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It has been a while since we wrote anything about MalColMar Firearms (Indiana, USA), but anyone who likes historical firearms, optics and the CETME rifles specifically should continue reading.
CETME is Spanish for Centro de Estudios Técnicos de Materiales Especiales.
Their CETME Model L is the last roller-delayed blowback rifle to be adopted by any military force. It is specifically designed around the 5.56×45 mm round, for a thinner design versus other manufacturers who took a shortcut and scaled down their 7,62 models. The model L feeds from standard NATO magazines.
The Model L is the rifle that replaced the CETME Model C (7.62 NATO) in the Spanish army as the major round was phased out in that era. It was in service between 1987 until 1999.
The CETME LV version uses the British SUSAT sight (Sight Unit Small Arms), where the “V” stands for Vision.
It is now time for a release for a Limited Edition of the LV/S model, which is a Special Forces version.
We are about to release a new special limited edition… This is the CETME LV/S… it was a special version made only for the Spanish Marine Special Forces unit… ranked in the top 5 Special Forces of the world.
Features an original REAL SUSAT scope which was used, along with the later Susat Mohler mount version, all on a custom 3 position rail, that allows the scope to be moved w/o removal.
Same MarColMar build, with Cerakote Elite series, CHF nitrided 1-in-7 barrel, etc.
Only 130 to be made… scope is shown in the middle position, and the scope view is very natural.
The view through the SUSAT reminds me of Trijicon’s reticle. Overall, there is also a feeling of the FN FNC, and the Swedish Ak5.
Some special units in the Swedish Army also used to have the Ak5B version (FN FNC) with the SUSAT sight. You can see the similarities in one of these images.
As I kept digging deeper into the details I found very little online about the Ak5B, so I dug out one of my old photos from the early 1990s.
Swedish Arctic Ranger with Ak5B and SUSAT scope (1992-92)
Here’s another photo with focus on the SUSAT optic on the Swedish Ak5B. As you can see it rides high and very far back, close to the eye of the sharpshooter. Just remember, at the time the rest of the squad were all using iron sights.
Anyway, back to the CETME again:
From MarColMar Firearms:
Born from the ashes of WWII, the CETME design group was established in Spain, and staffed by many Mauser employees like Dr. Ludwig Vorgrimler, who brought their research and designs with them. They would later develop and adopt the CETME C, better known to American shooters and collectors under its German licensed designation: the G3 / HK91 in 7.62×51 / .308.
Faced with the transition by militaries to the 5.56 in the 1970s, and with their pending entrance into NATO, Spain and CETME began in earnest to develop a 5.56 rifle for their military.
The result was the last roller-locking rifle to be adopted by any military, and the first and only one specifically designed for the 5.56/.223 from the ground up, the CETME L.
Unlike its German cousin the HK33, it was not a scaled down version of the 7.62 receiver. A totally new design, the CETME L is thinner and has a smaller form factor. The CETME L served with Spanish troops through the 80’s and 90’s, and was used during their service with Coalition Forces during Operation Desert Storm. The CETME L continues to serve to this day with Spanish Reserve and Police units.
MarColMar uses original Spanish surplus parts, a new made in the USA receiver, a cold-hammer-forged and nitrided barrel (1-in-7), brand new US made furniture, all finished with Cerakote, to produce a beautiful new firearm that is now optimized for US STANAG M-16/AR-15 magazines.
But MarColMar didn’t just copy the CETME L, they employed the newest materials and manufacturing processes (like robot welding) to produce a rifle even better than could be built in the 1980’s. The CETME L is now even available with a welded picatinny rail, and in four different Cerakote finishes, original Spanish Green, Black, Grey and FDE. Eventually CETME LVs and LCs will also be offered to owners of the CETME L.
Our friends over at The Armourer’s Bench have a very detailed video on the SUSAT sight.
Vic continues his Surplus Zone series with a look at the British SUSAT sight, principally used by Britain on the SA80 and by Spain with the CETME Model LV & AMELI. In this episode Vic shows us how to refit a SUSAT with new Tritium elements.
If you are interested in more information about MarColMar Firearms TFBTV‘s Miles did a video on Bringing Czech and Russian Beltfeds to the Civilian Market.
There is no official price yet, but the normal CETME Ls are priced in the region of $1,345.
For sure, the original SUSAT Sights which is coming with the rifle is going to have a premium on the price as well.
The CETME was later replaced by the Heckler & Koch G36 in Spain.
What do you think of the CETME LV/S? Is it a rifle that you would like to have in your collection?
