CETME Rifles from Spain - Opinions Sought

[Anthony]

Hello Everyone,

Has anyone bought one of the recently imported CETME surplus rifles from Spain?

If yes, how is the quality and reliability?

How is the accuracy?

I saw a few at a recent gun show in Fort Worth and was tempted, but did not buy one.

- Anthony

 

[Destructo6]

Like much of the current crop of HK G3 clones now being offered, these CETMEs are surplus parts kits assembled on a domestically manufacturer receiver, with some additional US parts thown in to "Americanize" them.

They range from god-awful to pretty decent. Misaligned sights and poorly converted gripframes (resulting in FTEs) are pretty common.

 

[SteyrAUG]

Real preban CETMEs are really nice.

However the postban CAI hunks o crap you are probably referring to are a nightmare.

 

[JackDRipper]

Here is a Cetme forum with lots of information. JR
http://www.gunboards.com/forums/UltraBoard.cgi?action=Headlines&BID=30&SID=1921147

 

[iamkris]

I almost bought a CETME but instead am a G3 clone owner because of some of the problems.

If you buy one, go in with your eyes open. Think like a 1960's Brit Leyland MG owner...you have to be willing to tinker with your baby (and think it's fun) to keep her running.

Too much work for me now...

 

[Shweboner]

I got mine from JG Sales back in November. I absolutely love it.

There were a few bumps along the way, but its better now after about 300 rounds.

I think most of it was due to the new reciever, like a break in period is needed. Afterall its not an original reciever, it needs time to adjust. she starts to jam up after about 600 rounds, then it just needs a good cleaning.

Recoil is great, especially for a semi .308, accuracy is dead-f***king on. I was shocked at the accuracy of this rifle.

I say GET ONE!!!!!!!!! Ill never get rid of my CETME.... my grandkids will be shooting it.

~Brian

 

[telewinz]

As with ANY used rifle you should hand-inspect them BEFORE purchasing, Probably most the complaints about poor workmanship/assembly would be avoided if the gun had not been purchased sight unseen via UPS. You get what you pay for, save $50 by using your FFL or another's and you are asking for trouble by playing the odds. Luck is seldom a good substitute for an up-close and personal inspection.

 

[RUT]

>>Ill never get rid of my CETME.... my grandkids will be shooting it.<<

Ah yes, famous last words!!

 

[Dave R]

I bought a CETME over a year ago. It had a fairly common problem--not enough windage to get on target, due to Century assembling the triple-frame slightly crooked. It shot tight groups, though, so I talked to the dealer and he made me a new front sight with more adjustment. So now it shoots to point-of-aim.

Its doggone accurate. With the iron sights, I get 2MOA groups pretty much every time I shoot it. I especially like shooting at 200 yards. 4" groups there.

Recoil is very soft for a .308. Reliability is great. Fairly easy to clean.

I really like the ergonomics. I tried FAL's, but liked the feel of the CETME better. I find it easy to get a steady hold--makes it easy to get small groups. Someday I'll scope it and see what it'll really do.

If you get one, plan to do some work on it. But once set up, you'll have a fine rifle.

See the current "American Rifleman". They have a review that pretty much matches my experience.

 

[Nightcrawler]

Regular G3 scope mounts won't work on the CETME. However, Tapco has introduced a Cetme-specific scope mount.

http://www.tapco.com

When you examine a CETME, what trouble spots should you actually look for? A friend of mine is interested in one but doesn't want to get stuck with a lemon.