[TechBrute]

Hi folks,

In my quest to have one of everything, I need a CETME or similar in .308. I've heard that the QC on these guns can vary widely and that you should personally inspect one before you buy it.

Can anyone tell me what to look for. I can't imagine I'm the first to ask this, so posting links to previous discussions would be greatly appreciated.

While we're at it, is the CETME part of some family of clones of something? I hear references to it being similar to an HK-91, but I'm a little clueless when it comes to rifles that ain't got one of dem bolt thingies on the back. This comes from being in California too long.

[dude]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=38252

[TechBrute]

Thanks, dude, but that doesn't really answer any of my questions, yet. I suppose someone might eventually post the answers to my questions on the other thread, which is why I have been watching it very closely.

[Nightcrawler]

The CETME was a Spanish service arm that was actually the inspiration for the G3. The two designs have much in common, though they're not identical. There are both CETME and G3 mags, but the CETME will take G3 mags without trouble.

Century makes both the current crop of G3 and CETME sporters. The G3 clones cost more, but the CETMEs have really gone up in quality recently. They're now offered with synthetic furniture, and it seems that Century is working all of the bugs out of them.

I'd say get one now, while they're cheap and available.

As for the initial inspection, I believe there's a CETME forum out there somewhere. Your best bet, I believe, would be to have your dealer order you the most recent model he can get.

[Dave R]

The CETME forum is here:

http://www.gunboards.com/forums/UltraBoard.cgi?action=Headlines&BID=30&SID=1655538

Another good resource is www.cetmerifles.com

They have a "what to look for when you buy a CETME" here:

http://www.cetmerifles.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=7e324e00efc2f3c59e3085b98db84efd

The CETME was the immediate predecessor to the HK G3. Same design team. They were Germans who fled Germany after WWII and went to Spain. Designed the CETME. HK hired 'em back, and they revised the CETME to become the HK G3.