CETME Rifle

Spanish CETME Rifle Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO.

CETME Model B - 7.62x51mm

The name CETME is an acronym for Centro de Estudios Técnicos de Materiales Especiales, a Spanish government design and development establishment. The CETME rifle, which was initially trialed with other calibers, but eventually chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO caliber, was designed primarily by the German engineer, Ludwig Vorgrimmler, who based his model on a late WWII German prototype assault rifle, the experimental StG45(M).

Manufactured in Spain from 1957, the CETME served as a blueprint for the German Heckler & Koch G3 series of battle rifles. The CETME features roller-delayed blowback operation, which it shares with many German weapons. The CETME rifle was manufactured in five models, the A, B, C, L , LC and LV models. The primary difference in the three first models is the absence of bipod and less weight C model, with more wood. The L series was the "light", modern 5.56 NATO assault rifles with composite materials, the LC was the short version of it, and the LV was an improved, and last version of CETME L.

The easiest way to determine a Spanish CETME apart from one of its H&K cousins is by looking at the fixed rear site (whereas the H&K family generally use the rotary "spindle" or "barrel" type peep-sights.). Some older magazines are slightly curved, but many CETME magazines look almost identical to H&K ones; also the wooden stock is usually indicative of a CETME, however there are some H&K G3/91's with wooden furniture stock sets.

The Spanish CETME has been used by the following actors in the following:

Film

• Some Somali Militia in Blackhawk Down

File:Blackhawk1-1.jpg

Scan from "Blackhawk Down"

See also H&K G3 H&k 91