Century Arms C308

[SpruceSniper]

I understand it to be that there are *new* Century Arms HK-91 type rifles, built in a production run that is going to be limited to the number of parts Century purchased from PTR inc. Correct me if I am wrong. I have seen a few in the local gun shops in my area, and so far the best way to tell they are the new production run rifle (which is, by some accounts a superior rifle to the previous iterations of the type built by Century) is the plastic injection-molded fore-end.

I am seeing the price go up in the gun shop and I am considering going to Armslist or an FFL-transfer if I can find one closer to $500ish instead of $800ish. My question is what serial# range do I need to look for?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Tommygunn]

Century C308. Having bought one....all I can say is STAY AWAY! STAY FAR AWAY!!!!!!!


Mine jammed so tight I had to send it in and have Century ..... "fix" it. I hadn't even fired it! They sent it back with a snarky note saying "owner should learn how to put weapon together." I had never disassembled it!
I still haven't fired it. To this day I do not trust it.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

The H&K roller locking system is not forgiving of tolerance variations or shoddy workmanship. Unlike most automatic rifles that are locked until the recoil\gas\piston unlocks them, the H&K is UNLOCKED in its normal state. The thought of the bolt becoming a projectile inside the tube aimed at my face\ shoulder with nothing but a thin layer of sheet metal and plastic in the way ain't comforting.

Better to have a mediocre FAL than a questionable HK91......

 

[SpruceSniper]

These were both....less than desirable answers. Tommy, when did you get your weapon? I mentioned that supposedly the older CAI G3 rifles were crap and the new ones were not so bad. I have little to no money. My face is willing to take the hit. PTR HK parts are supposedly really good, that is what I read the newer run C308 rifles are made with as CAI bought PTR's remaining parts...or so I read.

 

[SpruceSniper]

I should point out I've looked for catastrophic failures on the rifle type and it appears "bolt gap" is the only issue that continues to come up and the failure result in that regard is malfunctions, failure to eject, failure to feed, and increased recoil impulse. I get it-you like a solid, machined weapon. I have to confess I was edgy about the prevalence of polymer pistols, for example-but they've won me over and I will never go back. Stamped receivers...work. Now...about those serial numbers...

 

[kozak6]

You'll probably want to get some feeler gauges and make sure everything is in spec.

From what I understand, it's more about the individual rifles than the serial range.

 

[ttarp]

I think the new Cetme 308s have welded optic rails on the receiver, so unless various of the older models had welded rails, that would be the easiest way to pick them out. I think the parts are mainly sourced by Century, my understanding was PTR provided the receiver and maybe the barrel, but I don't know for sure. Personally I'd spend the extra couple of bills on a PTR, nicer rifle with a good warranty and customer service.

 

[Glockula]

Buyer be wear.........

Bolt gap was and is not the only issue with their hk 91 clones. I would really look the thing over.

Good luck with your purchase

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I should point out I've looked for catastrophic failures on the rifle type and it appears "bolt gap" is the only issue that continues to come up and the failure result in that regard is malfunctions, failure to eject, failure to feed, and increased recoil impulse. I get it-you like a solid, machined weapon. I have to confess I was edgy about the prevalence of polymer pistols, for example-but they've won me over and I will never go back. Stamped receivers...work. Now...about those serial numbers...

Oh, no, don't get me wrong, I have no problem with stamped sheet metal gun parts (love AKs and early Sigs), and prefer them to poorly done castings. My issue is just with the roller-locking system without stringent QC.
I haven't been impressed with anything Century "manufactures" and that's an awful lot of $$ to spend on something I would have to disassemble and mic before I would have any confidence in it.
Ive not had the pleasure of sampling their H&K clones, but Ive had horrible issues with their AK's- which is a MUCH tougher design to bugger up, yet they managed it somehow.
You seem like you understand and accept the risks, though, so more power to ya. With Century's legendary secrecy surrounding their parts sourcing and manufacturing, I would be surprised if there is any reference to a specific serial number range that applies to which guns have PTR parts or which parts they've used.
Sorry if that isn't helpful. Just my experience with other Century products.
Good luck to you sir!

 

[jmorris]

I had an older century CETME it ran like a top and was reasonably accurate but I had to cut and realign the sights, who ever they had weld them must have just eyeballed it and was blind. The trigger needed work to get into the acceptable range.

I would get an AR 10 before I paid $800 for one though, I thought $375 was on the high side and sold it before they brought $500.

 

[Tommygunn]

These were both....less than desirable answers. Tommy, when did you get your weapon? I mentioned that supposedly the older CAI G3 rifles were crap and the new ones were not so bad. I have little to no money. My face is willing to take the hit. PTR HK parts are supposedly really good, that is what I read the newer run C308 rifles are made with as CAI bought PTR's remaining parts...or so I read.

Sorry you didn't like my answer. I think I bought mine about 2 years ago. Maybe not that long.
An earlier suggestion to go for an AR-10 is a good one.
New Century C308s may be ok. I just can't trust a gun that jams up tight FOR NO REASON. And Century's snarky note did not fill me with confidence with regards their servicing of the weapon.
I hope your experience is more positive.

 

[squirrelmurder]

Anyone here have any experience/comments regarding the parts kits sold by Sarco? I too have been tempted by the Century models.
http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/Issue28 (12-1-17).pdf

 

[SpruceSniper]

Tommy, it's not that I didn't "like" your answer-it wasn't desirable-because it sidestepped the issue at hand; identifying newer-run CAIC308 rifles. That said everyone has an opinion, and in my world those opinions are valid regardless of their intent or effect. A lot of people will start threads on....facebook for example, and if they don't like what they see they will simply delete it. Those people...are snowflakes and should be rooted out from the face of the earth-life offers us situations and opinions we won't all necessarily like or agree with. You will always have a "safe space" with me to present a dissenting opinion so please don't think you can't say what is contrary to what I think or believe.
Disclaimer dispensed with thanks to a strong cup of coffee....I can and do appreciate your point of view on the rifle. I would have a hard time going back to a weapon type that showed up as unreliable at the first run as well. In fact, first semi-auto I owned, when I was 18, was an AR-15. It was an olympic arms rifle, and that sucker misfed so much as every few rounds. I was young, so didn't bother to fix it, just sold it I was so disappointed. I didn't go back to the AR for 20 years because of it-I became a "less parts is better" guy and have leaned toward the M1A, M1Carbine, AK and the like ever since. Also, I would be PISSED if I had received a note like that with my weapon if they had insinuated I had taken it apart and didn't put it back together right. Anyhow who knows? They may be a better run of rifles.

Ttarp, I suppose I overlooked the obvious, heh heh. I should have known better-you're right they do exclusively have the welded scope rail.

Glockula, the barrels being loose, is that not the other issue you are referring to? I believe century, if they want to be taken seriously (and they seem to be leaning in that direction in recent years) has probably fired a few people since making a bad name for themselves.

Squirrel, I am curious too. I haven't built a parts gun before but I wouldn't mind making an HK91 clone my first...that pdf looks like a magazine ad I haven't seen in YEARS.