Century Arms CETME Model C .308 7.62 18″ Semi-Auto Rifle G3 Rifle Scope
SOLD FOR: $1026
WOA#: WY230427JS001
Make: Century Arms
Model: CETME Model C
Serial Number: C00772
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .308 Winchester / 7.62X51 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked “MADE IN USA / CENTURY ARMS INC / ST ALBANS VT / CETME / .308 (7.62)”. The safety selector is marked “S” and “F”. The top of the receiver is marked “C00772”. The scope is marked “BWB / 1436”, “HENSOLDT / WETZLAR”, “1240-12-144-0714”. The scope mount is marked “1240-12-140-9932”, “4095”, “SchuBrichtung”.
Barrel Length: 18”. 20” with flash hider.
Sights / Optics: Hooded front sight and rotating four-position aperture rear sight. This rifle comes with an HK Telescope Sight 4×24 for G3 Rifle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock and handguard are wood. The buttstock has a sling slot with rubber buttpad. The handguard is vented with finger grooves. The pistol grip is polymer with thumb rest. The stock is free of cracks and functional defects. Overall the stock is in Excellent Condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle comes with two 20rd Cetme 7.62 magazines in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Black
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 very little wear. The markings are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent 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 an original G3 Rifle Scope and Case with additional eye piece, tools, owner’s manual, a total of 2 magazines with mag pouch, and rifle case all in Excellent condition.
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.
So, there you have it, the history of the CETME, 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.