G3/HK/CETME rifles
I have never been a fan of the G3 type rifle and I think is mostly due to them being kinda nose heavy. I just saw a pic of a G3 that I really like on another board and think I want to make one like that.
Here is the big question, what one to buy. I know I am not going to throw down the money for an HK for this project. I know there are a few good HK clones out there and they seem to run about $1K. Now I see several CAI CETME rifles for sale in the $500 range here on GB and was wondering about them. The reason I am not looking at the clones is that I am going to be taking the gun apart and refinishing it, new handguards, new top rail, cutting down the BBL, ect. I know CAI has a real hit and miss rep, but I have 3 of their rifles now with no problems, Imble Fal, PSL, and a MN.
Are all the CETME part the same a HK parts? Other then finish are there other problems with any of the CAI guns? Doing the type of work I am doing is there any reason not to get a CAI? Is there anything else I need to know?
Here is the big question, what one to buy. I know I am not going to throw down the money for an HK for this project. I know there are a few good HK clones out there and they seem to run about $1K. Now I see several CAI CETME rifles for sale in the $500 range here on GB and was wondering about them. The reason I am not looking at the clones is that I am going to be taking the gun apart and refinishing it, new handguards, new top rail, cutting down the BBL, ect. I know CAI has a real hit and miss rep, but I have 3 of their rifles now with no problems, Imble Fal, PSL, and a MN.
Are all the CETME part the same a HK parts? Other then finish are there other problems with any of the CAI guns? Doing the type of work I am doing is there any reason not to get a CAI? Is there anything else I need to know?
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I have no experience with the clones. I have a genuine HK91 that I bought new around 1982-3 and I think I paid about $380 for it.
It was stolen in 1986. In 2003 (17 years later) a detective from the LAPD called me and asked if I wanted the stolen gun back that they recovered from a drug dealer. Um... yeah, I do.
Shortly after the HK was taken I bought an FN FAL from a buddy as a replacement. I find the FAL more ergonomic and just a little sleeker looking and handling. I still like the 91 and kept both.
The 91 mangles cases, though. Beats them all to Hell and throws them 50 feet upon ejecting.
I think any of the well-known clones will work OK. I think you'll enjoy shooting this rifle.0 -
The PTR-91 are nice clones. 
Sold this one.[:(]0 -
quote:Originally posted by Nwcid
I have never been a fan of the G3 type rifle and I think is mostly due to them being kinda nose heavy. I just saw a pic of a G3 that I really like on another board and think I want to make one like that.
Are all the CETME part the same a HK parts? Other then finish are there other problems with any of the CAI guns? Doing the type of work I am doing is there any reason not to get a CAI? Is there anything else I need to know?
I'd reccomend you get a genuine HK ... mainly for parts count issues ... if your going to be replacing parts and you have a pre-ban you don't have to worry about having too many imported parts on it.
Although the CETME and HK91 look alike there are a few internal differences that are not compatiable. The bolt carrier of the CETME is longer than the HK91 counterpart, however if you use the correct cocking handle/oprod the assembly will work in either. The fire controll group is also completely different, (ie) the hammer, trigger and sear from one wont work in the other but if you replace the complete trigger pack as an assembly it will work in either.0 -
Here is what I want to do. I do not know who to give credit to for this so I can't or I would. I am not sure how much I will actually shoot it so price is an issue. I would like to do this project as inexpensively as I can. If I have to pay for all original stuff I have other projects that I would like to build more then this. I am hoping to stay in the $1000-1200 for the whole thing.
The title on this one said it was a SAR-8.0 -
Yeah. That SAR-8 is a Springfield gun. I was told years ago on this board that they are total crap so I stayed away from it and bought an AR-15. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by idsman75
Yeah. That SAR-8 is a Springfield gun. I was told years ago on this board that they are total crap so I stayed away from it and bought an AR-15.
not from me, they are the best clone ever made0 -
I had a CAI HK91 clone (a CETME I guess) the biggest difference is that they have a forged (cast?) aluminum receiver. the other pics you see here are stamped receivers and look markedly different. what I didn't like was, in the interior of the receiver, it was all rough. as in, almost stippled. I didn't get it. how could the bolt carrier, etc. get shot back and forth and they don't expect it to get ground into dust in a month?!?! whatever, when you get one take a look at that, if that's what you get you may find it unacceptable. on the plus side, they had a rail on top. I thought it was forged with the rest of the receiver, but I thought I saw some rivets.
it had surplus portugese furniture, like the pic above (of wood) but plastic handguard. between the handguard and the retainer thing in front of it, was a peice of rope stuck in for a spacer. I don't know if that was because of the portugese handguard being too short, or if the retainer thing was positioned improperly. another thing to consider.
besides being too damn hard to cock, the next major issue I had with it was the buttstock was held in that metal peice with 2 small screws. they kept coming loose. I could imagine hitting something with the buttstock and they get yanked completely out, or re-tightening them so many times they finally get stripped. that may be a problem just with the portugese furniture, I don't know, but again check that out when you first disassemble the thing. whatever buttstock you put on might not be set up like that.
as it was, I liked it well enough. if I went hunting with a .308 that would be my first choice.0 -
I picked up one of the PTR 91's all balck about 3 weeks ago for $650, I have not fired it yet but can't wait to. 0 -
Just so all of you know, the Cetme was around before the HK. I keep seeing thoughts such as the original HK etc...
Cetme then HK is the order.............
FYI0 -
It sounds like my option is going to be to buy a HK clone. It would be nice to run into a PTR for $650, I would buy it too.
I am not sure how fast if ever this build will happen [:(].
I am aware that CETME was first, thanks for the info though.0 -
quote:Originally posted by gun_runner
Just so all of you know, the Cetme was around before the HK. I keep seeing thoughts such as the original HK etc...
Explain this please.
Got Guns?0 -
Umm, look here. http://world.guns.ru/assault/as60-e.htm 0 -
quote:Originally posted by guns-n-painthorses
quote:Originally posted by gun_runner
Just so all of you know, the Cetme was around before the HK. I keep seeing thoughts such as the original HK etc...
Explain this please.
Got Guns?
HK owns the design patent and is the company that made the it a success ... all the licensed copies like the POF's and some Springfield's are of the HK design; not the CETME ... therefore, the original HK.
Unlicensed clones are the Century Cetme, Special Weapons, and even though they bought the POF stamping machines, the highly acclaimed PTR91 is an unlicensed copy ...
If your confused, think of all the 1911 clones and AR-15 clones ... they aren't licensed by Colt, so they are unlicensed clones.
JMHO0 -
I just got one. Still need to shoot it yet. Pretty heavy weapon. But it seems to be very effective using .308 ammunntion. 0
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