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Experiences with the CETME Sporter?

BigGun74
I just picked up a CETME Sporter by Century Arms at a gun show this past weekend. I ended up choosing it over a similarly priced AK-47 because the CETME was chambered in .308. I don't really know a whole lot about CETMEs. I was wondering if any one here who has owned or shot one could share their experiences with this rifle. Thanks.
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11 comments

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  • boeboe
    http://www.geocities.com/miketheelectrician1/cetme1.html?1006706554210

    good link for you

    Edited, well, it once was, looks like they are doing some work on it. Check back there when the work is done.

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    MEMBER SINCE 10/24/1999.

    To err is human, to moo is bovine.
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  • GreatBeefalo
    yeah actually--it was the first gun I bought when I turned 18 last year, and its been pretty decent. Cleaning is kind of tricky, until you get the hang of it (or unless you have experience with roller-lock rifles). Its not the best around, but its a good deal for what its worth. The only real complaint I have had with it is that sighting has been an issue.

    Conservatism, my anti-drug
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  • drobs
    I picked one up recently just for the heck of it. The bolt handle is a pita to work. But I hear if you rack and re-rack it, it should smooth out.

    I find the best way to load mine is to lock the bolt back, inserted loaded mag, and slap the bolt handle down so it rockets forward. Some the older Cetmes would fail to feed if you tried to ride the bolt.

    Some Cetme's will use HK mags, mine doesn't. I would try locking in one HK mag before buying a bunch of them.

    Mine shoots pretty decent overall. Shot point of aim at 25yds with next to no recoil.

    Here's a pick of mine.
    22925greencouch-med.jpg

    Ps. You need to get an AK too!

    Regards,
    gadsden.jpg
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  • heavyiron
    Hi BigGun,

    I have had a Cetme for over a year and it is both enjoyable and fun rifle to shoot.

    The first Cetme's produced by Century had several problems due to poor craftsmanship. This gave the Cetme's a bad reputation when they first came out. I suspect that the warranty work cost Century more than they would have liked, so product procedures were tightened and the last of the run Cetme's are not bad rifles.

    First of all the Cetme does require a break-in period. If yours was a new (rebuilt) Cetme Sporter, it is probably very difficult to actuate the bolt handle. Likewise, it may be difficult to chamber the first round out of the magazine. These are notorious Cetme eccentricities. Rule of thumb to "break-in" the parts to rack the bolt, the bolt handle and cocking mechinism must be operated at least 200 times dry fire or live fired somewhere between 200 to 1000 rounds of live ammo. Racking the bolt will be much easier after a few hundred cycles. Previous advice about charging the chamber of rifle is also correct. After placing the magazine in the rifle let the go of the bolt handle and let the full force of the spring ram a cartridge into the chamber. If this doesn't work, do it again.

    Here is a good link that discusses the Cetme and some of its quirks.

    http://www.gunboards.com/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=47

    My rifle has been fairly reliable and only has an occasional FTF or FTE. I use cheap ammo and it does a pretty good job in spite of the ammo. Here is a photo of my Cetme.

    Cetme_Sporter.jpg

    One very easy accessory that can be added to the Cetme is a red dot sight or scopes. I have a red dot mounted on mine using see-through B-Square scope mounts. If you decide to add a scope or red dot buy the B-Square mounts for the HK91. They are interchangeable with the Cetme and you will be glad you did. I can shoot at and hit bowling pins at the end of the 100 yard range regularly with the red dot setup and same cheap ammo mentioned above. The aperature sights on your rifle will probably work just fine but won't be calibrated correctly for distance. For example, I use the 200 yard aperature for 100 yard zero. You can probably mess with front sight to calibrate if you wanted to.

    The Cetme has an interesting history which you can find on the links below. The Cetme also has a trait of pitching the ejected brass to the front of the rifle about 30 to 40 feet. It really flies out of the receiver. The chamber of the rifle is fluted to aid feeding and extraction from the mag. Most of the Cetme's from Century will accept either the HK or G3 mags which are cheap, although you may have to go through several to function properly in the rifle.

    Here are some good links.

    http://www.biggerhammer.net/manuals/

    http://www.gainesvillelan.com/PRC/article_CETME_dissasemble.php

    http://www.geocities.com/miketheelectrician1/triggerdisassembly.html?1011930754070

    Regards,

    Heavyiron


    bullitt_county_4199_small.jpg
    "If I don't see you nomore on this world, I'll meet you on the next one, and don't be late!" - Jimi Hendrix
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  • drobs
    I went and shot mine again today. Forgot how much a pain that mag release is. Very accurate and no recoil.

    I should mention, it made shooting my FAL all the more enjoyable. [:o)]

    Regards,
    gadsden.jpg
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  • Bamavol
    I have had a CETME for a while and have experienced the same problems as stated above. The bolt does not lock open on last round, so I try to keep one round chambered until I am finished shooting. If you don"t have one, you will need a front sight adjustment tool. Check with TAPCO. They also have a manual. I bought mine because for the roller lock design. This gives the delayed low back without a gas operation. Also everybody has an AK or SKS.

    Bamavol
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  • BigGun74
    Thanks for all the great responses, and keep them coming. I am learning a ton about this rifle.
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  • GreatBeefalo
    drobs is right--the new coating the Century puts on for shipment to the US makes the charging handle really stiff at first--I was told by the seller (a great guy) that 200 or so charges on the bolt will loosen up the parkerization...which it did. I mightve complained, but I was celebrating my first rifle so it made it all the more sweeter [:D].

    Conservatism, my anti-drug
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  • Atom242
    Loudest 308 I have ever shot!!!!!!!!!![:D]
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  • allechalley
    I haven't had much time/ammo to fool with mine. The first three or four rounds were 'sticky' but finally functioned flawless. It is finicky about the mags, but is much softer recoil than I expected.
    The machine work to change to USA compliant looks chinsy but seems to work. If they will allow a choice of lokking/trying the trigger pull, do so as some have pretty good trigger, some pretty rough and high letoff. Seems to handle well after you get familiar. But absolutely, DO clean down to the nubs, take bolt down, mags, ect. Gobs of cosmoline everywhere in the bolt. Reassembly is a little tricky, so would advise the Tapco or similiar manual, and lots of rags and solvent. Overall, am pleased for the price, history, caliber.
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  • sandwarrior
    BigGun74,

    I know it's a little late to post this but my CETME has been a disappointment....maybe. I have had feed problems since I first got it. I think I finally may have it worked out but I never can tell when that will end.
    Other than that it will typically hold 2-3" groups @100 yds. when it does fire normally. Due to the muzzle brake it has very little kick. I will say that if I had gotten a better (re)manufactured piece it would be a lot more fun. But all I have had with it is pretty much frustration. It is fun though when I do get several shots off in a row. -good luck with yours.

    We have the second amendment so that all the rest are secure....UNK>
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