Greetings from IOWA

[badmojoman]

Greetings from Iowa!
Hello all! I'm new here but not to firearms. I am however new to the CETME. I just got one in a trade. Its a century model.
As you probably have guessed, I have several questions.

It seems to function fine, do I need worry about ground bolt/head space issues?
I test fired 5 rounds without a hiccup. Seemed to function fine except for trigger pull which I fixed. Saturday I field stripped and took it apart, and cleaned it up, (there were metal shavings in the cocking tube), smoothed/polished the bolt carrier, etc. I did notice that the bolt appeared to have been ground but im not positive. I hope I put it back together correctly. I haven't checked head space yet as I don't have gauges yet.


Should I "uninstall" the cia muzzle break and replace it with an origanal mb?
will an FAL or M1A1 work on a CETME and what are the threads? LH or RH?

Where can I get a scope mount that isnt too expensive?
I found a Stanag claw mount for $99 or low profile ones. ( I just dont want to end up with a paint ball piece of junk. but dont want to spend nearly half my paycheck either.

Thanks in advance and nice to meet you,
Craig from Iowa

[drine]

Welcome!
The shavings come with Century builds at no extra charge!! They are monkeys. My WASR had shavings too. Sounds like it works anyway but get those feeler gauges and check the bolt gap. I'm sure you've read the stickies at the top of the CETME thread. A lot of info in there but we can answer questions too.
Don't rush in on the scope mount. The STANAG will not work well if you have a stamped receiver. If you have a hole in front of your rear sight, it's stamped. If you have a saddle in front of the sight, the Stanag will work but might require fitting. The low pro mount works best. Some have used the airsoft OK. A better mount will run about 100.00 and can be left on your rifle when the scope is removed and you can use your regular sights.
If you decide to remove the break, make sure you put a US part back on it. Swwee on this site makes some that are identical to the original.
Bolt measurements are in the stickies. You can measure yours to see if it is ground. The edge should have a chamfer around it. Probably not ground if it is there. If it is just flat, it's ground. Again, more pics in the stickies.
Good luck and let's have a picture of that rifle and some measurements if you can.

[Old Jimmy]

Hello and welcome Badmojoman!!

There are a lot of scope mount options for your Cetme amd if you do a search I believe someone on here had a good low profile one for sale...

[drine]

Welcome again. Looks like two threads are going so check both.

[HermanBuster]

Welcome! I'm new here too. You came to the right place for Cetme advice as these guys are very helpful. Read and if you have questions somebody will answer them straight forward. Pass the knowledge on.:thumbup:

[badmojoman]

I have the saddle in front of the rear sight. What kind of feeler gauges? Metric or inch?
Craig

[badmojoman]

Welcome again. Looks like two threads are going so check both.

Sorry about that, I posted in introduce yourself and got to rambling. When I noticed you had a cetme section I thought I should post it here.
Craig

[badmojoman]

How do you tell if you have a ground bolt? If you do have a ground bolt and it head spaces fine, do you still need a new bolt?
It also appears that one roller is sticking out further than the other one.
Craig from Iowa

[badmojoman]

My bolt gap is 005

[drine]

Gap of .005 about normal for off the shelf CETMEs. If you have some calipers or a decent ruler the bolt head is 1.835" long. If much short of that it is ground. There should be a chamfer around the outer edge. It will be gone or at least very "square" and not worn looking. Maybe some milled marks too. If it is an old bolt head, some plus four rollers will help provided they are not already installed. A new bolt head with "0" rollers will be a good investment either way. The rollers are 8mm in diameter. +2 means 8.02mm and plus four is 8.04. They may not add as much gap as advertised in some cases.
You have a cast receiver if you have the cradle. Most any scope mount will work but may need adjustment to get it to work.

[wwIIBuff]

welcome

[drine]

How do you tell if you have a ground bolt? If you do have a ground bolt and it head spaces fine, do you still need a new bolt?
It also appears that one roller is sticking out further than the other one.
Craig from Iowa
The rollers move in and out of the bolt head. Remove the bolt head, shake it and they should rattle around.

