the CETME

[berettaman200]

I have a possible chance to purchase the spanish CETME "G3" from my uncle. I however want to get some feedback from you guys to get a feel for the gun. Whats its overall value and quality. I know it has wooden hardware. From what the net says, Its a junk version of the HK G3.

 

[tju1973]

Its probably an ok one if its a true Spanish CETME..Be wary of Century builds, although if you get the chance to inspect them first, you can get serviceable ones. I wish I would have picked up a few in the cheapy 80s-90s-- but if his is good and you can get in the $500 or lower, jump on it. CTD has mags for $0.97 a piece...can't go wrong there..

 

[s&w 24]

Check the rear site. If the rear site housing is welded on it's a stamped reciever but if they are not its a cast reciever. The cast models had fewer problems and should be good. Also make sure the front sight housing is centered correctly and the cocking tube isn't cracked.

 

[nalioth]

From what the net says, Its a junk version of the HK G3.

Oh, the horrors!

The Germans licensed the Cetme design and made their G3 with it.

There are two things to keep in mind:

If it's Century-produced, it's ruined.

If it's a Mars CETME (factory semi-auto) or been produced by a competent 'smith, it is equivalent (if not slightly better) than a G3.

 

[berettaman200]

Heres a pic of the gun guys. Not sure what you can tell from it. I do know it is a century.

 

[Strahley]

What's his price?

 

[nalioth]

What's his price?

I do know it is a century.

Unless it's FREE, it's too much (and I'd even debate "free" being too expensive).

 

[sv51macross]

Has he fired the gun on a regular basis? Does it cycle fine and work with the cheap surplus G3 mags? Is the finish absolutely horrible?

 

[W.E.G.]

 

[Storm]

It's not so simple as to merely say that the Century C91 Sporter is crap. There have been three and probably four genrations of this rifle and each has improved. Mine has been outstanding throughout at least 300 rounds. I haven't spent the time with it that I should. One really has to educate themselves to chose a good one and know which generation it belongs to. That information is available with a thorough search. You really need to know what you are looking at including the issues that have been mentioned as well as issues like bolt gap and ground bolts. If you have no idea what I'm talking about then you need to learn before considering this rifle.

As I've said, mine was spotless from the git-go and I have only improved it by changing the rollers to improve an already more than acceptable bolt gap to one that will make this rifle serviceable for many, many years to come.

Rejecting the C91 out of hand is a typical reaction that is probably good advice for lots of folks. But, if you do your homework and make an informed evaluation/choice and are willing to or have the apptitude to, if need be, work on a rifle, then you might find it a rewarding experience on a number of levels. I understand what Nalioth is saying, and all too often he is dead right. For the uninformed he gives good advice, but, it isn't always the case for everyone, and with some effort the C91 can be a valued rifle.

Proceed with caution and spend some time doing your homework.

I'll be cleaning mine this evening.

 

[az_imuth]

When I bought my CETME, I should have run straight to the 7-11 and picked up a handful of lotto tickets as well. Mine is one of the early ones that used new parts/barrel built on a cast stainless receiver. It has functioned flawlessly and is quite accurate. If I had read all of the complaints against Century CETME's before I had ordered, it wouldn't have happened. I got lucky and ended up with a fine rifle. I only have one complaint of my own. This is the LOUDEST rifle I've ever fired. The brake directs the blast back at you and is deafening even with ears on.

All I can say is if you buy one...choose wisely.

 

[Storm]

Here is a good discussion of the four generations of the Century C91, at least up to 2006 http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=491

 

[jdowney]

Check out militaryfirearm.com, its the site for cetme info. Lots of helpful optimistic guys over there to help you out.

My Century runs fine, I know lots of guys who also have functioning cetmes. There are no "original" Spanish guns. The closest is a Mars import from the late 1960's but they have a modified lower to remove the select fire capability. Mars guns cost in the neighborhood of $3k and are collectors items for the most part.

Recent import builds are worth around $500. I've seen them go for more, but its a hard sell. If the gun is in spec and functions well, then there's nothing wrong with that price. Its a neat design that's gotten a bad rap from CAI's very irregular quality control. I'd estimate (from purely un-scientific internet browsing) that about 70% of the CAI guns work ok - terrible figure for a company making a profit, but not the grim picture that most on the net paint.

 

[GBExpat]

I purchased one of the original S/S-rcvr CETMEs in late 2001 and one of the new stamped-steel-rcvr CETMEs when they first became available in ~mid-2002.

I fully disassembled, cleaned, inspected, lubed, reassembled them and they have both always run great and been quite accurate.

 

[nwilliams]

It all depends on the price.

Yes Century has a reputation of building crap guns. However that doesn't mean that they are ALL crap. I've owned a number of Century built guns over the years and never had any problems with them with the exception of one and that one was a Cetme. I lucked out with my non-functioning Cetme because I bought it at a dealer and was able to return it for a refund, if I had bought it privately then I may have been stuck with it.

I would strongly advise staying away from a Century built Cetme unless you are buying it from some place that will accept returns should the gun prove to be junk.

If I were to take a chance on a Cetme from a dealer I wouldn't pay much more than $300 for it and I'd want a guarantee from the shop that they would take it back should it not work. Privately I would not buy a Cetme for more than $150 because you are taking a real gamble and most private sales are final.

 

[Storm]

Nwilliams offers good advice about only buying a rife with a return for a refund possible. That would have to be the case for both a new or used gun. The problem is that Century's warranty period starts to run on the date of manufacture rather than the date of consumer purchase. I'm told that the date of manufacture can be seen on the tag that should be hanging off the triggerguard. I have heard about instances of new Century built rifles being sold with the warranty already expired. Don't expect any breaks from Century on that one which could potentially leave your only recourse with the dealer.

I bought mine with a 30 day refund period.

 

[Ignition Override]

Based only on reading many comments about the Century-built "G-3s", which often had problems, the common denominator I've noticed always seems to be Hesse receivers.

 

[nalioth]

Based only on reading many comments about the Century-built "G-3s", which often had problems, the common denominator I've noticed always seems to be Hesse receivers.

You should read more.

In it's building of the G3/Cetme Century is known for
• Grinding bolts so the "safe" measurement is shown. This is a critical-dimension heat-treated piece, and once it's ground, it's useless.
• Grinding cocking tubes to fit
• Grinding recoil spring guides to fit

You see, instead of "doing it right", they "do it fast".

What's the old joke?

Want fast, cheap or good? Pick two out of three.

Since nobody pays $999 for a Century Cetme, you see what is left.

 

[Ignition Override]

naolith.
Thanks for the correction.

A buddy today said that he just bought an FAL with a Hesse receiver (if I understood correctly, being tired), and maybe Century assembled some pretty good products with most of those?

 

[nalioth]

The Hesse FAL receiver was not an actual Hesse product, and did not meet the Hesse standards (thank goodness).

They paid $xx to the manufacturer to have their names stamped on it (similar to how AR15 receivers are done today).

 

[trigga]

the resale/trade value on those isn't so good. my cousin bought one for under 300 in very good shape. not the most accurate but he wants to sell it already for an ar10. his didn't have any problem that i know of.