[Jedi_7.62]

A few months back the NRA magazine had a review of a CETME rifle. Since I read this I have been trying to check one out. My local store doesn't carry them so all I've seen is what I've found online.

Anyhow there is a gunshow in town this week and I'm going to try and go just to do some hands on research.

Does anyone recall what model was in that article?

Can someone explain the difference in standard versus metric magazines and what rifle takes what?

Any suggestions on what to look for?

Thanks for the help,

P.S. Please don't say get a FAL they are way out of my budget.

[iamkris]

Century is the only company making CETME clones right now. The one in the American Rifleman was a CETME with a synthetic camo stock. Most all CETMEs out right now will be called a Black Widow G3 and have a synthetic stock and no muzzle brake...don't believe it...its not a G3.

Do a search on "CETME" on this board as the "what to look for" question has come up and been answered at least 2-3 times in this last 6 months.

Go here for the best explanation of what to look for:

http://www.cetmerifles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=120

http://www.cetmerifles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21

There is no such thing as "standard" or "metric" when speaking of CETMEs. Are you thinking of FALs? There is a difference between CETMEs and G3s. Not interchangeable parts. Some G3 mags fit a CETME.

[cabinetman]

Iamkris hit all the high points and provided some good links, too.

I'll put my 2 cents in here and tell you that the CETME is a fun rifle to own and shoot but it will require that you get "involved" with it more than any other rifle. It's different that most other rifles you'll shoot because of the way the bolt operates. There is a critical dimension you should check on any CETME that you think you'd like to purchase.

The CETME was the select fire weapon of Spain. It is a second generation "assault rifle" being designed by German engineers. It is the second rifle to have the charging handle on the left side.....where it belongs imho. The G43 was the first.

More than any other rifle that CIA has produced, the CETME is more of a kit gun that requires a lot of the owner. I don't know of anyone who hasn't had to tear theirs down and tweak here and there. There are also parts on it that you won't be familiar with and so there is a learning curve in owning one.

CIA made three versions: the first was based on the HESSE receiver. IT was a poorly stamped steel affair....run away from those.

Next was the stainless steel forged receiver. It is much stronger and more like the original in every way. These get a good review from their owners (mine is SS)

Finally, they are now producing another stamped steel receiver but it is much closer to the original and is getting good review. Still, however, you'll be tearing it down and getting it to work properly as the CIA angry beavers like to leave metal filings in their work.

All in all, a blast to shoot and bump fire. It was designed to be a select-fire weapon, of course, and doesn't shy away from really rapid fire if you elect to do that. It always puts a smile on my face!

Do lots of research, read everything you can get your hands on, spend some time at the links that Iamkris provided and also try here:

http://www.gunboards.com/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=47

Rome

[cma g21]

You might also want to check out the CETME Forum (http://www.cetmerifles.com/forum/index.php)