CETME vs G3

[GunsBeerFreedom]

I'm in the market for one (as I so often am), and was wondering, is there a SIGNIFICANT difference between the two? I know the current Century CETMEs are a crapshoot, but will a good, in-spec model be in the same league as a PTR or HK91? If not, why? Price for me isn't so much an issue, but why spend the money if I won't get a significant return.

 

[sv51macross]

Text body from:http://www.robertrtg.com/cetmeinfo.html

YES, the below HK parts will work perfect on a Cetme
Barrels- Yes
Barrel Retainer Pins- Yes
Firing Pin- Yes*
Spring, for firing pin- Yes*
Rollers- Yes
+2, +4 Rollers- Yes
Retainer Plate and Roll Pin Retainer for Rollers- Yes
Extractor- Yes*
Extractor Spring- Yes*
Recoil Spring- Yes*
Backplate or Complete recoil Assembly- Yes, with minor fitting to the plastic sleeve at the end of the spring guide rod
Complete Stock set- Yes, with minor fitting to the plastic sleeve at the end of the spring guide rod
Collapsible Stock- Yes, with minor fitting to the plastic sleeve at the end of the spring guide rod
Buttstock- Yes, with minor fitting (needs the buffer hole matched to use the cetme buffer)
Grip Frames- Yes
Complete Trigger Pack- Yes (but no individual parts)
Rear Sight- Yes (but only if entire sight base is swapped)
Handguards, Slim- Yes
Handguards Wide- Yes, with minor fitting. Just like the old style HK triple frame, the cetme has a bipod retaining ring that prevents the wide from installing
Pistol Grip- Yes
Triple Frames- Yes
Flash Hider- Yes
Eyeloop for triple frame- Yes
Cocking Handle- Yes*
Spring for cocking handle-Yes*
Pivot Pin for cocking handle- Yes
Mag Catch parts- Yes
Paddle mag release- Yes
End Cap, Dust Cover- Yes (but cetme will not fit g3)
Bayonet Adapter- Yes*
Bayonet- Yes* (only when using adapter)
Retainer Pins- Yes*
Blank Firing Adapter- Yes
Claw, Stanag Scope Mount- Yes
POF Carry handle and Port Buffer- Yes (carry handle slight modification to cetme handguard)

*these items not only interchange but are an improvement over existing Cetme parts. Over the years some items have been strengthened or improved by HK.

No, the below HK parts will not work on a Cetme:
Trunions- No
Bolt Carriers- No
Locking Lever for bolt carrier- No
Bolt Head- No
Locking Piece- No
Cocking Tube- No
Support for Cocking Handle- No
Recoil Buffer- No, unless using HK buttstock
individual fire control group parts like trigger, sear, hammer: No

 

[Z-Michigan]

Century CETMEs are a crapshoot as you stated. PTR-91s are more consistent but not all work 100% from the factory. They are definitely more nicely made however.

If price isn't a big issue and you want that type of rifle, I would highly recommend:
-a genuine HK-91
-a Springfield Armory SAR-8, which is a Greek HK91/G3 made on HK tooling
-a genuine CETME imported as a complete rifle (very rare, I believe) rather than reassembled from parts

You may find this FAQ on the PTR-91 very informative:
http://ptr91.com/techinfo.html

Pay particular attention to their comments on ammunition that works and doesn't work.

 

[nalioth]

There are no functional differences in them.

There are very minute design differences (Germany had to add their little touches to the design), and the very different 'felt recoil' (due to the design difference of the locking pieces). Of the two, the Cetme has less "felt recoil".

** shameless plug** I have an excellent Cetme kit for sale here **shameless plug**

 

[GunsBeerFreedom]

So would a proper Cetme be equal to a PTR?

 

[nalioth]

So would a proper Cetme be equal to a PTR?

Functionally, yes.

 

[GunsBeerFreedom]

Ok, thanks.