Mud Test: G3/CETME

[@LoneWolf051]

So when Ian uses the FAL...is it then known as "The Left arm of the Free World"?

[@TheColosiss]

Many often forget that the G3/Cetme platform has been directly modified into belt fed variants and utilized for very odd circumstances... the G3 is the unsung hero of the small arms world.

[@pleasedontwatchthese9593]

I liked the part where he pulled the trigger then the gun worked.

[@TheDoctorGnome]

Hella sick when the gun went bang!

[@Scandibilly]

Swiggity swooty, rooty tooty point-n-shooty.

[@bruhbruh13968]

mud was defective

[@Bluematchhead]

Yep

[@kuromew3489]

Wait its suppose to go bang i thought that was a malfunction my glock never goes bang

[@fireman2375]

Just revisited this one after the recent G36 mud test - I just realized, that there is an interesting trend of HK Military rifles to have a freak failure on the first round after application of the mud. After that, they usually run fairly reliable...

[@Howie262]

I reckon if the G3 had a dust cover, be it modified or from the factory, I wouldn't be surprised if it went completely un-phased.

[@Andyplays40k]

The picture of the soldier in Afghanistan is a Norwegian with a Norwegian made G3. The AG3 made at Kongsberg Armory.

[@Niko-be2zw]

So a G3 rifle + mud = bolt-action rifle

[@bergbaubergbau]

In 1989 I was a conscript in the Bundeswehr. I was a medic. The G3 was the only weapon I was trained on. The G3 struck me as surprisingly large and unwieldy and, above all, very heavy. During practice shooting, we regularly had jams. I can't tell whether there were an unusually large number of them. Medical soldiers have weapons for self-defense, so even then I was amazed at such a large, heavy rifle.

[@LarS1963]

Heheheh! If I'd seen this video 35 years ago, when I was a conscript using the G3, I'd have shown it my sergent and said: 'Cleaning is overrated, it works just fine'. :D

[@bigbrowntau]

When I had problems with my L1A1 SLR (Australian issue FN FAL), I ran it with the gas plug on its tightest setting. Nil further problems (except a killer recoil!) Very interesting tests, thanks so much for posting these.

[@marinioaweischo6614]

Not bad, thats why i prefer the G3 to the G36, besides the caliber i have the feeling that it is more stable. A comrade of my dad had a G3 which was run over by an Unimog. It was still working and he was able to hit the target. Not his own, but he supported the neighbour.

[@michaelsanders6920]

I just bought a C308 yesterday and been looking at reviews but after seeing how you of all people do all this to it I’m happy with my purchase.

[@Kadorhal]

Every time I see a video about the G3 I end up liking it that little bit more.

[@AmyLeesPetWookiee]

This video shows that the design is so good that even if Century takes part in manufacturing the rifle, it can still work. I bet pure HK and even PTR rifles would do better. The ammo may be playing a part too.

[@justanothercaptain6566]

Thanks guys for the test of the G3 and the FAL. That was very interesting.I’m a little heartbroken that the FAL failed. When I joined the CAF in 1986, the FN C1 was the weapon I was issued with. It never really failed me….but I never got it that muddy. And that was a fair test for both rifles. Cheers 🍻

[@tapandrack]

Ha ha ha! 7:47 "Hey, it's California compliant now." Sad but true... ;-)

[@censorduck]

I don't get the new law, an SMLE is technically illegal, but an SKS isn't.

[@silentdude56k]

An SMLE isn't illegal in any way under California's AW laws for two reasons: 1. An SMLE does have a detachable magazine, but it doesn't have any "assault weapon features" (flash suppressor, pistol grip, collapsible stock, VFG). 2. An SMLE isn't even semi-automatic. A rifle needs to be semi-automatic, have a detachable magazine, and have at least one "assault weapon feature" in order to qualify as an AW. You pretty much don't have to worry about anything manually operated unless it's (somehow) an SBR.

[@whyjay9959]

Interesting points on the difference between gas operation and roller-delayed.

