For the price that seems impressive from PTR/CAI. Hope they stay that inexpensive. Waiting on range day to see how yours works out lol

 

Yeah I got this on sale at Atlantic for $879 so here's hoping it isn't a pile of junk.

 

For about 1/2 a PTR, Id be interested if reviews are positive.

 

I should be going to the range in the next few weeks to run some rounds though her so I'll make a new post then!

 

Looks like I waited too long to make up my mind. They are now out of stock at Atlantic. I did register to be notified when they get more in.

 

Classic Firearms has them in stock at $919 but with shipping and tax your looking at 1k plus transfer fee

 

Do these use the original FMP trunion or a PTR trunion?

 

New production PTR trunnion

 

Is the consensus that this is a pretty good deal at the price if reliable? I also subscribed to notifications.

 

Rear sight base, MP5 style. No provisions for scope (different rear sight base and no cuts for claw mount) ? sidenote, 23 years to get #1,300 post

 

You are correct it does not have the little mount piece in front of the sight base but still has the bump outs to add a pictatinny style mount.

 

So am I under the right line of thinking that the third hole on the receiver is acceptable by the ATF now as long as the Trigger Housing is Clipped and Pinned/Cut off and rests on the No-No Shelf?

 

I'm not actually sure because I'd like to swap a clipped and pinned one on there, I think it would be fine but who knows what the ATF's thinking is on this. I was always told it couldn't be a completely through hole for the paddle/pin.

 

Where are they available now?

 

Aim Surplus has a few CA3's, though Dahlonega Armory has a better price.

 

For those wondering about the sale ive been watching these for a while before i got the parts kit build i have now, And they have been on sale for a long time. So no worries that they are sold out now, they will likely still be 869 when they come back in stonk

 

Good to know.

 

They are back in stock now. I’m undecided on if it’s worth the price though?

 

I think its hard to beat, But with all things century youre rolling the dice on a lemon. Seems OP is happy with theirs so id say go for it. I also think there are so many of these dont let the FOMO of the sale distract you. When i bought my M9A4 last year they were on sale for 850 at Berelli, and they are still on sale off and on now.

 

are these barrels nitride or similar process?

or just 4150 with no protective finish?

 

Probably 4150 with no protective finish, barrel is parked on the outside and appears to have no finish on the inside

 

Mine had its sights welded on crooked, POI is 6” left at 100yards with the rear sight cranked all the way over.
Buyer Beware

 

Sorry to hear PTR screwed up your gun man. I'd try contacting them directly to see if they can fix it.

 

Atlantic has these marked down again. Currently $769. Did anyone post a range/shooting report? I'm okay with the other issues mentioned but would like some confirmation it actually cycled/works

 

My CA-3 CYCLES/WORKS FINE.

 

The claw mount bumps are not enough to attach a scope mount. The bumps are also machined to have a cut in them to interface with the feet of the claw mount. That and the absence of the proper G3 sight base is a no go for the claw mount. You may be able to attach something but your accuracy will probably suffer. It would have been better if PTR attached a picatinny rail to the top of the receiver. That's what I would do if I had a CA-3 and wanted to mount an optic on it. YMMV

 

The claw mount bumps are not enough to attach a scope mount. The bumps are also machined to have a cut in them to interface with the feet of the claw mount. That and the absence of the proper G3 sight base is a no go for the claw mount. You may be able to attach something but your accuracy will probably suffer. It would have been better if PTR attached a picatinny rail to the top of the receiver. That's what I would do if I had a CA-3 and wanted to mount an optic on it. YMMV

I believe PTR sells a PTR91 GI model, similar to the CA-3, with and without a rail attached.

PTR91 G.I.s (model 100, no optics rail) is currently $1200 at Atlantic.

https://atlanticfirearms.com/ptr-gi-308-rifle-w-o-rail

EDIT: Model 101 has a rail -

https://atlanticfirearms.com/ptr-gi-r-308-rifle-paddle-mag-release

 

Well, I decided to pull the trigger on a CA-3 today.

I have a nice set of green German G3 furniture that has been waiting for a home. I'll most likely refinish the metal and add the nice furniture. I'm expecting it to be pretty rough overall. We'll see how it functions and shoots.

CA-3s are out there at a few places for about the same price as Atlantic (currently on sale at $770). I bought from Defense Depot in IL because I like to support gun businesses in IL - they can use it. They have a lot to deal with. They were about $10 more than Atlantic.

I've purchased from Defense Depot before, and they have been good.

CENTURY ARMS CA-3 RIFLE .308 18' BARREL MATTE BLACK

www.defensedepot.com

 

 

Picked up my CA-3 yesterday.

