I went to 3 RCR in the spring of 1987, and they did not bother to issue me a FN rifle, as the C7 rifles were en route at that point and showed up within the first few weeks that I was there. As the new guy to the section, I got boned with having to take the 3 day conversion course......the remainder of maintenance platoon merely got the 20 minute briefing from the weapons tech sgt.
3 RCR were the first in Canada to get them after CFE got theirs. The reason for this was that 3RCR were heading back to Germany in their regular rotation with 2VP the next summer, so they had to train with the new rifle. My recollection was that I received a brand new rifle with a 1986 date prefix.
I was a little surprised to visit my old militia unit in 1990 to find they were still waiting to change over, but as others have mentioned, the reserves get their equipment after the regular forces requirements have been satisfied.
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