Looking for first purchase

[rparker762]

Hey all. I am looking to pick up my first CETME and have a question. I have talked to the guy and he swears it shoots fine but I will not have a chance to look at it before we do a deal. It is a Century build.. My question is as follows. If something is out of spec, say with the bolt gap or ground bolt, orwhat not, it is fixable correct? I don't want to get something that screwed up and not be able to fix it. I want to get a good one but I would not be out any cash because I am possible working a trade with the guy.

[Buelligan]

All of the CETMES/G3s can be fixed HERE.Put a feeller gaugr in the bolt , some one else explain this I have to get back to TILING.

[Noskov]

The bolt gaps can be fixed. As for a ground bolt head, you can purchase CETME bolts from gunbroker and they're relatively cheap.

[pigpen]

I'd say roll the dice & go for it. Whats the worst thing that could happen? New bolt head, carrier, barrel press. It can all be done with minimal tools.

Also, will they provid any pis before you buy?

[oramoc]

yes all the above is true but i would buy one that i could check all these things out so i don't have to go thru all those things. unless the trade is so one sided in your favor.

[rparker762]

Well this is the best pic he has of it. Will be going to look at it today and probably picking it up.

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu204/ronparker762/GetAttachment-3.jpg

He said it is brand new when he got it. He only put 50 rnds through it but it would stovepipe every 5 rnds or so. Other than that he said it is accurate and functions great.

I will not be looking at it today but tomorrow. Sound like and easy fix? He did say he didn't clean it that good before shooting it.

[jfowl31]

How much does he want for it???

Its a black widow rifle from the pictures you posted, which puts it in the "high(er) risk" category for being a lemon. No flashhider, stamped receiver, CAI black craptastic furniture.

If its not an incredible deal, I think I would pass and keep an eye out for a better rifle. In the meantime, if it IS a good deal, go to Vato Zone or any auto parts store and buy some feeler guages to take with you to look at it. Check the bolt gap before you buy it. Take some calipers too if you have them and go ahead and break it down and measure the bolt length. The Black Widow rifles had the highest percentage with ground bolts.

Any problem is fixable... but to what extent? It could need just a little TLC... it could need a full rebuild... or anywhere in between. Gathering info on it will help you find the best deal or at least give you a reason to talk down the price even further if you want it.

But what's the $$ that's the main point. There have been a few good ones on here for good prices over the last month or 2 that would probably be better options unless that one is a steal.

[earls]

As everyone has said check the bolt gap and for ground bolt. You also need to check to make sure there is free play in the cocking handle. If there isn't free play there you can have a good bolt gap but will be beating the cocking tube with every cycle of the bolt.
If it has clearance in the cocking handle, good bolt gap, and the bolt hasn't been ground I'd say go for it.
If the price is right and you don't mind working on it go for it anyhow as there isn't much that can't be fixed with a minimal amount of tools.
I had to file the end of my bolt carrier to get free play in the cocking handle, then install +4 rollers to get the proper bolt gap. Mine didn't have the free play in the cocking handle and when I filed it down my bolt gap was a little close.
Parts are readily available for repair and you have a wealth of knowledge here for the asking. If you can't get the answer here, it probably isn't a question. These guys are the best, in my personal opinion.