What is the barrel length of a CETME?

[davek]

I've read anywhere from 16.5" to 19"+. Did Century start chopping the barrels shorter for some reason? I'd like to get a CETME, but if I had my druthers, I'd like to have a barrel longer than 16.5".

Thanks

 

[Spieler]

INFO from: http://www.world.guns.ru/assault/as60-e.htm

data for CETME mod. B / Mod. 58 rifle
Caliber: 7.62x51 mm reduced power load; also 7.62x51mm NATO
Action: delayed blowback
Overall length: 1015 mm
Barrel length: 450 mm (450 millimeter = 17.7165354 inch)
Weight: 4.4 kg
Rate of fire: 550 - 600 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 20 or 30 rounds


INFO from: http://www.cruffler.com/review-july-00.html


Type: Self loading rifle
System of Operation: Delayed Blowback
Caliber: 7.62mm NATO
Capacity: 20 round detachable box magazine
Sights, front: Elevation adjustable post
Sights, rear: Four position elevation flip aperture
Length: 40.75"
Barrel length: 19.75"
Weight: 9.7 lbs

The 17.7" barrel quote is the same as for the G3, and is the rifled portion of the barrel only, and does not include the length of the flash suppressor or muzzle device.

I believe that the 19.75" barrel quote on the cruffler site includes the length of the permanently attached muzzle brake that used to be on post-ban CETMEs. The most recent CETMEs from Century do not come with the muzzle brake, so you are back to the original 17 inch length of the barrel.

Hope this helps.

 

[Dave R]

A quick measurement of my CETME confirms what Spieler posted.

I chronographed the CETME vs. my 22" Remington. The CETME does give up a bit over 100fps due to barrel length.

However, it is still quite accurate. Mine shoots 4" groups at 200 yards with the iron sights. Someday I'll scope it and see if that improves it.