Scarce Pre-Ban MARS CETME Sporter 16.5” Semi Auto Rifle In .308 Win W/ Mag
SOLD FOR: $3,623.00
WOA#: WY240610GM012
Make: MARS, Spain
Model: Cetme Sporter
Serial Number: S-02669*
Year of Manufacture: 1966 to 1971 C&R
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, roller delayed blowback, fed by detachable magazines.
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked, “MADE IN SPAIN / Exclusively For MARS Equipment Corp / Chicago 45. Illinois, U.S.A.” The left side of the receiver is marked, “CETME “Sport” / S-02669*” The trigger housing is marked, “S F” The bayonet has spanish crests with, “E163910B”
Barrel Length: 16.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded post integral to the triple frame. The rear sight is a four position flip sight with three peep holes and an open V-notch. There are welded picatinny sections on top of the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a three piece wood stock set with a finger grooved handguard, finger grooved polymer pistol grip, and a straight dropped comb stock with a vented rubber recoil pad. There are scratches, pressure dents and light scuffs throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 15”. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.
Magazine Quantity and Condition: This rifle includes One 20 round CETME 7.62×51 steel mag in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are scratches and small nicks throughout the finish. There are spots of light discoloration. There is light action wear from use. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition. The bayonet is in Excellent condition with very little wear.
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. The action is smooth and the trigger is crisp.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 20rd magazine, Bayonet, Nylon Sling.
Our Assessment: The Pre-Ban MARS CETME Sporter is a semi-automatic rifle that traces its roots to the Spanish-designed CETME rifle, which served as the foundation for the later German Heckler & Koch G3. Imported to the United States before the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban by the Massachusetts-based firm MARS Equipment Corporation, this rifle holds a special place among military-style firearms enthusiasts due to its historical significance, design lineage, and rarity as a pre-ban import. The CETME rifle was originally developed by the Spanish government in the late 1940s and early 1950s as a battle rifle for its military. The rifle’s design team included German engineers who had worked on World War II-era small arms, particularly those related to roller-delayed blowback mechanisms. The result was a robust, reliable rifle that utilized this advanced operating system, which became one of the defining features of the CETME. This roller-delayed blowback mechanism provides a smooth cycling action and reduces recoil, enhancing accuracy and shooter comfort. The MARS CETME Sporter is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester), a powerful round that makes the rifle capable of long-range accuracy and substantial stopping power. The rifle features a 20-round detachable box magazine, though it is also compatible with G3/HK91 magazines, which adds versatility for collectors and shooters. The rifle’s barrel length is 16.5 inches, with a flash hider installed. The overall design of the rifle retains the classic military battle rifle look with wooden furniture. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the MARS CETME Sporter is its combination of historical aesthetics and modern semi-automatic functionality. While it closely resembles the fully automatic rifles used by militaries, the CETME Sporter was designed specifically for civilian use in the U.S. and therefore lacks the capability for automatic fire. The rifle has a receiver made from stamped steel, and its sights consist of a hooded front sight and adjustable rear diopter, which offers a solid sighting system for medium- to long-range shooting. The “pre-ban” designation refers to its importation before the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban, which restricted the sale of certain firearms with military-style features. As a pre-ban rifle, the MARS CETME Sporter retains features like the flash hider, bayonet lug, and a standard 20-round magazine, which were later prohibited or heavily restricted under the ban. As a result, these rifles are highly sought after by collectors due to their relative rarity and the freedom to retain these original features. Additionally, only 1,254 of these rifles are known to have been imported from 1966 to 1971.
Overall, the Pre-Ban MARS CETME Sporter is a significant piece for collectors of military-style rifles, combining the heritage of the original Spanish CETME design with the desirability of pre-ban features. Its robust construction, historical roots, and compatibility with G3 accessories make it a popular choice for those interested in vintage semi-automatic rifles, as well as those who appreciate the engineering behind the roller-delayed blowback system. Despite being discontinued, the MARS CETME Sporter remains a valued rifle among enthusiasts for its blend of history, functionality, and rarity. Please see our photos, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.
