[timkel]

I have used a pair of very pointy needle nosed plyers and even 2 nails in a pinch.
This is the proper tool for elevation and windage adjustments.

Amazon.com : EQUIPTAC Sight Adjustment Tool for HK Drum Style Sights Stainless Screwdriver 2Pcs Set : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : EQUIPTAC Sight Adjustment Tool for HK Drum Style Sights Stainless Screwdriver 2Pcs Set : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

 

[hkshooterusp]

I have a pair of these I've been toying with. I can only echo what has already been said in the not so great column. My primary gripe is with sight alignment, both rifles shooting extreme left. One will zero right at the edge of the rear sight's limit, the other won't zero any closer than around 2moa left before running out of adjustment. I think I'll make that one a scoped rifle, now that I think I finally have an answer to the nearly three feet low elevation problem I've been chasing.

I can understand (somewhat) PTR's possible reluctance in building a super cheap gun that would compete with its better built and more expensive brand labeled models. But it really seems like they went out of their way to try to make these just bad enough to convince people to pony up a bit more and buy a PTR. The missing scope mount pad/lug, missing cuts on the bulges, and lack of finishing gives that attitude away. But not being able to zero the irons is either complete BS quality control, or a **** move. And PTR has been welding these things together straight with little to no issue for years. That kind of narrows it down.

 

[jkv45]

I have a pair of these I've been toying with. I can only echo what has already been said in the not so great column. My primary gripe is with sight alignment, both rifles shooting extreme left. One will zero right at the edge of the rear sight's limit, the other won't zero any closer than around 2moa left before running out of adjustment. I think I'll make that one a scoped rifle, now that I think I finally have an answer to the nearly three feet low elevation problem I've been chasing.

I can understand (somewhat) PTR's possible reluctance in building a super cheap gun that would compete with its better built and more expensive brand labeled models. But it really seems like they went out of their way to try to make these just bad enough to convince people to pony up a bit more and buy a PTR. The missing scope mount pad/lug, missing cuts on the bulges, and lack of finishing gives that attitude away. But not being able to zero the irons is either complete BS quality control, or a **** move. And PTR has been welding these things together straight with little to no issue for years. That kind of narrows it down.

I'll let you know if they fixed that issue with mine.

The sheet that they sent back with it said "bore sighting" or something, but not "realignment of front sight tower" or anything like that.

 

[hkshooterusp]

I'll let you know if they fixed that issue with mine.

The sheet that they sent back with it said "bore sighting" or something, but not "realignment of front sight tower" or anything like that.

I will definitely be interested to see your results. Thanks

 

[usp9mm]

I have a pair of these I've been toying with. I can only echo what has already been said in the not so great column. My primary gripe is with sight alignment, both rifles shooting extreme left. One will zero right at the edge of the rear sight's limit, the other won't zero any closer than around 2moa left before running out of adjustment. I think I'll make that one a scoped rifle, now that I think I finally have an answer to the nearly three feet low elevation problem I've been chasing.

I can understand (somewhat) PTR's possible reluctance in building a super cheap gun that would compete with its better built and more expensive brand labeled models. But it really seems like they went out of their way to try to make these just bad enough to convince people to pony up a bit more and buy a PTR. The missing scope mount pad/lug, missing cuts on the bulges, and lack of finishing gives that attitude away. But not being able to zero the irons is either complete BS quality control, or a **** move. And PTR has been welding these things together straight with little to no issue for years. That kind of narrows it down.

My current CA3. Haven’t had time to take it to the range so accuracy might be worse then yours.

 

[usp9mm]

I have a pair of these I've been toying with. I can only echo what has already been said in the not so great column. My primary gripe is with sight alignment, both rifles shooting extreme left. One will zero right at the edge of the rear sight's limit, the other won't zero any closer than around 2moa left before running out of adjustment. I think I'll make that one a scoped rifle, now that I think I finally have an answer to the nearly three feet low elevation problem I've been chasing.

I can understand (somewhat) PTR's possible reluctance in building a super cheap gun that would compete with its better built and more expensive brand labeled models. But it really seems like they went out of their way to try to make these just bad enough to convince people to pony up a bit more and buy a PTR. The missing scope mount pad/lug, missing cuts on the bulges, and lack of finishing gives that attitude away. But not being able to zero the irons is either complete BS quality control, or a **** move. And PTR has been welding these things together straight with little to no issue for years. That kind of narrows it down.

If that is their strategy , it kinda worked on me when I couldn’t mount the new furniture on it. To be fair, I did know that this might be a posssibilty

 

[hkshooterusp]

My current CA3. Haven’t had time to take it to the range so accuracy might be worse then yours. View attachment 484343

The rifle is plenty accurate enough, just won't hit POA.
Report back once you've been to the range, I'll be interested to hear how it worked out.

 

[birdmang]

Here is mine with some cetmes. I haven’t shot it yet but it looks nice. Got it for a dream price.

