific Coast Militia Rangers were formed during WWII. Not the same as the current organization.

There are still lots of No4's in stores. Unless we start breaking them in record numbers, they'll be around for a while yet. Keeping your Army issued rifle when ordered to turn it in will get you a visit from the MPs.

[wannabe]

Having handled numerous rifle designs in the harsh conditions of wilderness traplines (from Coastal, southern interior, central interior and yukon border region)....it is damn hard to beat a #4 303 rifle....a #5 is a heck of a lot handier...the EAL would have been a great rifle for general issue to the rangers in my humble opinion.....having handled FN C1's in muddy trench situations I'd rather have a #4....I've had remington 700's fail, Pre-64 Model 70s fail....my 98 mausers in ORIGINAL chambering worked great but some of the 308's misfeed from time to time.....fact is I prefer the 10 shot #4 303 advantage in big bear areas...the only shots fired at a bear in anger was into the ground between me and a 5-600lbs grizz at 30 feet.....3 rounds into the gravel between us spaying him with gravel....he decided to withdraw....had he not I still had 7 more rounds... ....not 3 as in a Mauser..... I do have a action cover I use in realy harsh snowy weather as I have heard that #4's will misfire if snow and ice are allowed to build up around the striker.....I'd be in no hurry to trade off for some modern stainless 308 built to sporting rifle specs...a #4 is a fine shooting piece.....

[Jay in CA]

I grew up in Canada, but moved to the US 22 years ago. I don't recall hearing about the Rangers, but then my firearms interests have greatly expanded since coming to the US.

Can someone describe the Rangers for me and others? This new linkage between CSP and Milsurp is opening lots of interesting doors to learn from our Canadian friends.

[Jay in CA]

Well, my question about Rangers stemmed from a post I saw while looking at the list of new posts. As such it was without the context of the rest of the thread above, that I now see. Thanks, I think I have enough info now.