Need help with HK91 clone choice

J

Joe Klug

New member
I attended a gun show south of Atlanta and was trying to sell or trade a few items and came across a few HK91 clones and need some opinions or suggestions from those that know more about these than I do.

I am still kicking myself in the rear for not getting a real HK91 back in the 80s when they could be had for $800 or less so these things looked attractive to me at right at about $525.

First was a CETME. The receiver says it's made by Century Arms which I've heard (only rumor) has real spotty quality. Pluses on this model were a steel receiver and what appeared to be better quality welds. Drawbacks are it comes with wood furniture that is not in the best condition, a strange looking "windmill" rear sight and no real provision to easily mount a scope.

Second was a FA G3. Receiver says it is made by Freedom Arms. I think I've heard of this company before but only in regards to big bore revolvers. Pluses were an integrated scope rail built onto the receiver, black synthetic furiture, a proper "castle" rear sight and overall better looking finish (didn't look painted on). Drawbacks were what appeared to be an aluminum receiver (much larger than the steel unit on the CETME) and poor quality welding.

What do you know about these two rifles? Is one significantly better than the other? Is there anything I should know before make a decision one way or the other? Is the $525 price about right?

Since I didn't pick one up today I have some time to think about it. I'd still like to get one of these but I may well decide to order what I've REALLY been lusting after for the past year and get a Robinson Arms M96 in the new RECON configuration instead.:)

Thanks for any help and information you can provide.

Joe
 
Sure that wasn't "Federal Arms"? I've never heard of "Freedom Arms" associated with G3 clones.

A lot of the G3 clones are a real gamble. Interports and SW3s on FMP receivers have the best reputations for completed rifles. Century, Federal, and the rest sometimes require minor to major tweaking to get right. If you can find a good HK smith, kitting one together would be a decent bet, but finding a good barrel seems to be difficult.

I'd spend the extra money and go with a real HK-91, pre-ban HK-91 clone, post ban HK-91/clone, or the M96. That order has little to do with preference.
 
Clones....

I'm in your same situation...I had an H&K 91/93 and an origional FMP gun back in the '80s...Stupidity prevailed and I ended up selling or trading all of them...
As for your questions, I'd recommend you go over to h&k91.com as they have a host of info on these types of weapons. From what I've read, seen, and touched, I personally like the FA91 Carbine clone with 16 and 1/4 barrel. Since I've always wanted a short barrelled 308, this will fit my bill. It has the Federal Arms receiver, which is aluminum(personally, I'm over the argument of aluminum vs steel) and is assembled by Century Arms, who do most of the Cetmes as well as other 91 clones. I've read a great deal about Century's quality or lack thereof, but most of this debate has been over the FN clones, not the H&K rifles...
Finally, since you seem to be in the Atlanta area, check out Bulls Eye in Lawrenceville as he seems to carry Cetmes and the like.
Hope this helps,
traintrackker
 
The Rifles you just described can be ordered from Century Arms for about $400.I would not pay the gun show prices.Century sells the CETME for $409 but I've seen them elsewhere for $395 w/ free shipping to your FFL.The HK clone you described is the Centurion 99 Sporter sold at Centuray Arms for $399.It is built with surplus G# parts and an aluminum Federal Arms receiver.They also offer a G3 Sporter built on a stainless steel receiver and completely refinished with a NEW barrel for $659.Check around like SOG, AIM,Century Arms,Wholesale Guns and Ammo before you make any firm decisions.
 
Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions. Guess I did the right thing by not making a decision yesterday. There's more to this than I thought.

I'd like to spend the money and get a real HK91 but I just don't have $2,500 to $3,500 sitting around. I still can't believe how expensive those old $750 rifles have gotten.:eek:

Joe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top