CETME Modelo 58

CETME · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1958

Also known as: CETME Model B, CETME Mod. 58, Fusil de Asalto CETME Modelo 58, Modelo B

Overview

The CETME Modelo 58 (also known as the Model B) is a Spanish selective-fire battle rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm, developed by the Centro de Estudios Tecnicos de Materiales Especiales (CETME). It was the production evolution of the earlier Model A prototype and represents the version that first entered mass service with the Spanish Armed Forces in 1958. The Modelo 58 operates on the roller-delayed blowback system designed by Ludwig Vorgrimler, a former Mauser engineer who fled to Spain after World War II, adapting the mechanism from the experimental German StG 45(M). Initially chambered for a reduced-power 7.62x51mm CETME cartridge (with lighter bullet loads than standard NATO ammunition), the Modelo 58 featured steel handguards, a folding bipod that doubled as a forward grip, and a tangent rear sight. The bipod, mounted forward of the handguard, was a distinctive feature not carried over to the later Model C. The Modelo 58 served as the basis for the Heckler & Koch G3, after West Germany licensed the CETME roller-delayed mechanism. The Modelo 58 was superseded in Spanish service by the improved Model C in 1964, which introduced a fluted chamber, wooden handguards, diopter sights, and full-power NATO ammunition compatibility.

Specifications

Weight (empty)4500 g (158.7 oz)
Weight (loaded)5100 g (179.9 oz)
Overall Length1015 mm (39.96")
Barrel Length450 mm (17.72")
Action TypeRoller Delayed Blowback
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity20 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity786 m/s (2579 fps)
Muzzle Energy2880 J (2124 ft·lbf)
Effective Range400 m (437 yd)
Maximum Range3000 m (3281 yd)
Rate of Fire600 rpm
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist305 mm (12.01")
Number of Grooves4
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishParkerized

Calibers

Features

Variants

Base model

Cetme-Model-C

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Production years: 1958-1964

Manufactured at the Santa Barbara factory in La Coruna, Spain. Exact production numbers for the Modelo 58 specifically are not well documented. Superseded by the Model C from 1964.

Origin

Country of origin: Spain

Designer: Ludwig Vorgrimler

Discontinued: 1964

Notes

The CETME Modelo 58 and Model C are related but distinct variants. The Modelo 58 (Model B) was the first mass-production CETME, while the Model C was its successor with significant improvements. Our existing cetme-model-c.json file already lists the Model B (Modelo 58) as an earlier production variant, so this file uses variant_of pointing to cetme-model-c. Weight is 4.5 kg per Military Factory (9.92 lbs = 4.50 kg); Modern Firearms lists 4.4 kg. The higher figure is used as it aligns with the bipod-equipped configuration. Muzzle velocity of 786 m/s (2,580 fps) is from Military Factory, consistent with the reduced-power CETME ammunition. Rate of fire varies by source: Military Factory states 600 rpm, Modern Firearms states 550-600 rpm. The Modelo 58 was originally designed for a reduced-power 7.62x51mm cartridge with lighter bullet loads, but could fire standard NATO ammunition - this capability was formalized in the Model C.

Background

The CETME Modelo 58 is the weapon that proved the roller-delayed blowback system could work in mass production. When West Germany was looking for a new service rifle in the late 1950s, it was this design they licensed from Spain - ironic given that the mechanism was invented by a German engineer who had fled there after the war. The resulting Heckler & Koch G3 became one of the most successful battle rifles in history, adopted by over 40 nations, while the CETME that inspired it remained relatively obscure outside Spain.