 

[fordemti]

Ordered mine last week from PSA. They have them right now for 699. Lowest I’ve seen them. I’m not a marksman, so I don’t really care if it’s a 4 MOA gun. Just hoping the sights will at least be straight. Here’s hoping. Waiting for PSA to send me a message and let me know I can go pick it up. They’re unbelievably slow to ship a gun to themselves.

 

[fordemti]

Also, for those who know me, I’ve got a pretty bad back injury from about 10 years ago. I don’t generally shoot a lot of heavy recoiling rifles anymore. Not that .308 is that bad but regardless, more than I typically shoot a lot of. Will the improved buffers really help with recoil? Should I get a muzzle brake? What’s the best way you’ve found to kind of tamp down recoil on the G3 platform? Really want to like and keep this one but if it kicks my ass, I don’t know that I will.

 

[timkel]

Install a HK21 rubber buttpad. It will make it very comfortable to shoot.

 

[hkshooterusp]

Also, for those who know me, I’ve got a pretty bad back injury from about 10 years ago. I don’t generally shoot a lot of heavy recoiling rifles anymore. Not that .308 is that bad but regardless, more than I typically shoot a lot of. Will the improved buffers really help with recoil? Should I get a muzzle brake? What’s the best way you’ve found to kind of tamp down recoil on the G3 platform? Really want to like and keep this one but if it kicks my ass, I don’t know that I will.

A really good muzzle brake is what you seek. Very loud, but effective. An HK21 type butt pad really helps the shoulder but does nothing to mitigate recoil, such as you need.

 

[usp9mm]

View attachment 432659
View attachment 432663
View attachment 432661
View attachment 432660
Just picked up my CA-3 today View attachment 432662
View attachment 432658
View attachment 432657
View attachment 432656
View attachment 432655
View attachment 432654

Initial Impressions are rifle is built well, Fit and finish is also really good for the parts that were refinished. Welds all look good and clean. Bolt and carrier falls freely in the receiver, stock and pins are all tight with no wobble at the rear. Bolt gap measured at .019 Will update after a range day. Major parts are 1969 FMP marked and the bolt head is HK marked and 1966 marked.

Link to whole set of pictures

I am pretty sure my bolt is a 1966 manufacture also.

 

[jkv45]

Also, for those who know me, I’ve got a pretty bad back injury from about 10 years ago. I don’t generally shoot a lot of heavy recoiling rifles anymore. Not that .308 is that bad but regardless, more than I typically shoot a lot of. Will the improved buffers really help with recoil? Should I get a muzzle brake? What’s the best way you’ve found to kind of tamp down recoil on the G3 platform? Really want to like and keep this one but if it kicks my ass, I don’t know that I will.

I have the upgraded (Bill Springfield) buffers in my G3-pattern rifles, but I've not compared them to a standard buffer back to back. Other have said they do reduce recoil.

A good Muzzle Brake will help, but not with your relationship with other shooters on the line.

The M21 buttpad will help spread out the force to your shoulder.

Changing the locking piece (LP) may help to slow the carrier and reduce recoil somewhat.

Are you shooting factory ammo or reloading? There is factory "Lite" ammo (usually 125gr) that would reduce the recoil as well, but it's going to be rather pricey compared to standard M80.

Making sure the rifle is in-spec as far as the bolt gap, recoil spring, buffer, etc. is also a good idea

 

[fordemti]

I have the upgraded (Bill Springfield) buffers in my G3-pattern rifles, but I've not compared them to a standard buffer back to back. Other have said they do reduce recoil.

A good Muzzle Brake will help, but not with your relationship with other shooters on the line.

The M21 buttpad will help spread out the force to your shoulder.

Changing the locking piece (LP) may help to slow the carrier and reduce recoil somewhat.

Are you shooting factory ammo or reloading? There is factory "Lite" ammo (usually 125gr) that would reduce the recoil as well, but it's going to be rather pricey compared to standard M80.

Making sure the rifle is in-spec as far as the bolt gap, recoil spring, buffer, etc. is also a good idea

I currently only have one box of .308. Can’t remember the manufacturer but it’s like 150Gr. Maybe PMC Bronze. I don’t know what ° locking piece these come with. What degree is recommended for a 150gr because I’m assuming that’s probably most of what I’ll be shooting.

 

[jkv45]

I currently only have one box of .308. Can’t remember the manufacturer but it’s like 150Gr. Maybe PMC Bronze. I don’t know what ° locking piece these come with. What degree is recommended for a 150gr because I’m assuming that’s probably most of what I’ll be shooting.

The standard LP is 45 degree.

I have a 36 degree (#17) in my PTR, and it functions fine, but I didn't notice a huge reduction in recoil.

There is also a 40 degree if a 36 won't function consistently.

 

[MamushiSushi]

It’s rather impressive how 20 years ago CAI was selling their poorly made CETMEs at virtually the same price point. 699 or so if my memory holds? Is PTR making new magazines with these as well or are they surplus parts like much of the rifle? Makes one wonder if the increased market will start to make the magazines rise in price similar to the huge hike FAL/SLR magazines took in recent years.

 

[usp9mm]

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.

 

[bluezebra]

Eventually they will go up