[badmojoman]

the bolt head looks pretty square around the edges but looks used so i'm pretty sure its ground. So I guess I need a new bolt and some "0" 8.00mm rollers??
Damn, I think im getting overwhelmed or depressed or something.
I found an original complete unground bolt w/rollers. or do I need a NEW bolt and different rollers?
Thanks,
Craig

[HermanBuster]

the bolt head looks pretty square around the edges but looks used so i'm pretty sure its ground. So I guess I need a new bolt and some "0" 8.00mm rollers??
Damn, I think im getting overwhelmed or depressed or somthing.
Craig

You really have to measure to see if it is ground for sure. Donn't worry about it. Slow down, deep breath and read and ask questions. You'll get through it. Parts are cheap if it is ground. If not ground it is still safe to shoot as is. You can add +2 or + 4 rollers when you get a chance.These are very easy rifles to work on. If you really want the best scenerio for your rifle get a new bolt head, locking piece and rollers as well as some spare +2s. What ever problem comes up, it's fixable.:thumbup:

[badmojoman]

Darn, Now I need to get a set of calipers. LOL
I wish I could take a pic. of her. I have a crappy cellphone camera and indoor lighting isnt good. If I take it outside, people will freak and call the cops.
Craig

[concretus]

:g3::welcome2: Don't fret... Thes guys here know just about everything abut this rifle. You'll be up and running in no time.

[badmojoman]

I cant believe i'm building and trading a Yugo underfolder for this gun.
Craig

[Milsurp]

Welcome aboard.

[rudrules]

Welcome To our Forum!

[Noskov]

Should I "uninstall" the cia muzzle break and replace it with an origanal mb?
will an FAL or M1A1 work on a CETME and what are the threads? LH or RH?


Most recommend removing the Century muzzle break and replacing it with a CETME or G3 style birdcage version.

If you want something a bit more top-notch, Vortex flash hiders were available for the HK91 series, not positive if it would fit on the CETME if there are threading variations. The cost difference is huge though, about $5-8 for a standard birdcage flash hider versus the $75 Vortex.

[HermanBuster]

not positive if it would fit on the CETME if there are threading variations.

Cetme and G3 have the same threads.:thumbup:

[stazio199]

I had zero bolt gap, +4 rollers yeilded me .004" bolt gap. I got a new bolt from

Apex and swapped locking pieces with +2 rollers I now have .010" thousanths

of a bolt gap. Hopefully, When I get another " Like new locking peice ".

From Jorge ( Well I never been to Spain ( but I'd kinda like a locking peice).

I'm hoping for the magic .012" bolt gap. Then I can lie. Yeah I bought my

Cetme at a gunshow for three hundred and it never has had a FTF or FTE

and it had .012" bolt gap. The trigger pull is 4 lbs. ect.... It came with 10 hk

mags ... ect....

[badmojoman]

I am borrowing a set of calipers tomorrow to see what the bolt measures then I guess I'll go from there. I wish I knew weather to buy a used UNground bolt complete with all the fixins for $30... or buy an all New bolt with all the fixins for $55. I've taken the rifle apart so many times my pins have gotten all bent and dinged up. The lower (fire control group) fits so tight I can barley get it back on.

[rudrules]

I am borrowing a set of calipers tomorrow to see what the bolt measures then I guess I'll go from there. I wish I knew weather to buy a used UNground bolt complete with all the fixins for $30... or buy an all New bolt with all the fixins for $55. I've taken the rifle apart so many times my pins have gotten all bent and dinged up. The lower (fire control group) fits so tight I can barley get it back on.

Apex sells a new complete Bolt carrier assembly for around $75.00 and it has everything from a new bolt, extractor, rollers, locking piece, firing pin and spring and bolt carrier, you might not needed all but I think its a better buy instead of buying it individualy!
Its nice to have some spare parts.

here is the link
https://www.apexgunparts.com/product_info.php/cPath/23/products_id/70?osCsid=25slnicmr63lg33u9jtn3p3a25

[badmojoman]

Most recommend removing the Century muzzle break and replacing it with a CETME or G3 style birdcage version.

If you want something a bit more top-notch, Vortex flash hiders were available for the HK91 series, not positive if it would fit on the CETME if there are threading variations. The cost difference is huge though, about $5-8 for a standard birdcage flash hider versus the $75 Vortex.

I plan on doing that.
Craig

[HermanBuster]

Brass punches and rubber mallets help you take down the pins if they are tight. Try not to force parts; they fit best when aligned which can take alittle wiggling but not forcing. Getting a new bolt and locking piece would be best if your bolt is ground. Done deal as this will give you the best gap. I would get +2 rollers and keep them handy even if you donn't need them now.

