CETME Modelo A
CETME (Centro de Estudios Tecnicos de Materiales Especiales) · Battle Rifle · Discontinued · 1957
Also known as: CETME Model A, CETME mod. A
Overview
The CETME Modelo A is a Spanish select-fire battle rifle and the first production model of the CETME series, manufactured from 1957. Designed by German engineer Ludwig Vorgrimler, it introduced the roller-delayed blowback action derived from the wartime StG 45(M). Chambered for the reduced-power 7.62x51mm CETME cartridge, the Modelo A fired from an open bolt in full-automatic mode and a closed bolt in semi-automatic, and is distinguished by its perforated sheet-metal handguard. The design later evolved into the Modelo B/58 and ultimately the Heckler & Koch G3.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4400 g (155.2 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 Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 800 m/s (2625 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2176 J (1605 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm CETME · primary — also known as 7.62 CETME, 7.62x51 Spanish CETME, 7.62x51mm reduced load
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Roller Delayed Blowback Action, Perforated Sheet Metal Handguard, Integral Folding Bipod, Open Bolt Full Auto Closed Bolt Semi Auto, Fixed Barrel
Service history
Operators
- Spanish Armed Forces · adopted 1957 · as Modelo A
Production
Production years: 1957-1958
Early limited production model; superseded by the Modelo B (Modelo 58)
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Ludwig Vorgrimler
Discontinued: 1958
Notes
Built as a small production/evaluation run; the Modelo A used the lighter plastic-cored 7.62x51mm CETME round to keep the lightweight rifle controllable. It was quickly superseded by the Modelo B, which was strengthened to accept full-power 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition.
Background
The CETME lineage began when Ludwig Vorgrimler, a former Mauser engineer who had worked on the StG 45(M), emigrated to Spain in 1950 and continued developing the roller-delayed blowback action at CETME in Madrid. The Modelo A's design was later licensed to West Germany, where it became the Heckler & Koch G3.