(sigh) I couldn't resist. I tried, I really did. But... but... but...

The new member of the family: an early Century CETME with a stainless steel receiver. That's one of the least risky of the early models and the deal was sealed for me by the relatively hard to find wide forearm with the bi-pod. Here it is as it arrived - configured like a G3.

The fellow I bought it from also, apparently, rounded up everything in his shop that was remotely related to G3/HK91/Cetme riles and sent me 3 (yes 3) boxes of extra stuff for it. So many mags I haven't counted them all yet. A bayonet. Everyone needs a bayonet, right? 3 slings, a couple different mag carriers, various spare parts and about 4 different stock sets.
Here it is in vintage wood. Its kinda like a dress up toy...

Shoots well so far, as well. I'm still waiting for my full set of reloading dies so I only got to squeeze off about 6 shots (the rest of the brass I have needs to be resized) after I stripped it down, inspected it to make sure it was safe to shoot, and put it all back together. These guns are frequently projects so I looked it over very carefully. Looks to be in great shape. I will hopefully be able to get some sense of accuracy after I can make some ammo next week.
I originally wanted a PTR 91 - a US manufacture version of the German version of this rifle. This is the older Spanish original - and as you might expect, the German version is a significant upgrade. In general the HK versions are twice the price of PTRs... which are in turn twice the price of the Cetme's. Which... is part of why I have a Cetme. The other reason is that the chambers of the PTR have a reputation for being somewhat picky about which surplus ammo you feed it. I almost exclusively reload so that shouldn't be an issue... but I don't like the idea of having a firearm that will occasionally choke on ammo that should be fine. Typically the trade off is accuracy but if you get a good Cetme its about on par with the PTRs as far as accuracy.
Why this rifle? The roller lock delayed blowback action has no gas system to get fouled by lead. This is an excellent semi auto 308 for firing cast bullets. Max velocity for properly made cast bullets (with gas checks) is around 2400 fps. Faster if you paper patch them. I have lots of fun experiments planned when I get the time. Since I can't load my brass yet I've been having a blast reconditioning the 7 steel mags I got with it, repainting a few, grinding greater clearance for lead bullets on the front edge, touching up the fit of some mags that were too tight, oiling the wood stock...
Ahhhhh! Gotta love having a new project.
