CETME Model C
CETME (Centro de Estudios Tecnicos de Materiales Especiales) · Battle Rifle · Discontinued · 1964
Also known as: CETME C, Fusil de Asalto CETME Modelo C, CETME Modelo C, Modelo C
Overview
The CETME Model C is a selective-fire battle rifle developed by the Spanish government research center Centro de Estudios Tecnicos de Materiales Especiales (CETME). Introduced in 1964 as an evolution of the earlier Modelo 58/Model B, the Model C was the first CETME variant fully chambered for the standard 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, replacing the lighter-loaded 7.62x51mm CETME round used by its predecessors. The rifle operates on Ludwig Vorgrimler's roller-delayed blowback system, a mechanism derived from the experimental German StG 45(M) of World War II. Vorgrimler, a former Mauser engineer, relocated to Spain in 1950 and adapted the wartime design into what became the CETME family of rifles. The Model C featured significant improvements over the Model B, including a reinforced receiver, fluted chamber for improved extraction, wooden handguards replacing the earlier steel ones, a relocated left-side safety/selector switch, paddle-style magazine release, four-position diopter sights adjustable from 100 to 400 meters, and a flash hider capable of launching NATO-standard rifle grenades. The bipod present on earlier models was eliminated to reduce weight. Manufactured at the Santa Barbara factory in La Coruna, the Model C served as the standard-issue rifle of the Spanish Armed Forces from 1964 until its replacement by the 5.56mm CETME Model L beginning in the mid-1980s. The CETME design is historically significant as the direct predecessor of the Heckler & Koch G3, which was adopted by West Germany in 1959 after licensing the CETME mechanism. The same roller-delayed blowback system went on to form the basis of the entire HK weapons family, including the HK21, HK33, and the iconic MP5 submachine gun.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1015 mm (39.96") |
| Barrel Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 786 m/s (2579 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2942 J (2170 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3000 m (3281 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62 NATO, .308 Win
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Roller Delayed Blowback, Fluted Chamber, Select Fire, Folding Carrying Handle, Diopter Sights, Rifle Grenade Capable, Stripper Clip Compatible, Polymer Pistol Grip
Variants
- CETME Model A — Prototype
- CETME Model B (Modelo 58) — Earlier Production
- CETME Model E — Lightweight Aluminum
- CETME Model L — 5 56mm Derivative
- CETME Model R — Vehicle Crew
Service history
Operators
- Spanish Armed Forces · adopted 1964 · as Fusil de Asalto CETME Modelo C
- Spanish Guardia Civil · as CETME C
- Guatemalan Armed Forces · adopted 1969
Conflicts
- Ifni War (1957-1958)
- Western Sahara conflict (1973-1975)
- Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970)
- Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990)
Production
Production years: 1964-1976
Total production numbers for the Model C specifically are not well documented. Combined CETME production across all variants (A, B, C) is estimated to exceed 150,000 units. Manufactured at the Santa Barbara factory in La Coruna, Spain.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Ludwig Vorgrimler
Discontinued: 1976
Notes
The Model C's weight is variously reported as 4.2 kg and 4.4 kg empty depending on source; the 4.2 kg figure is more commonly cited and is corroborated by Small Arms Review and Historical Firearms. The muzzle velocity of 786 m/s is based on the CETME Modelo 58 specification from Military Factory; the Model C firing standard NATO ammunition may achieve slightly higher velocity. The rate of fire is commonly cited as 550-650 rpm cyclic, with 600 rpm as the typical figure. Production ceased in 1976 at the Santa Barbara factory in La Coruna, though the rifle remained in frontline Spanish service until the late 1980s and in reserve/training roles with the Guardia Civil through the 1990s. Guatemala acquired approximately 10,000 Model C rifles (5,000 in 1969 and 5,000 around 1973) for reserve forces. The three-position selector is marked in Spanish: S (Seguro/Safe), T (Tiro/Single), R (Rafaga/Burst-Auto).
Background
The CETME rifle represents one of the most consequential technology transfers in Cold War small arms history. Ludwig Vorgrimler, who helped design the revolutionary roller-delayed blowback mechanism for the wartime German StG 45(M), fled to Spain via France after World War II, bringing his expertise and blueprints. The rifle he developed for CETME was then licensed back to West Germany, where Heckler & Koch refined it into the G3 battle rifle - which went on to be adopted by over 40 countries and spawned the entire HK roller-lock weapons family including the MP5. For his contributions to Spanish defense, Vorgrimler was awarded the prestigious Encomienda de Alfonso X el Sabio.