The CETME Model 58 Roller-Locks Are Mainstream

Ex-Mauser engineers developed the CETME Model 58 in post-war Spain. It was based on German prototype designs. The CETME is often overlooked by its German brother, but the original Spanish battle rifle should be remembered. Although the CETME’s difficult and complex development process resulted in a rifle that saw very little action, its design would go on and be the basis of the H&K family roller-locked guns that are still loved and used to this day. The CETME, like the FAL, was not able to show its true potential. However, despite being placed in the battle rifle category by bureaucracy, it proved to be a useful service weapon. The abundance of parts kits that were available would have made these guns less popular. Although CETME models are less readily available than ever before, these classic Cold War battle guns can still be excellent shooters at a fair price. Photo by Rock Island Auction Company. Another Battle Rifle That Wasn’t Meant to BeBy the end WWII, the Germans had made significant progress in the “Sturmgewehr”, or assault rifle concept. These select-fire weapons were designed to accept the new 8mm Kurz cartridge and came with detachable box magazines. They also had pistol grips and SMG-like handling. They could be used in full-auto much more effectively than other select-fire weapons at the time, such as the FG 42 and BAR. Unfortunately, the Soviets were unable to fully realize this design concept due to their adoption of AK-47. This was due to American stubbornness and NATO standardization policies, which forced both the FAL (and the CETME) design teams to abandon their original intermediate cartridge designs and adopt the 7.62x51mm round. This resulted in a reduction of ammunition capacity, increased weight, and a lower effectiveness when used with fully automatic fire–essentially defeating each designers’ original intent. These battle rifles were not as effective as they could be if chambered in intermediate calibers. However, they would still be perfectly suitable as service weapons. Experimental Model A variant chambered in intermediate cartridge. Photo: WikipediaCETME DevelopmentThe CETME Model 58 was originally designed as an intermediate caliber weapon, based primarily on the experimental StG 45 (M). The short version is that it was developed after WWII. German industry was full of bright minds, so the allies took them. NASA got Wernher von Braun, while the Soviets got Hugo Schmeisser. However, there were many other skilled engineers and scientists spread across the allied countries. One such man was Ludwig Vorgrimler.Vorgrimler worked as the director of Mauser’s weapons division until the war ended and he and his team were sent to work for the French government. The team also developed the roll-delayed blowback action from the StG 45 into CEAM Model 50, an experimental design that was chambered in various intermediate calibers. France dropped the project due to financial reasons. Vorgrimler began working for the Spanish CETME Institute instead. The CEAM concept was developed, and the CETME A- and B models were created, which were chambered respectively for intermediate and low-recoil rounds. The CETME was finally established by NATO in the full-powered 7.62x51mm cartridge. However, the CETME model C operation was completed in 1964 by Rock Island Auction Company. It takes German mathematics proficiency to use an unlocked breach with full-powered rifle cartridges. Vorgrimler’s team achieved this feat with the CETME. The CETME does not have a gas system. This results in a rifle that has a bit more power but is also more reliable. The FAL can be adjusted to match one’s ammunition. However, the gun can become more dirty and the gas regulator can become out of place. This can lead to malfunctions. The CETME is not able to do this as all the cartridge’s gases blow back onto the bolt after firing. However, the roller-lock mechanism keeps the breach sealed until the chamber pressure drops to a safe level. This method resulted in cartridge cases that were more likely to get stuck in chambers. A new fluted chamber design was developed to improve extraction. This creates iconic patterns in the shells that are then recycled. This system is the reason behind one of the CETME’s best qualities–reliability. This system is responsible for the CETME’s reliability. The rifle is fed with 20-round “rock and lock” style magazines and released by an AK-like paddle. Although the iron sights are simpler than those found on G3s, they still have different sized apertures and notches that can rotate through according to engagement distance. The CETME weighs in at nearly ten pounds and is three inches shorter than a standard FAL. The battle rifle platform was heavy and long. It’s not surprising that it fell out of fashion as urban warfare became more popular. Photo: WikipediaOwning a CETME in the USAWhen the H&K G3 was adopted by half of the world over the CETME, so did they decide the fates for millions of civilian gun owners. A G3 derivative will provide a better option for the average American who wants a 7.62 NATO rifle with a roll-delayed release. They are better guns and, just like elsewhere in the world, they are more common in the United States than any CETME version. In the 60s and 70s, the MARS Equipment Corporation imported the only authentic CETME rifles into the country. They brought in approximately 1,200 guns. These are the only 100% Spanish-made CETME rifles in the country. However, they also had a few “sporterized features” such as a scope mount or rubber recoil pad. These rifles are beautiful, but the rare MARS-imported guns make them difficult to find. The most common CETMEs in America are the parts kits that Century Arms sold from the 1990s through the 2000s. They were known as C308 Sporters. These rifles were made from a mixture of surplus and new production parts. They came in various levels of authenticity. While older examples are close to clone-correct, the newer rifles are mostly CETME in character with a few inauthentic detail like the polymer “navy” G3 lower and Picatinny opticals rail. C308s are not always of high quality, as with many Century Arms kits. While some people got great rifles and others got lemons it was the wide availability of C308s in America at very affordable prices that kept the CETME name afloat. Although they have not been sold for at least a few decades, the C308s’ prices have risen to PTR levels and are no longer worth the cost. C308s will not suddenly drop in cost, so those looking for a roller-delayed assault rifle should look at PTR’s options. Early MARS import with 5-round magazine. Rock Island Auction Company. The historical significance of CETME Model C battle rifles is not due to what they were but because of the inspiration they inspired. The CETME Model C battle rifles were never able to test their metal outside of small African conflicts. However, as the parent rifle to both the H&K G3 (and the “grandfather”) to the MP5, it is not worthy to be forgotten. CETMEs have the G3’s G3 beat in aesthetics. The classic wood furniture screams Cold War battle rifle far more than German polymer. Pre-fabricated kits are not common anymore, but the parts are still easily available. Next Step: Get your Storm Tactical Printable Target pack 62 Printable MOA targets with DOT drills – Rifle range in YARDS. This amazing target pack is from Storm Tactical and contains 62 printable targets that can be used for rifle or handgun range. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. Perfect for long-range shooting! Get free targets