Cetme C Build

[Aragorn243]

So they put the parts kits on sale so cheap I couldn't pass it up. Bought one about two years ago. New barrel with it. Problem was no receivers.

Debated long and hard on getting a flat but just wasn't comfortable with it.

Finally, receivers are available again and I ordered one so this nightmare it finally going to progress a little further.

Dug the kit out today and looked it over. Not going to be super easy but the problem seems to be a lack of good videos or instructions on exactly what to do at this point. I have to get the trunion out and the tube guide off. I know this involves a lot of careful grinding of welds so not a huge problem. It's after that that it's going to get interesting. There is a series of videos on a L build which shouldn't be that far off a C build but they videos don't work or maybe it's my server at the moment.

This could take years.

Information

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[mrclark303]

So they put the parts kits on sale so cheap I couldn't pass it up. Bought one about two years ago. New barrel with it. Problem was no receivers.

Debated long and hard on getting a flat but just wasn't comfortable with it.

Finally, receivers are available again and I ordered one so this nightmare it finally going to progress a little further.

Dug the kit out today and looked it over. Not going to be super easy but the problem seems to be a lack of good videos or instructions on exactly what to do at this point. I have to get the trunion out and the tube guide off. I know this involves a lot of careful grinding of welds so not a huge problem. It's after that that it's going to get interesting. There is a series of videos on a L build which shouldn't be that far off a C build but they videos don't work or maybe it's my server at the moment.

This could take years.

Interesting build, keep us posted.

[Aragorn243]

I'm going to wait until I have the receiver in hand before I do anything. Then I believe the first steps are getting the trunion and recoil tube separated from the remains of the original receiver. This involves grinding down the welds until they break loose. The trunion shouldn't be too hard but the recoil tube is going to take some very fine grinding. I may use a hand file for much of that.

[vintage hunter]

Aragorn, before you do anything I suggest you go over to Militaryfirearm and look up a guy by the name of Holescreek and his series of how to videos on building a Cetme C.
It's not all that difficult for someone with metal working/mechanical skills but it's not a straight forward process either. It also requires special tooling(press,mill, lathe, tig welder, jigs, ect.) and there are certain steps/procedures that if omitted/gotten out of sequence could result in ruined parts or an out of spec rifle that wont run.
Good luck with your project. I contemplated building one myself but the cost involved just wasn't worth it for a one off, IMO. It was cheaper at the time to get one of the Century C308's and "overhauled" it by replacing worn parts and getting the bolt/cocking tube gap within spec. Also replaced the standard 50 degree LP with a custom made 37 degree. Once sorted out it I've been happy with it.

ETA: Before you get into this too far closely inspect your parts, some of those parts kits were salvaged from rifles that were at the end of their lives and ready for the scrap bin. Some things to look for are worn bolt heads, (i.e. roller divots in the "windows" and excessive wear to the shelf were the locking lever engages it), roller divots in the locking piece shoulders, (LP should have "50" on it) worn locking lever/spring, rollers should be 8mm dia., bent or cracked cocking tube, worn cocking handle support, and carrier to name a few.
Also, some pk's were from Cetme B's, which were chambered for the 7.62mm Cetme cartridge and have lighter bolt carriers and 60 degree locking pieces, as opposed to the 50 degree in a Model C.
You can possibly get by with the B carrier but under not circumstances should the 60 degree LP be used with 308/7.62 NATO ammo. It will cause reciever damage in short order.
My Cetme C fitted with HK G3 trigger pack and clipped/pinned steel housing.

[Aragorn243]

Picked up the receiver today and tried fitting some things together. Needs some fitting for sure. Looks possible however. Time to watch videos.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Keep us posted. I to fell victim to a Cetme C sale with the same thought.

[browningautorifle]

Looking forward to watching this progress, I've done my share of these too, lots of project guns in the past.

[Aragorn243]

This is going to be very slow. I'm also waiting on word from someone that may do it for me. I think it would be very interesting to try but I'm concerned with a couple of things. the welds being the biggest.

I haven't even gotten the videos to work yet.