Anybody own a C308?

[PantherHead]

With tax season upon us, I was thinking of purchasing a new CAI C308. Yeah I know it's a Century but I got to check one out at my LGS and it seemed like a clean build. Whoever they outsourced the project to did a good job. Plus the price is right. So far the reviews I've read are mostly positive.

I just want to know if any members own or have any firsthand expirience with one? Positives/ negatives? I know the PTR91 is only a couple hundred $$ more but they are not legal in this sh%%hole state I live in but the C308 is.

And before this becomes a CAI bash thread, just please post if you can review the actual rifle itself and not the company. There's enough threads on that topic all over the web. LOL

Thanks in advance.

 

[armoredman]

Is this the one that is said to be a CETME/HK clone?

 

[Jackal]

If the PTR is a no-no in your state, then the Cetme is going to be only only inexpensive source for roller locking goodness. Take a feeler gauge set with you and check the bolt gap (instructions easy to find online). Make sure the rail is straight, same with the sights.

 

[PantherHead]

Armoredman: yes

Jackal: I didn't have a feeler gauge set so couldn't check the gap. Everything else was good.

 

[armoredman]

NOT BASHING...but the CETME I had from Century used a ground bolt to get proper bolt gap. If this is put together with new parts it should be fine, if with used parts, you might want to take a good look at the bolt - may need over sized rollers to work right, like the CETME did. I am no expert in CETME, just had the one years ago, I like the looks of the C308, would love to find out it's a quality build, pictures and range report when you can, please?

 

[dogmush]

One of my Rollers is a CAI CETME. I ended up needed to put a new bolt head and rollers in it to get everything just right. The roller windows were worn out. That said, I still think it was a decent deal, as I bought from century knowing that, well, it was century. The parts were only like $30, and I had prepared myself before purchase that work might be needed.

The C308 is supposedly better, but they are still made from surplus CETME parts kits on new receivers and barrels. So the chance for worn or out of spec internals is still there. No biggie, parts for these things are pretty common and cheap still. As long as the receiver rails are straight, the barrel and trunion are installed correctly, and the cocking tube is welded on right everything else is a pretty simple fix.

I'd say go for it. (of course I have two rollers) Take some feelers, check bolt gap, check cocking piece gap, pull the bolt and inspect the bolt head, and check the barrel press. Then decide if you are willing to do any repair you might have found. The G3 design is IMHO a really nice example of a rugged, reliable battle rifle.

 

[seasmoke]

Follow link for a review and discussion of a C308.

http://www.militaryfirearm.com/Foru...newest-CETNE-sporter-C308-Initial-impressions

 

[PantherHead]

Thanks you guys for the info and for the link seasmoke. Still debating on buying one, probably wait and not rush into buying one just 'cause I have the money. Also would like to read more reviews and see if there are any real problems.