G3 Clones - Cheapest, Yet Still Reliable?

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

I have been wanting one of these for the longest time, but everywhere I look, I see the prices are through the roof. Anyone know of one for cheap, yet still maintains the quality? I am not able to afford one yet, I am just looming for options.


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[mortablunt]

G3 type anything is expensive. Sorry mate.

 

[7.62x51NATO]

If you are talking about the CETMEs they are hit or miss. You can hit a very nice shooter, or you can get a jam-o-matic piece of junk. One thing I've heard is the better quality CETMEs have the wooden furniture, not the black plastic. If you are looking for a G3 clone it is best to just save the money up for a PTR-91. Very well build rifles and the GI model will eat anything you put in it. If you plan to reload for it definitely get a port buffer, though.

 

[Auto426]

I'm still trying to learn about the G3 universe, as I fully intend to buy one one day. They are very interesting rifles and I have admired them for a while now. Eventually I will add one to the collection, but it's in line behind an AK and another 1911.

From what I have picked up, the Century produced CETME's and complete hit and miss just like everything else Century puts out. The prices for them are also climbing, with most of them over the $500 mark now. If you get a good one that hasn't been screwed up they are great guns, but you are always taking a chance.

The original HK91's are naturally the best of the bunch, but they are also expensive and they aren't too common either. I know Springfield Armory used to have an imported G3 clone, but I don't know very much about them and they seem pretty rare today.

The option that I probably will go after is the PTR-91 G.I. model. I believe the PTR's are manufactured from original HK licensed tooling and drawings that were bought from a factory in Portugal. The G.I. model is the closest they have to original HK G3 specs, with green plastic furniture, fluted chamber, and original HK profile barrel. They seem to run between $800 and $900, with specials occasionally being put on by places like Atlantic Firearms or CDNN.

 

[Redlg155]

The words cheap and quality are not synonymous. Inexpensive and quality can be a hard find.

That being said, stay away from Hesse! Century Arms can be ok IF you test it first to make sure it is reliable. The first and what I consider the biggest sign of quality are the welds. If It looks like a drunk monkey welded the reciever...do a pass. The PTR series are good guns, but I would definitely take a look at a G3/Cetme specific forum to see how happy folks are.

To be frank, If I had PTR money (+ or - 1k) I would definitely consider a DSA STG 58 series FAL. I had one in the Carbine model that I regret selling.

 

[Driftertank]

Get a PTR 91 GI

Basically close as you can get to a REAL G3 for under a grand, as a US citizen. Only qualm is that the metal finish on the GI model receivers is grey parkerized rather than the black powdercoat of the more expensive models, but it still looks cool in it's own way.

The GI's also don't have any of the ammo pickyness of the T-C Heavy barreled guns (like mine). Picky doesn't mean unreliable; i can shoot cheap, dirty crap ammo all day long til she's good and filthy, she'll keep on eating. But one mag of DAG or S. African and she chokes. The GI will eat anything and like it.

If you've never shot an HK/CETME rifle, try before you buy. They have a unique recoil feel that many interpret as excessive kick. Different recoil buffer gets rid of it, but kinda spendy. Also, factory trigger generally sucks, they eat brass unless you install an ejection port buffer (cheap and easy), and there's no last-round hold-open.

All that said, i love my PTR-91F, and so does almost everyone else who shoots her.

 

[Atlantic Firearms]

The PTR are the best way to go they are well built and have a factory warranty to back up the purchase.

 

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

I will look into the PTRs. Just wish they weren't so expensive.


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