Limited edition Cetme,

[wwIIBuff]

What makes a cetme limited edition a limited edition? do they do something special to it like check the head space? I was looking a a 2004 limited edition cetme

[rifleman]

I'm sure jfowl can spread sme light.

[03rangerxlt]

Did some Google poking, found this info:

Feb 10 2006, 07:06 AM
After a little research I found out what the dealio is with the limited edition CETME. They all have stainless steel recievers.

I also noticed it was stamped as LIMITED Edition 270 of 500.

This is a Limited Edition CETME Sporter rifle. There were only a few made. Each Sporter has a new US made 17-4 stainless steel cast receiver, new US made barrel and other US parts to comply with all ATF regulations. Century was able to purchase a small number of new original parts from a Spanish military depot. With the exception of the US parts, each Limited Edition CETME Sporter is assembled using new original military parts including a hardwood buttstock and handguard. Each rifle is marked on the left side of the receiver: 2004 Limited Edition xxx of 500. The serial number of this rifle is 113. This rifle is in excellent condition and should be a real gem in your collection!

[KidKalash66]

It would be pretty much like if I stamped"233 out of 500" on my 10/22.Sure,it would be limited,but to what,my delusion of grandeur? These were kinda a joke back when they came out,I wouldn't pay a premium for it to put it another way....

[SteelCore]

a few years ago, they were running about 200+ bux more than an regular CAI CETME.

[drine]

From the looks of Jordan's rifle, they must have tried make them better than the run of the mill CETMEs. I would take a chance if were priced close to a stamped one.

[jfowl31]

Basically the rundown I've gotten on them is.....

They were built from unissued parts kits (not demils like the rest... much like the first batch of St Albans Cetmes from Century).

They've got "match" US barrels.... I don't buy this one as I can't tell a difference in my barrel and the new batches with US barrels... but I will say I shoot MOA with my rifle out to 600+ yards, so maybe so?...

Mine has a model B cocking tube and front sight rather than the C model. Basically the ribs down the cocking tube are much more defined and thinner, not so "bubbly" or lack of a better word as they are on the C model. The front sight is cast, and has some reveal to it rather than just being a solid block on the sides.

But, the main thing for me was that since they weren't built from a de-milled rifle, Century actually had to BUILD these rifles. On the Black widows, Century never demilled the barrels from the trunnion, and you were just stuck with the gap that Jose Soldier had... this is why they "had" to grind some bolts to create some "gap". With the Limiteds, they actually pressed the barrels into a virgin trunnion and milled/drilled/pinned them. FWIW, mine came with a mediocre gap still, but with some rollers, I'm right around .014".

The fit and finish are what sold me on the rifle though. I handled Cetmes at gunshows before and they always felt so cheap (black widows). I bought my Limited NIB at Cabelas for $600 when the Black widows were going for $400 or so at the fun show. I don't regret it a bit. The rifle hasn't hiccuped once with G3 mags (hates Cetme mags for some reason) and when I can shoot 12" plates at 700 yards rapid fire, I'm happy with the extra $$ spent on it. I'd put my rifle up against just about any other 308 semi-auto any day, and I bet it would compete.

BUT...... they were sort of a joke around "here" really cetmerifles back then. My personal opinion after reading about the multitude of problems other guys have had, then NEVER reading about a single problem had with a limited edition is that they are worth it. The stamp on the side saying "limited edition number xxx out of 500" might be a joke to some, but when its 1 of only 500 built on unissued parts, I'm proud of it.

I'd buy another one if I had the $$ and had ever seen another one besides my own. I don't regret the purchase one bit.

[jfowl31]

Here's a 20 round mag shot in app 12 seconds at 300 yards... notice the front sight and cocking tube.



a few more..... I think I've got one with the original wood on it.




here's the original wood and a B-square mount I threw on it at first.

[bakelite47]

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but...

Jfowl, how is that claw scope at long range? Do you have to compensate a lot for bullet drop?

[drine]

I'll chime in again since he posted some about this before. That's what he shot the plates with! The CETME he has has the cast receiver and therefore the saddle that the scope sits snuggly in. Also the cast is harder and doesn't flex with the mount. It's a solid set up all around. IIRC since he's shot a lot at the range shown he's got his scope bracketed for range and knows the click #s to adjust and hold more or less dead on.