Century Arms CETME C308 .308 7.62×51 18” Semi-Auto Rifle G3 Rifle w/ Sight

SOLD FOR: $700

WOA#: WY230604BW019

Make: Century Arms

Model: CETME Sporter

Serial Number: C61421

Year of Manufacture: Modern

Caliber: .308 Winchester / 7.62X51 NATO

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Delayed Blowback

Markings: The right side of the magwell is marked “CETME SPORTER .308 CAL / CENTURY ARMS INC. / GEORGIA, VT USA”.  The safety options are marked “F S”.  The left side of the magwell is marked “C61421”.  The left side of the buttstock adapter is marked “TAPCO USA”.

Barrel Length: 18”. 19” with bird cage flash hider.

Sights / Optics:  Hooded front sight and rotating four-position aperture rear sight. There is a picatinny rail mounted to the claw mounts with a BARSKA Sight mounted.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is an M4 style collapsible polymer TAPCO buttstock with a sling ring.  The handguard is a G3A3 polymer vented handguard with finger grooves.  The pistol grip is polymer with thumb rest.  The stock is free of cracks and functional defects. There is some light handling wear . Overall the stock is in Excellent Condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: None

Type of Finish: Gray Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some moderate scratching on the scope mounts on the receiver as well as a few scuffs.  There is operation wear on the slide.  There is some oxidation on the bolt carrier.  The markings are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a nylon sling and its attached Barska Optic.

Our Assessment:  The CETME, which stands for Centro de Estudios Técnicos de Materiales Especiales (Center for Technical Studies of Special Materials), was developed in Spain during the late 1940s and early 1950s. The man behind this iconic firearm was none other than Colonel José María Jiménez Alfaro, a Spanish engineer and weapons designer.

The origins of the CETME can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II when Spain was in need of a modern military rifle. Colonel Alfaro drew inspiration from the German Sturmgewehr 44, which was one of the world’s first successful assault rifles. He adapted its roller-delayed blowback operating system and incorporated it into his design.

The CETME went through several iterations and prototypes before the final version, known as the CETME Modelo C, was adopted by the Spanish Armed Forces in 1957. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, this rifle showcased its innovative roller-delayed blowback system, which provided reliable operation and effective recoil management.

Now, here’s where the story gets really interesting. The CETME served as the foundation for the development of the famous Heckler & Koch G3 rifle. In the early 1960s, Germany sought to replace its aging G1 rifle and turned to the CETME for inspiration. Collaborating with the Spanish engineers, Heckler & Koch refined the design and introduced the G3, which became one of the most iconic battle rifles in the world.

The CETME rifles, including the later variants like the CETME Modelo L and LC, were widely used by the Spanish military and various other armed forces around the globe. They earned a reputation for their ruggedness, reliability, and effective performance on the battlefield.

The CETME Sporter, a rifle born out of Spanish ingenuity and engineering excellence. Its influence on firearms design cannot be understated, as it paved the way for the development of the renowned Heckler & Koch G3. The legacy of the CETME lives on, reminding us of the impact a well-designed firearm can have on the world stage.