(La Ronge Ranger Jim Searson with the new C-19 rifle. Photo by David Smith)
Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups in northern Saskatchewan were busy on the weekend as their long-awaited new rifles arrived.
Since the Rangers program was first established 70 years ago, members have been equipped with British Lee Enfield .303 caliber rifles which were designed before the first World War.
That weapon is being replaced by the C-19 bolt action .308 caliber weapon from Colt Canada which is being distributed to Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups across the country.
These rifles are designed for cold weather use and provide protection against large predators.
The rifles are chambered for standard ammunition available commercially.
Warrant Officer James Vogl of 4 CRPG in Edmonton was in La Ronge on Saturday conducting training and qualification sessions.
Vogl says the response to the new weapons has been positive.
“Its a little bit more of an efficient caliber of a weapon and a little bit more user-friendly that the old battle axes we were using before”.
Another training and qualification session was also held in Fond du Lac on the weekend.
More events are scheduled for the coming weeks in Wollaston Lake and Île-à-la-Crosse.