CANADIAN C14 TIMBERWOLF

y the end of the 20th century, the Canadian’s had been using their C3 and updated C3A1 sniper rifles for multiple decades and they were aware that they needed an upgrade. The search began in earnest in the late 1990’s and featured requirements for increased range and capability as well as a desire for a home grown solution, meaning a rifle built in Canada.

In 2001 the Timberwolf, manufactured by Prairie Gun Works (now PGW Defense Technologies), was officially chosen by the Canadian Armed Forces and designated the C14. It was to be a direct replacement for the C3A1 and is now their primary sniper systerm.  The full designation for the rifle is the C14 Timberwolf MRSWS (Medium Range Sniper Rifle System) anti-personnel sniper rifle and it went into production for the Canadian Forces Land Command in 2005. 

The C14 originated as a civilian long range hunting and sporting rifle by Prairie Gun Works and was available in several different calibers. The C14 Timberwolf version that is provided to the Canadians Armed Forces uses stainless steel metalwork and is chambered in .338 Lapua. The bolt is helically fluted with dual front locking lugs and an additional lug in the rear. The bolt is also fitted with double plunger ejectors and hook type extractor. The extra rear lug and robust extracting arrangement is there to improve durability and reliability.

The 26″ heavy barrel is sourced from Kreiger and has a 1:10″ twist to allow the use of the heavier 300gr ammunition. The barrel is partially helically fluted up to the point where the suppressor covers it.  The barrels are cryogenically treated to relieve internal stresses to aid in improving accuracy and extending the barrel life.  The barrel also has a PGW detachable muzzle brake, and is designed to accept a PGW suppressor which has become a standard issue accessory with the rifle.

The receiver is bedded into the McMillan A5 stock using a PGW-Titanium Cantilever Monoblock bedding block which is intended to provide added comfort and strength to the rifle, though we are not sure how it adds comfort?  The stock has a McMillan saddle style adjustable cheek piece and spacer-system to adjust the length of pull. These allow the rifle to be adjusted to better fit any shooter.  The rifle is fed by a five round detachable box magazine, and has a single stage trigger that is fully adjustable for weight, creep and over travel.

Originally the standard scope for the C14 was a fixed Leupold MK4 16×40mm LR/T M1. This scope has 140 MOA of adjustment which when teamed with the .338 Lapua cartridge gives the rifle the capability of engaging a target beyond one mile (1730 yards, 1609 meters) though the rifle is listed with an effective range of 1500 meters. The current C14s use a Schmidt & Bender PMII which does not have quite as much elevation adjustments but still allows for 1500 meter capability, if not more. The rifle is also equipped with a forward mounted rail that can be used to mount night vision and other accessories.

We have not tested a C14 here at Sniper Central to know the capabilities of the rifle for sure, but accuracy is reported to be sub .75 MOA with the use of good ammunition. PGW makes excellent rifles and we would expect that accuracy is actually probably around .5 MOA or better with good commercial match grade ammunition. The C14 has also seen combat use in the Global War on Terror and reports have been very positive.