About what I expected. Fairly rough in spots. The finish looks to be Parkerizing, which is different from other PTR/Century rifles. The finish looks decent.

The rear sight is smashed, and i called Century to see if they would do anything about it. The guy I talked to in CS said "we no longer service the CA-3". I said no longer - didn't they just come out? He said talk to PTR. I tried to call PTR, but they were not accepting calls. I guess I'll have to email them. (EDIT: just spoke to PTR, and they are sending a new rear sight - no problem)

I had planned to refinish the entire rifle, but probably won't now because it's Parkerized. The lower could use some touch-ups, but it's not bad. The handguard has some corners missing, but I have a decent set of green German furniture I plan to install.

Overall, not bad for right about $800 delivered.

Some photos -

 

Picked up my CA-3 yesterday.

About what I expected. Fairly rough in spots. The finish looks to be Parkerizing, which is different from other PTR/Century rifles. The finish looks decent.

The rear sight is smashed, and i called Century to see if they would do anything about it. The guy I talked to in CS said "we no longer service the CA-3". I said no longer - didn't they just come out? He said talk to PTR. I tried to call PTR, but they were not accepting calls. I guess I'll have to email them.

I had planned to refinish the entire rifle, but probably won't now because it's Parkerized. The lower could use some touch-ups, but it's not bad. The handguard has some corners missing, but I have a decent set of green German furniture I plan to install.

Overall, not bad for right about $800 delivered.

Some photos -
View attachment 466093

View attachment 466097
View attachment 466095
View attachment 466094

Your lower is in much better shape finish wise than mine is, but my rear sight wasn't mangled so I guess that's the trade off. Mine is still running strong 500 rounds later with 0 issues other than the 1 FTE I had in the first 150 rounds

 

That phosphate finish is an excellent base for a spray on finish. Degrease thoroughly and apply your favorite finish to make it look like a million $.

 

That phosphate finish is an excellent base for a spray on finish. Degrease thoroughly and apply your favorite finish to make it look like a million $.

I thought about it, but if Park is the correct finish for a Portuguese G3, I will leave it as is.

Judging from the original trigger housing, it's pretty close.

I powder coated my entire C308 in a satin black powder, and I like it, but I want to keep this one looking as original as possible.

C308 -

 

Manganese phosphate is the same as parkerizing. There's three types of parkerizing, iron, manganese and zinc. Manganese is the dark gray and zinc is much lighter in color. Manganese is typically the one used for firearms these days. Zinc was more prevalent back in WWII. Iron is typically used as a primer for other finishes.

"Parkerizing" is a commercial term named after Clark W. Parker, along with his son Wyman C. Parker, working together, set up the Parker Rust-Proof Phosphating Company of America in 1915.

 

Posts like this are why I check these forums regularly. I learn something new all the time. Thanks for the great content

 

I haven't had mine to the range yet, but I did field strip, clean, and lube it last night.

Bolt was ok, but I cleaned it anyway. Bolt gap was .015".

The trigger group was pretty dirty, and the ejector was not moving freely until I cleaned it and lubed it.

Then I noticed the end of the cocking lever spring was sticking out. Either it's not in the right place or the spring broke. I started trying to drive the pin out, but it's pretty snug. The cocking handle is a PTR item as well, and I plan to replace it and the spring.

The pin for the cocking lever is driven out from the bottom, and installed from the top - correct?

EDIT - ^ That is correct.

 

Mine were in the same general shape as jkv45's. Minus the dented rear drum sight. As I purchased these at a LGS, I was able to inspect first. It appears to be hit or miss with the finish on the metal lower and the butt stock recoil rod pack assembly have a heavily worn finish. Overall a great price for someone that just wants a occasional shooter and does not want to pay $300+ more for a full blown PTR.

 

I saw a video the other day about the CA-3 where the guy, an experienced gun-tuber, kept calling it a "Cetme". Then I saw an ad for it at Centerfire Systems that also called it a Cetme.

The Century Cetme is a C308. The CA-3 is a Portuguese G3-based parts kit build with some new U.S. and incorrect parts. It's not a Cetme.

Not sure why they can't get it right.

 

Yeah, that was kinda weird.

 

It's Not a Cetme.

 

Send your trigger pack and buffer out to Bill Springfield for his trigger job and improved buffer. You will NOT be disappointed. Shameless plug for Bill. LOL

Home

triggerwork.net

 

I actually received and installed his buffer kit today. I have installed the kits in all my G3-pattern rifles.

Dealing with the 8# trigger for now.