Opinions on CAI CETME

[mutt]

Anyone have any experience with these http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct856.aspx? (http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct856.aspx)

I know they won't have the same fit or finish as a HK91/PTR91, but I don't care about that. I just want something that is mechanically sound. I'm not looking for a tack driver either, just a 'minute of bad guy' rifle that can turn cover into concealment. This would be my first .308 semi-auto so I want something cheap to decide if I like it enough go all out and spend big money. But at the same time I don't want to be stuck with a $500 paper-weight.

[SU405]

There is also Saiga in 308 going for about $500.

Just another option on the cheap.

Chrome lined bore and chamber. Not too bad of a price for what you get.

[Armed Springs]

Mutt-

pm Jarvis, he just got one but had done lots of background before getting one. I saw the CETME and it is a badass rifle. Red Bear gunbrokers down here in the Springs sells them for $529 ($550 or $560 with tax)

[LeJerk]

I'd like to hear more about this rifle too. I was interested in one a while ago, but never got one.

[JARVIS]

as armed springs said I just got mine. seems to be very sound for what it is. will post after shooting this weekend. I researched alot and seems to be a good start in the $500 range. beware some people are trying to get what they were going for a few years ago $800 & up. check out militaryfirearm.com lots of fans and great intel on this sight.[Sniper]

[mutt]

Thanks for the info guys. Maybe I need to head down to the springs this weekend and visit Red Bear gun brokers. Jarvis - did you notice if they had any more in stock I could check out?

[JARVIS]

...so he doesnt have guns on display (not sure if he has in stock), here is his contact info.

www.redbeargunbroker.com (http://www.redbeargunbroker.com)


Red Bear Gun Brokers

Phone: (719) 633-7246 (2-7pm - M-F)
Cell: (719) 339-9937 (anytime)

[mutt]

Gotcha... Thanks for the info.

[LeJerk]

as armed springs said I just got mine. seems to be very sound for what it is.

Did you get it online or somewhere local?

[JARVIS]

great guy and honestly a better deal than the online $499 I have seen once you add shipping and ffl transfer. great guy to deal with

[mx'r]

I purchased several about 6 years ago. Still have two of them and never any issues. Stay away from cheap $5 H&K Aluminum mags. Nice to shoot and can actually hit something...

[Colorado Osprey]

I had a used CAI CETME over 10 years ago. G3 mags worked flawlessly.
To be honest I could say that it never had any type of malfunction firing 5000 rounds.
Wood stock- no bayo (Clinton ban years)
The gun was 100% reliable... sold it for $250 w/ 8 mags

Liked the gun, but it felt like it kicked more than my bolt 308.
Didn't like the accuracy. 6-8" at 100 yards was all that it could muster.

[JARVIS]

This gun is a fire breathing beast, kicks like a mule, accurate as hell at 75 to 100 yards. it punched holes in everything the mosin did with 180 grain soft tip hunting ammo (picked up some 150grn steel core milsurp on the way home looking forward to seeing what that does tomorrow). Dont ever plan on reloading anything that comes out of this monster, it was destroying brass on the way out (never seen anything like it before-but I think this just adds to it's reign of terror). if you are on the fence on this one jump off on the bad ass side and get yourself one. I know I am looking forward to alot of sore shoulder sessions with mine. Only about 50 rounds down the tube today no function issues (however it does not like to be pussy footed around with, put the mag in like you mean it, chamber it like you mean it, and hold on) I will let you know if I run into any issues as the round count grows. [Awesom]

[Troublco]

I have one of the CAI's from about '04. It had the muzzle device that had been pinned on; I couldn't figure out why I had so many fliers. Turns out they had drilled all the way through into the bore. I had to shorten it, recrown it, and have a new muzzle device permanently attached. Now it's fine. It does beat the crap out of brass, and they have fluted chambers so the brass is basically a one-time deal. Better to shoot cheap surplus that you don't plan to reload. I also don't think much of the CETME sights. I cut mine off and had a new G3 rear sight base welded on, and installed a G3 rear sight. Much better. I also picked up a scope base for it, not an original STANAG type but a cheaper aluminum one. It still works just fine.