CIL 950

The History of CIL

CIL, short for Canadian Industries Limited, was established in 1910 and was primarily known for its fertilizing products, pesticides, and explosives. It emerged from the consolidation of five Canadian explosives companies. The precursor to CIL, the Hamilton Powder Company, originated in 1862 and specialized in black powder. By the 1870s, they had expanded their operations to support the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1910, they merged with several other companies, including Dominion Cartridge, leading to the creation of the Canadian Explosives Company (CXL). By the late 1920s, after numerous mergers and expansions, the company was rebranded as Canadian Industries Ltd. (CIL).

Notably, CIL collaborated with several firearm manufacturers, including Cooey and Anschutz, and engaged other makers like Savage, CBC, Boito, and Parker Hale. Although CIL was responsible for its ammunition production, they didn't craft any rifles or shotguns themselves. However, they did influence the design of specific models, such as the C.I.L. 950. The World War II era saw the formation of Defence Industries Limited under CIL, expanding their operations considerably, especially in regions like Nobel and Brownsburg. In the aftermath of the war, CIL shifted its focus towards paints, chemicals, and sporting ammunition.

The mid-20th century brought organizational changes due to a U.S. court decision, leading to multiple ownership transitions. In 1976, Industries Valcartier Inc. acquired CIL's cartridge operations, and over the subsequent years, different sections of the company, such as its garden chemical brand, transitioned to various other corporations. AkzoNobel acquired the CIL brand by 2010, which was later incorporated into PPG Industries.

CIL 950 Rifle Review

Although the CIL company did not manufacture their own firearms in-house, it did influence the design of some models, including the CIL 950, which came in several variations. Back in the day, the CIL 950C was crafted by Savage Arms specifically for Canadian Industries Ltd. While based on the deluxe version of the Savage 110C model, the rifle had specifications customized for CIL. A less common variant, the 950T, used barrels sourced from Shultz & Larsen and Anschutz. The 950 was also available in a budget-friendly variant with a solid mortise and a version featuring a fixed floor plate.

The rifles were predominantly constructed with American walnut wood stocks, with a delicate skip line checkering. Notably, the firearms had a jeweled bolt, with smooth travel and precise, small clearance fit to the action. They were also equipped with a quick-release push-button drop-down box magazine, steel sights with a flip-down rear, and came with pre-installed sling swivels. At the stock's rear end, there was a rubber recoil pad on some models. On the top of the receiver, there are four drilled and tapped holes that allow for scope mounting. The rifle featured a thumb-operated safety lever, positioned on the right rear side of the receiver, just in front of the bolt handle.

Although the CIL 950 was based on the Savage 110 action, the distances between the mounting holes on the receiver's top did not necessarily align with those on the standard Savage model. Given the limited number of these models produced, they've become quite collectable today.

Figure 1: CIL 950C, chambered for .243 Win. (Source: https://www.icollector.com/C-I-L-Mod-950-C-243-Win-cal-mag-fed-bolt-action-Rifle-w-22-bbl-blued-finish-barrel-sights-fa_i21695766)

CIL 950 Calibers

The rifle can be chambered for the following calibers:

• 6mm Norma BR

• .243 Win.

• .270 Win.

• 7mm Rem. Mag.

• .308 Win.

• .30-06 Spr.

CIL 950 Variants

The rifle is available in the following variants:

• CIL 950C

• CIL 950T

Figure 2: The receiver of CIL 950C, chambered for .243 Win. (Source: https://www.icollector.com/C-I-L-Mod-950-C-243-Win-cal-mag-fed-bolt-action-Rifle-w-22-bbl-blued-finish-barrel-sights-fa_i21695766)

Scope Mounts Interchangeable With CIL 950

Rifles That Have One-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With CIL 950

For one-piece mounts to fit on a rifle, mounting surfaces on these rifles must match in every dimension.

Rifles That Have Two-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With CIL 950

To meet interchangeability conditions, two-piece mounts must match in all dimensions except the B distance. B distance can vary because two-piece mounts can be installed and adjusted closer or further apart.

Although the CIL 950 was based on the Savage 110 action, the distances between the mounting holes on the receiver's top do not necessarily align with those on the Savage 110 flat-back model, and thus we cannot provide a definite list of interchangeable scope mounts. We also have not yet had a chance to physically examine the rifles next to each other, and unfortunately cannot confirm the scope mounts' interchangeability between them at this time.

If you own this rifle and can share information regarding interchangeability, please contact us at info@optics-trade.eu 

Thank you for your help!

Best Scope Mounts for CIL 950

Weaver Bases for CIL 950

If you are looking for a scope mounting solution to mount on your CIL 950, you might want to consider this two-piece weaver base manufactured by the American company Warne. They are made of high-quality steel and come with a 10-year warranty.

Click here for Warne Maxima 2-piece Weaver base

Help Us Build Our Riflescope Mounts Database

If you happen to own this or any other rifle, we would appreciate it if you could help us expand our database by sending us some photos of the rifle receiver (the bare mounting surface of the rifle without the scope mounts installed). For your help, our company offers a fair return in terms of practical rewards.

Please send us an email for more information. You can contact us here: info@optics-trade.eu