[HermanBuster]

Just a note on the BCG from Apex, donn't use the carrier unless you check the gap between the carrier and the cocking piece. Sometimes they can hold your BCG open giving use false gap readings. Use your old carrier with the new bolt and locking piece for now and keep the new as a spare.

[rudrules]

Just a note on the BCG from Apex, donn't use the carrier unless you check the gap between the carrier and the cocking piece. Sometimes they can hold your BCG open giving use false gap readings. Use your old carrier with the new bolt and locking piece for now and keep the new as a spare.

+Good advise!

[badmojoman]

Thanks for all of your help guys! Nice to meet you all. I think I see a couple of you on another board as well!
Craig

[badmojoman]

Gap of .005 about normal for off the shelf CETMEs. If you have some calipers or a decent ruler the bolt head is 1.835" long. If much short of that it is ground. There should be a chamfer around the outer edge. It will be gone or at least very "square" and not worn looking. Maybe some milled marks too. If it is an old bolt head, some plus four rollers will help provided they are not already installed. A new bolt head with "0" rollers will be a good investment either way. The rollers are 8mm in diameter. +2 means 8.02mm and plus four is 8.04. They may not add as much gap as advertised in some cases.
You have a cast receiver if you have the cradle. Most any scope mount will work but may need adjustment to get it to work.

I measured my bolt today.
My bolt measures between 1.815 and 1.823
Craig

[stazio199]

Your bolt is probably ground down and you have a false gap. You can get a
new bolt from Apex, and +2 rollers from RTG... this is what I did and I know
have a gap of .010 thousanths. I previously had a zero gap + 4 rollers netted
me a gap of .004 thousanths. Apex has new bolts that are stripped for 30 dollars.

[badmojoman]

Your bolt is probably ground down and you have a false gap. You can get a
new bolt from Apex, and +2 rollers from RTG... this is what I did and I know
have a gap of .010 thousanths. I previously had a zero gap + 4 rollers netted
me a gap of .004 thousanths. Apex has new bolts that are stripped for 30 dollars.

what size rollers would you recommend I get as well? to get me the bolt gap sweet spot (016-017) Mine measures 005.
My bolt measures 1.815-1.823 It should measure 1.835
Craig

[Otis61]

Welcome. Its recomended that with a new bolt head you use no larger than +2 rollers. Plus if you use a new locking piece you might get up that high. If you even just get up to .008, or .009 you'll still be in good shape.

[HermanBuster]

what size rollers would you recommend I get as well? to get me the bolt gap sweet spot (016-017) Mine measures 005.
My bolt measures 1.815-1.823 It should measure 1.835
Craig

Sounds like you need a new bolt and you should get a new locking piece at the same time. I'd keep a new standard roller set along with +2s in mind. While +4s might not be recomended by many they will work in a new bolt IF you have to go that far to make a gap but they may take alittle bit to wear in. Shoot for a .012:wink:

[badmojoman]

Well. I ordered a New bolt head and and a pair of +2 rollers. My locking piece appears new. Also while shopping I Bought some cheap G3 mags and 2 locking pins since mine are about worn out.
Craig

[HermanBuster]

Sounds good:thumbup: Let us know how it turns out.

[stazio199]

You should have a good bolt gap with a new bolt and +2 rollers. I secons the
motion. If your locking peice looks new someone mya have tried to replace it.
You should end up likeme .010 thosanths. I have a locking peice from Spain
coming. Will let you know how that works out.

[badmojoman]

You should have a good bolt gap with a new bolt and +2 rollers. I secons the
motion. If your locking peice looks new someone mya have tried to replace it.
You should end up likeme .010 thosanths. I have a locking peice from Spain
coming. Will let you know how that works out.

Wow! Why Spain? Thats a long ways a way. To bad you couldnt have just gone there to pick it up. That would have been fun.
I wish I would have ordered +4 rollers as well. I will probably kick myself.
I ordered other stuff as well from RTG, APEX, and centerfire. Yes centerfire has a bunch of G3/cetme parts now.http://www.centerfiresystems.com/g3.aspx
I cant wait until my parts get here. This has been the warmest week since before last fall and my trigger finger's gettin itchy!

Will improving the bolt gap make the rifle more accurate??
Craig

[stazio199]

+ 2 rollers and a New bolt yeilded me a gap of .010 thousanths. When I put
in new locking peice that I got from Spain it yeilded me the same gap, .010
thousanths.The one in my rifle must not be worn very much. So I can tell
you new bolt from Apex , + 2rollers should get you in spec. HK spec's or
.004-.020 thosanths. My rifle is well within those. Might go to range tommorro
will half to see.

