Century Arms CETME

[Ryan H]

Anyone have one? Shot one? Know someone who knows someone who's uncle had one?

I'm considering one for my next firearms purchase.

[calvin]

I do not own a CETME (or G3). Having said that, Century has a "reputation" which is mostly bad. CETME's have poor ergonomics (ex: difficult magazine release) and are a ***** to clean.

I think you'd have a better experience with a FAL (DSA out of Illinois makes good ones) or an AR-10.

[festus]

Anyone have one? Shot one? Know someone who knows someone who's uncle had one?

I'm considering one for my next firearms purchase.

It is a good rifle for the money.

Check the bolt gap and if it is out refuse it. If the bolt has grinder marks refuse it.

Other wise they can't really screw it up.

[Ryan H]

What is good for $1,000 or under other than a CAI brand rifle?

Thank you for the info, festus. I will look into how to check the bolt gap.

[Cooter]

As for a CETME under $1K, you would probably have to go with CAI. But there are plenty of decent semi-auto rifles out there for under $1000. If you don't have your heart absolutely set on a CETME, I would look around at other options if I were you.

S&W has a deal right now, if you buy an AR-15 you get 5 free 30 round P-mags. I picked my M&P15 up for under $900 not too long ago.
Centerfire Systems has several AK variants for around $500. I would recommend getting a Bulgarian AK-74 or a Tantal if you're into the 5.45 round. Stay away from WASR's though.
Look around on Gunbroker or Gunsamerica, there is some good deals right now. All the people who bought piles of "assault rifles" for investment are mostly selling them cheap because the Obama scare is over and the economy is down.

[Ryan H]

Honestly I am looking for something with an 18+ in barrel, chambered in .308 Winchester (or comparable), with a detachable mag / aftermarket available 20+ round mags. Semi auto preferably, but open to anything. Really just looking for a new toy, and I don't have 400+ yards to shoot at so nothing too precision geared. 1-1.5" groups @ 100 yards are mildly acceptable to me for a rifle of this purpose.

I do not want a .223, otherwise I'd have gotten myself one of the new Ruger Ranch target models. Those are some excellent rifles but the .223 is not acceptable by my standards at all.

Any other suggestions? And thanks again everybody for your input!

[Ropadope]

I"ve owned an H&K 91, hence 93/43 clone in semi auto for years.

The most critical part for bolt gap is the locking rollers being larger than spec'd and forces the locking mech into a rearward position thus creating bolt gap.

If the gun is new, It shouldn't be a problem, but the wear on those points is going to create a non-flush set of rollers. You should replace them and or the bolt about 5,000 rounds, even in the H&K.

I'm not crazy about this particular rifle, although I'd never sell or trade mine in.

HTH.

[doming83]

The fals built by CAI seem to be pretty good. so far have 3 friends, and a brother who own one and they shoot great, with no problems. They were all purchased for under a grand.

[doming83]

I belive my brother spent $750 for his about 8 month's ago

[Ryan H]

Well, I checked a few out in some stores yesterday and it turns out, I don't like them. The receivers are clearly cast material and they just look and feel "cheap". I guess I'll spring for a real FAL. :(