Compare: Century Cetme and PTR 91

I own both a Century Arms Cetme rifle and a PTR 91 (HK G3 clone). I really like both of these firearms. The Cetme set me back $529, the PTR 91 $1050. There have been no malfuctions with either rifle after approximately 1000 rounds through each of them. Ammo used was FMC surplus (non-corrosive) 7.62x51 with an 04 headstamp. Both rifles are accurate out of the box with the iron sites. The PTR91 shoots tighter groups and the sites are easier to adjust. Felt recoil with both rifles is less than a Springfield M1A. The Century Cetme will only accept Cetme mags, G3 mags will not click into place. Bummer! The PTR91 uses HK G3 Mags, which can be found for $2 each.



The fit and finish of the PTR91 far exceeds that of the Century Cetme. The welds on the Cetme rifle are not very clean. The stock on the PTR91 is much nicer, the forend is anodized aluminum and accepts rails in various configurations. It also has a nice composite buttstock with a place for the sling and a rubber buttpad. The Cetme came with a composite stock with no place for a sling in the buttstock and no pad. I have replaced the stock on the Cetme with a wooden HK G3 stock. She looks really cool with the G3 Stock. The only modification required to install the G3 stock was dremmeling the plastic grommet on the end of recoil spring. Functions like a champ with the G3 stock installed.

If cost isn't an issue, buy the PTR91. I believe you can still find one for $1100. You will be happy with your purchase. The Century Cetme is a good value for the price, now selling for around $699, you won't be dissapointed.

Now lets discuss scopes. On a battle rifle, I prefer a fixed power scope over a variable. It takes to much time to play with and adjust settings on a variable. A Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) on a variable power scopeis only accurate at the highest power.

On the PTR91 I have an HK Claw Mount with a Hensoldt Fero Z24, with 7.62x51 BDC and rangefinding reticle. Which is Model 3 of the Hensoldt 4x24 series. This is an excellent scope with a reticle that can be illuminated. Original reticle illuminators can be found at http://www.army-specials.com for $85. Cheap Leapers plastic illuminators can be found for $30, if you are on a budget. This model has no focus adjustment. The scope has a crisp clear reticle, wide field of view and allows for quick target acquisition. The claw mount and scope mount solid an require no adjustment to fit properly.

The Cetme also has an HK Claw Mount with a Hensoldt ZF 4x24 model 1. The Model 1 has a focus adjustment knob, but does not have an illuminated reticle. Otherwise, it has the same properties as the Fero Z24. The fit of the mount and scope an this rifle is not quite as solid, but I have not had any movement probelms when blasting rounds.