[herian67]

Welcome I went through exactly whats happening to you.Dont worry every thing is very easy to fix and once you get to shoot it it will be one of your favorite rifles I bet.
Im a ex Iowan grew up in a small town called what cheer in the south east of the state.

[badmojoman]

Welcome I went through exactly whats happening to you.Dont worry every thing is very easy to fix and once you get to shoot it it will be one of your favorite rifles I bet.
Im a ex Iowan grew up in a small town called what cheer in the south east of the state.

Hey there! I've been to What Cheer a couple of times. A few times a year they have a big ass outdoor flea market there!
I went ahead and ordered +4 rollers too, just in case. Also 2 green stock sets. one to paint and the other I'll probably leave like it is, unless it looks crappy. I did get to shoot it when I got it. I fired 5 rounds without a hiccup.(threw the brass bout 35 feet away) Thats why I was so surprised when afterwords I found out with my gap being so small, it could be dangerous to shoot.
Craig

[herian67]

I had a badly ground bolt too.The rifle ran fine but it does run so much better now that everything is in spec.Check to make sure your bolt carrier isnt riding on your charging handle .Every thing that could have been out of spec on my rifle was when I got it.It still shot sweet.I got the wood stocks on mine.For some reason I prefer wood to plastic.

[stazio199]

My rifle shot great for forty rounds today, then it jammed. It was a roller that got stuck.Beleive that malfunction was from
old locking peice that was unmarked.Put in the like new one I
got from Jorge that is marked 50 on it. Will try new bolt, +2
rollers and like new lockng peice , marked 50, see what
that will net me.

Now we have new theory that the drunken monkeys or angry beavers, whichever you prefer, may put the wrong locking peices in some of theese weapons causing them to malfunction.

I just put im +4 rollers now I have a bolt gap of .011 thousanths.Will be on Range at 0900 to test and give report.

Range test went well need to break this rifle in and shoot untill I have .003 thousanths bolt gap. Thats .007 away from what I have now.Shot +4 rollers from RTG. new Bolt from Apex and a like new LP from Jorge.

[badmojoman]

My parts came in today. Replaced the bolt with a new one and +2 rollers. I HAD a bolt gap of 005. Now I have a 004. so what do I do now? I have +4 rollers but your only supposed to use +2 with a new bolt. ??
Thanks,
Craig

[HermanBuster]

I have +4 rollers but your only supposed to use +2 with a new bolt. ??
Thanks,
Craig

You can but they will probablly be tight making your rifle a single shot for 40 rounds or so. They will wear in the bolthead. Did you get a new locking piece?

[badmojoman]

You can but they will probablly be tight making your rifle a single shot for 40 rounds or so. They will wear in the bolthead. Did you get a new locking piece?

No I ended up keeping the one I had. It looked pretty new with no finish wear.

[herian67]

Its really hard to tell if the locking piece is worn.I would try a new one.I had to replace it +new bolt head and +2 rollers to get decent gap.I couldn't tell the difference between old and new locking pieces when they were side by side.

[badmojoman]

Its really hard to tell if the locking piece is worn.I would try a new one.I had to replace it +new bolt head and +2 rollers to get decent gap.I couldn't tell the difference between old and new locking pieces when they were side by side.

Where do I get a New locking piece?

[herian67]

I bought mine from RTG. There should be contact info in the vendor section for him.

[badmojoman]

I bought mine from RTG. There should be contact info in the vendor section for him.

Their all out of locking piece's for the CETME.

[stazio199]

Jorge Saladous, he's on gunbroker, under Van Loos, he has them. I bought one from him. I used +4 rollers from RTG. A
New bolt from Apex, and a like new locking peice from Jorge.
I went from .0015 bolt gap to .010 thousanths. The weapon will need to cycle about 200 times to function properly.

[badmojoman]

Its really hard to tell if the locking piece is worn.I would try a new one.I had to replace it +new bolt head and +2 rollers to get decent gap.I couldn't tell the difference between old and new locking pieces when they were side by side.

What was your bolt gap before the New locking piece?

[stazio199]

When I put in + 4 rollers I got a gap of .004 thousanths.
When I put a new bolt, new Lp and 8mm from Apex, .004" thousanths.
When I put in + 4 rollers, a Lp from Jorge and a new bolt from Apex
I had a gap of .012 thousanths but it shrunk to .010 thousanths after
cycling the weapon. The differnence from a brand new locking peice or
a worn one is probaly .004 thousanths max. Hk specs ar from .004-.020. That
means that the closer you are to .012 thousanths the better this weapon will
work. Everytime I tried something I checked the gap.

