CETME advice

[Nightcrawler]

Friend of mine is interested in a CETME in a local shop. What should he look for to determine whether or not he's got a good shooter or he's got a lemon?

Also, what's a good price for a CETME? Whatever it is, I'll add a bit since prices are always higher in our area for some reason (lack of competition, maybe. One little gun store just went out of business here in Marquette. There are only two up on Houghton/Hancock.).

Can the CETME take G3 mags or is it the other way around?

Is there any furniture out there besides the wood?

I've seen this with post-ban HK91 clones. They don't have a flipper mag release, instead having a push button on the right side of the receiver that would be difficult for you right handers to reach. My question is, why dont' they have the flippers. I've heard they're illegal. Why? AKs that are imported or built off surplus parts have flipper mag releases...

 

[iamkris]

Go to this link for a "what to look for when buying a CETME" http://www.cetmerifles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=119

Go to the CETME forum and browse to see the good, bad and ugly. http://www.gunboards.com/forums/UltraBoard.cgi?action=Headlines&BID=30&SID=439446

Century imported CETMEs can be had for $299 (+/- $50) with 5 mags from FAC, SOG, AIM etc. Do not pay more than $400 but only if you can inspect it to make sure you have 1) no ground bolt, 2) good bore, 3) aligned sights, 4) good welds, 5) good wood.

CETMEs accept G3 mags...some say they feed better. TAPCO has the alloy G3 mags for about $4 a piece. Great stuff I have 10 of them.

You can adapt G3 synthetic stocks to fit the CETME. Just take some minor plastic-smithing. All info to do this is at the site in the first link.

The flippers aren't illeagal just in orignal configuation the BATF for some reason said it makes them easy to convert to full-auto. The above sites also have instructions on how to install the paddle mag release legally. GUnsmits charge about $100-150 to do this. Or you can install a Tac Latch (~$50) in about 15 minutes with no metal work.

I almost bought a CETME but opted for a Century G3 clone instead because of 1) better sights, 2) no ground bolt, 3) more spare parts.