CETME Model L
CETME (Centro de Estudios Tecnicos de Materiales Especiales) · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1986
Also known as: CETME Modelo L, Modelo L
Overview
The CETME Model L is a Spanish 5.56x45mm NATO assault rifle developed by CETME in the late 1970s as a smaller-caliber successor to the 7.62mm CETME C. It uses the same roller-delayed blowback action as its predecessor and the Heckler & Koch G3, accepts STANAG magazines, and served as the Spanish Armed Forces' standard service rifle from 1987 until it was replaced by the H&K G36E around 1999. Reliability problems and difficulty mounting accessories gave it a relatively short service life.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 925 mm (36.42") |
| Barrel Length | 400 mm (15.75") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 875 m/s (2871 fps) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right-Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: 30-Round Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector Lever
- Features: STANAG-Compatible Magazine Well, Flip-Up Rear Aperture Sight, Polymer Furniture, Roller-Delayed Blowback Action
Production
Estimated total produced: 60,000 · Production years: 1986-1991
Standard Spanish service rifle from 1987 until replaced by the H&K G36E circa 1999.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: CETME
Discontinued: 1991
Notes
Produced from 1986 to 1991 with roughly 60,000 units made. The carbine variant, the Model LC, used a retractable stock and a shorter barrel.
Background
Spain's last domestically designed standard-issue service rifle, the Model L carried CETME's signature roller-delayed blowback lineage into the 5.56mm NATO era before the country adopted the German G36.