New equation: Drunken Monkeys+ Angry Beavers = zero bolt gap.

+ 4 Rollers from RTG + New bolt from Apex + New Locking Peice from Jorge=

.010 thousanths( After breakin) . Close enough to perfect to me.

[herian67]

With a new locking piece my gap went from .003 to .012. Also my bolt carrier was riding on my charging handle which I fixed at the same time.So I dont have a true measurement of how much I gained.

[badmojoman]

With a new locking piece my gap went from .003 to .012. Also my bolt carrier was riding on my charging handle which I fixed at the same time.So I dont have a true measurement of how much I gained.

I guess I'll try to get me one of those locking pieces.

[stazio199]

Try to e-mail him he sells parts you can usaully find him. I got an unmarked one on gunbroker, but it may cause a malfunction. The ones I have are all marked 50 on them.
This unmarked one will give some bolt gap on it is listed on gunbroker.

[badmojoman]

Try to e-mail him he sells parts you can usaully find him. I got an unmarked one on gunbroker, but it may cause a malfunction. The ones I have are all marked 50 on them.
This unmarked one will give some bolt gap on it is listed on gunbroker.

Which unmarked one? This one?
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=127936656

[stazio199]

That is just like the one I got from Jorge, you can see if he has another one.E mail hin thru Gunbroker, I have an unmarked one on Gunbroker for $20.00 dollars shipped.
I have an umarked one on Gunbroker for $20.00 dollars shipped I don't know if it will work right in your rifle you could try this, it mightwork if it doesn't jam the rollers.

[badmojoman]

Well, Im Getting a new bolt locking piece from Van Loos off of gunbroker. I just have to figure out weather to send payment by snail mail or Western union money gram.
Craig

[badmojoman]

UPDATE
I received my locking piece from Jorge today and installed it.
My bolt gap was a .005
Replaced bolt added +2 rollers = .004
different locking piece from Jorge = .005 - .006 (.006 fit tight)

Is this sufficient bolt gap or is there something else I can do?
I have a pair of +4 rollers I could try. It has +2 in now.
Craig

[Smokehouse69]

I'd try the +4 rollers and see what you get.

[stazio199]

I have a new bolt from Apex, a like new Locking peice from Jorge and +4 rollers from RTG, now I have a bolt gap of .009 thousanths.

[SteelCore]

To the forums.

Sound like you're getting your CETME sorted out. Remember, a CAI CETME is more like a 90% built gun, and you have to do the other 10% to get it up to speed. It's worth it.

[badmojoman]

I have a new bolt from Apex, a like new Locking peice from Jorge and +4 rollers from RTG, now I have a bolt gap of .009 thousanths.

Do the +4 rollers make it hard to operate? Someone had said that its not advisable to use +4 rollers with a new bolt so I was afraid to put them in.

I havent test fired it yet since I put the new bolt, locking piece and +2 rollers in with a end result of a .006 bolt gap.
I will try the +4 rollers, I just dont want to hurt anything.

Craig

[badmojoman]

Well I put in my +4 rollers today, and now my bolt gap is at .009.
I hope this is good enough, there's not much else I can do.
I will be taking it to the range this weekend. I just wish the scope and mount that I ordered would be delivered before then.
I also ordered some cheap ammo for 195.00/500 to plink with. my friend is selling me some south african 140rnd battle packs for $75.00. Is that a good price?
Thank you all for your support,
Craig from Iowa:America:

[stazio199]

I heard that the action needs to cycle about 200 times to break in the windows of the rollers, this could be done manually.

[badmojoman]

I heard that the action needs to cycle about 200 times to break in the windows of the rollers, this could be done manually.

I know this is a stupid question.. Are the windows the part of the bolt that the rollers move in and out of?

[badmojoman]

To the forums.

Sound like you're getting your CETME sorted out. Remember, a CAI CETME is more like a 90% built gun, and you have to do the other 10% to get it up to speed. It's worth it.

I owe it all to you fellas on this fourm. I didn't know jack squat about this rifle and what parts to buy until you guys helped me out.
I wouldn't have known about having to check the bolt gap. You guys could have saved me from a potential unsafe situation.
Thanks to all of you,
Craig from Iowa