Make: Century Arms

Model: CETME

Serial Number: 001811

Year of Manufacture: Modern

Caliber: .308 Win. / 7.62x51mm NATO

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, roller delayed blowback, fed by detachable magazines.

Markings: The top of the receiver has the serial number, “001811”. The right side of the mag-well is marked, “MADE IN USA CENTURY ARMS INC ST ALBANS VT CETME .308 (7.62)”. Both sides of the trigger housing are marked, “F S”.

Barrel Length: 18” 20” With the ported muzzle device.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded pike post integral to the triple frame. The rear sight is a four position flip sight with three peep holes and an open V-notch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a three piece wood and polymer stock set with a finger grooved and vented wood handguard, polymer finger groove pistol grip, and a straight dropped comb stock with a serrated rubber recoil pad. The buttstock has a sling well & passthrough along with holes for the takedown pins. There are no chips but there is a crack at the front of the forend cap which is normal for CETME’s. The LOP is 14.5”. Overall, this stock set is in Very Good condition.

Magazine Quantity and Condition: This rifle includes One 20 round CETME 7.62x51 steel mag in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized, KG Gunkote

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore but there is some light stubborn fouling throughout the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some light handling marks throughout, otherwise the finish is very strong. The receiver has reinforcement rails along both sides. The screw heads are sharp, the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. 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. This rifle headspaces at 13 thousandths using our shim gauges. The action is smooth, the trigger is heavy but smooth.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 20rd magazine.

Our Assessment: This Century Arms CETME in .308 Winchester / 7.62x51mm NATO is a semi-automatic Cold War-era battle rifle, modeled after the original Spanish CETME Model C, which served as the basis for the later Heckler & Koch G3 rifle. Designed with a roller-delayed blowback system, this rifle offers robust reliability, durable construction, and smooth operation, making it a great choice for military surplus enthusiasts, recreational shooters, and collectors of Cold War-era firearms. The 18-inch barrel, extended to 20 inches with the ported muzzle device, provides a good balance between maneuverability and long-range ballistic performance, ensuring that it remains effective for both range shooting and practical field use. One of the standout features of this CETME rifle is its three-piece wood and polymer stock set, which includes a finger-grooved wooden handguard, a polymer pistol grip, and a classic straight-comb stock with a serrated rubber recoil pad. The stamped steel receiver with reinforcement rails adds to the rifle’s durability while maintaining the battle-proven design of its Spanish predecessor. The rifle is equipped with a four-position flip rear sight, allowing shooters to adjust for different distances, and a hooded front post sight, consistent with other military-style battle rifles of the era. The rifle remains in excellent condition, retaining about 97% of its finish, with only minor handling marks present. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, and the action is smooth, with a heavy but consistent trigger pull.

For collectors, military rifle enthusiasts, and those looking for a rugged and historically significant semi-auto rifle, this Century Arms CETME is an excellent option. It offers the proven roller-delayed blowback system in a well-constructed, battle-tested platform, chambered for one of the most widely available full-power rifle cartridges in the world. Whether appreciated as a Cold War-era classic, a capable range rifle, or a collectible piece reflecting the lineage of the legendary G3, this CETME delivers historical value, reliable performance, and a unique shooting experience that stands out among military-style semi-auto rifles.