[Okiecruffler]

Was looking in the old rifle closet this morning and realized that since the selling of Moneypit, my not so beloved SKS, I have no semi-auto battle type weapon. So I'm looking at either a CETME, or a SAR1, since they're both pretty much dirt cheap. I'm not planning to put any extras on it, just buy a dozen mags or so. So which of these two would you buy?

[yzguy]

I did get the SAR-1 :)

[Jeff C]

I ordered an SAR1 from AIM earlier this week. They confirmed the order this morning and I should have it early next week.

Check out AIM for some good prices and customer service.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/

Good shooting,
Jeff C.

[Dave R]

Well, I got both (actually a CETME and SAR-3) so I can't help you choose between.

Based on my experience, and what I've read, the CETME is likelier to need some tweaking (or a return to Century) to get it right. But when its right, its a lot more fun at long distance.

OTOH, the SAR is a lot lighter and handier.

Aww, I still can't decide.

[marvl]

I'd go with the SAR-1. The CETME is so heavy that by the time you remove it from your vehicle and tote it to the firing line, you'll be too tired to shoot it. At least, that was how it was with my SAR-8. :D

[NevadaPistolero]

I own 3 SARs and recently owned a CETME, the CETME is one heavy mutha for us old dudes thats whay I stick with the AK. You can customize the hell out of the AKs but you can only do so much with the CETME. It boils down to the caliber....308 or 7.62x39.....which do you like best. I also own 2 SKSs a Chinese Para and a Russian so I pretty much like to stick with one caliber.

[DMK]

There's a pretty big difference between those two.

Do you want full power and pricier .308 or the intermediate but cheaper 7.62x39? Mags are probably a wash, about the same price.

The CETME is likely more accurate but heavier. Do you plan on shooting free standing, or shooting prone or from the bench?

Range? 50-200 yards or greater?

The CETME probably feels like a bit better quility also.

[Dave R]

Yeah, CETME is 9-point-something lbs. But all the .308/.30-06 Main Battle Rifles are in that same weight class. FAL, Garand, G3, they're all around 9 lbs.

But that's one of the things that makes it so easy to shoot accurately. You get the sights aligned, and they just stay there. And they come out of recoil in the same place you left 'em. Easy to put rounds where you want them. The SAR (like all AK's) is muzzle llight, and wanders a lot. Particularly offhand.

When I shoot my SAR, its got about a 4MOA wander when I hold it. Even on the bench, its got a good wander. The CETME just doesn't wander.

'Course, you're not wandering far when you're carrying it, either. ;)

But that's Assault Rifle vs Main Battle Rifle.

[Intune]

Pirate Day, SARS Matey!

:D

[scottsw1]

I own both and it's a really tough choice. I love the Cetme and everybody at the range wants to try it out when they see it. The AK is nice, but I did have to buy a green Kvar stock because the factory buttstock was a little on the small side.

The main question is do you want to add another caliber to your inventory? The Sar-1 uses the same ammo as your SKS so it is up to you.

I say buy both!

[Dave Markowitz]

Are you planning to get it as a toy or for more serious purposes? That could influence your decision.

The CETME will be more accurate, and 7.62 NATO packs a lot more power. However, the CETME is considerably heavier and longer. Due to the weight and muzzlebrake, the recoil on both is quite similar. Mags for the CETME are actually cheaper (see Tapco).

Ammo for the 7.62x39 is much cheaper than good 7.62 NATO, however.

I have a Century G3, which is very similar to the CETME. My range report is here (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=40073) . In short, I like the G3 a lot and if it continues to perform well I may scope it.

I had a SAR-1 and it was a good rifle. I did need to do the trigger-slap fix as found on Linx310's Romanian AKs page. I traded it off since I have a Saiga AK converted to take standard cap mags.

[benEzra]

From a collection standpoint, it depends on what else you have. Between my wife and I, we have a 1905 Mosin-Nagant, a 1952 M44, a 1952 SKS, and a SAR-1 (which is externally identical to the AKM). It's neat to line them all up and look at what features were retained at each step in their evolution. So if you already have some Mosins and might pick up a stock SKS someday, get the SAR also and call it a collection.:)

[Kurt]

With the SAR-1 you're dealing with a known comodity - a highly reliable rifle containing all new parts.

Such is not the case with the CETME.

[Okiecruffler]

Went and handled them both today. That SAR is really short in the stock, but seemed like a good servicable rifle. The CETME however fit me perfectly, and I like that heaviness. Still up in the air, I figure it will be around December before it comes up on the top of my list, but I'm leaning toward that CETME.