Is Century the only assembler of imported semi- mil. rifles?

[Ignition Override]

This is just a rhetorical question about military semi-autos, but having read so many comments about problems with CETME 'G-3's and now random gun website comments about FALs on Gunbroker (Hesse receivers?), was Century the only company with a license to do this work years ago?

I've no idea how many dozens of times I've seen very 'troubling' comments regarding Century about both types of .308 rifles, and it appears that for certain types of military semi-auto rifles, other companies seem to be seldom or never mentioned.

The problems with so many Century .308 'battle rifles' (plus prices for FALs, PTRs, HKs) and reloading issues were critical factors in my decision to instead save for a first Garand via a roadtrip to the CMP. Have never had a .308 or 30-06 rifle, but the CMP is the solution.

 

[nalioth]

No, Century was and is not the only provider of "kit guns".

Several dozen (if not hundreds) of companies have offered various military rifles made from imported parts kits over the years.

 

[Ignition Override]

Pardon my total ignorance of this subject.

So many problems are associated with Century, that is has appeared that other companies have never attracted nearly as much criticism, or attention.

 

[Sport45]

You already mentioned the CMP. They're my favorite importer of semi-auto military rifles.

 

[Ignition Override]

Yes, and as my local "Gun Guru" retired from the Navy Marks. Team and has four Garands, he will drive down with me to the CMP (Anniston) later this summer in a purely "advisory capacity" .
He is also visiting their store at Camp Perry, OH, while he is in a match there with his AR.

 

[rduckwor]

DS Arms makes some very nice kit based FAL's. The entry model is built on an Austrian surplus rifle/kit with US Made receiver.

RMD

 

[Kwanger]

As others have stated, Century are not the only ones....but are probably the biggest and cheapest.

Reliability etc is indeed hit or miss with Century...but usually, they are minor issues that can be user fixed cheaply if you are even halfway competent. I have a $500 Cetme that has never once had any issues in 1000 rounds; it runs like a top. I did however have to fix a couple of things, like a canted rear sight and get oversize rollers for the bolt gap, and a new firing pin and spring.