Fourteen of IqaluitSA国际影视传媒檚 Canadian Rangers gathered just outside of town Monday to train on their new, long-awaited rifles.

Training took place all week, June 14 to 20.

SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e just getting the feel of it, now. TheySA国际影视传媒檙e a lot better than the .303. TheySA国际影视传媒檙e shorter. TheySA国际影视传媒檙e lighter. And better sights,SA国际影视传媒� said Patrol Sgt. Kevin Kullualik.

The C-19 rifle is based on the Tikka T3 and replaces the .303 Lee-Enfield Mark 4, in service in the North since 1947.

The smaller weapon is salt-water tested, cold-weather tested, has a better punch power, and fires longer bullets.

The conventional military weapon is a gas-operated semi-automatic, which is not ideal for the Arctic.

SA国际影视传媒淚n the Arctic you want to use a bolt-action weapon that has minimal moving parts,SA国际影视传媒� said Canadian Forces Master Warrant Officer Ryan Mitchell.

SA国际影视传媒淚t will perform in an austere environment when itSA国际影视传媒檚 -50, -70.SA国际影视传媒�

The bullet is a .308 and will be produced for many years. They can also be bought directly by Rangers. Finally, the trigger guard is larger and can accommodate heavy gloves.

Sgt. Louis Robichaud says the weapon has SA国际影视传媒済ood longevity.SA国际影视传媒�

Parts are readily available for repairs, unlike the old Enfield.

Robichaud says 1 Canadian Rangers Patrol Group was overdue to receive these new rifles.

SA国际影视传媒淣ow that the rifleSA国际影视传媒檚 getting issued, theySA国际影视传媒檙e happy. TheySA国际影视传媒檙e enjoying having some new equipment and trying it out,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

The Rangers will have opportunities to comment over the next year or two on how the C-19 performs.

For now, Kullualik says they seem like an awesome rifle, and appear to be easier to take care of.

SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e training on that, how to clean them, how to maintain the rifle,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

About the Lee Enfields, Kullualik says since the 1940s theySA国际影视传媒檝e been passed on from Ranger to Ranger.

One of the RangersSA国际影视传媒� responsibilities is to look out for Canadian military personnel on Northern exercises, which includes watching out for predators.