[@Nodwick123]

I like the ealyer mud tests better, one thing having Ian crawling around in mud was fun to watch but i allso think it gives a better image on how and where mud will get on a gun than simple dump a big load on mud on it. On a side note, after spending close to 8 years in the danish army i have still not manged to get this much mud on/in a gun ever, in the worst cases using water from a canteen or water stream will get most off it or even use your hands, i cant think of anyone there would use the rifle in that condition.

[@InrangeTv]

We only did 1 mud test video with crawling, the rest have been via this method. The crawling method isn't repeatable in regards to consistency nor availability here in AZ. ~Karl

[@Nodwick123]

Thats too bad but fair enough.

[@Lvkan]

Remember it can take hours to clean an "McCollum® mud cleaning device type Ian".

[@MarbleDemo]

Why waste fresh water when one could make use of urine after all its just a CETME.

[@fatalvenomX]

MarbleDemo You've obviously never been to Az. You need a tanker full of piss to achieve the kinda of test mud here that they had in their first test. Sun is hot enough to crack cement on a regular basis.

[@cr4sh0veride]

Sends the casings into orbit is an understatement that thing throws the casings as far as the bullet.

[@OHIOSHREDZ]

To any of those interested in the c308 but have heard rumors of reliability and build quality it is literally hit or miss. I own a c308 and mine has run fantastically for over a year with four thousand rounds or so through it no problem. My friend shot it and fell in love so he picked himself up one and that thing struggled to stay running and had to be sent back twice in the past 6 months. I have in fact picked up a PTR 91 and I would definitely say it is a better built rifle and definitely worth the little extra. The c308 on my end has been a good gun however looking back I would simply go with the PTR for peace of mind and a better product.

[@stillhere9728]

I have Century Arms versions of both. My FAL started life off as a Rhodesian contract gun. In terms of accuracy and comfort of shooting I love the FAL, but I'm pretty ambivalent about the CETME. I guess if I were in some seriously soupy combat situations I'd now want the CETME but otherwise I'd feel better served by the FAL.

[@TonberryShuffle]

Having shot and handled both rifles (owning one of the two) I've always preferred the G3/CETME to the FAL. I actually made my longest range shot ever using my G3 clone at 1200 yards on a metal gong. I will say I wasn't a fan of the way it crimped my brass.

[@MauDaFaca]

its allways a pleasure to see my old faithfull G3 doing great

[@petter5721]

I have used the G3 (AK4) in Sweden during -35 C in winter and it works well👍🏻

[@richardzippler3330]

You guys have changed gun design forever your contribution is every designer from now on will account for mud in their design

[@AdamJardim]

Used it in the Portuguese Army! Not the best, but realible! Mud? Sad? No problem! remove the mag, clear the problem and it runs like clockwork! lol If it had a dust cover in the rifle... In Portugal, the army is doing trials for a new rifle, but...its hard to find a reliable weapon system that works like the G3... the HK 416 is a possibility...

[@xisotopex]

nice german camo smock and feldmutze

[@theblitz6794]

I think they're a little harsh saying the G3 here failed. Its not done, it's merely bolt action. You might be in a bad spot but you're still shooting. Not to mention after a mag or so it would be back to working properly.

[@cre8ivecat23]

Congratulations, you’ve successfully turned your g3 into a Mosin-Nagant

[@tobiasburen8340]

Besser als ich erwartet habe. Bei uns waren die G3 öfter mal fest vom Sand im Übungsgelände. Nice Test!

[@dodge666uwe]

Tobias Buren: das lag garantiert an der Übungsmunition, die hat nicht genügend Rückschlag, weswegen ja auch ein anderer Mündungsfeuerdämpfer aufgesetzt wurde. (MPG = Manöverpatronengerät)

[@WhitonErikson]

You should try mud testing the SCAR 17 or SCAR 16. It'd be interesting to see how a modern rifle runs that isn't as sealed as the AR-15 but is used by the special forces.

[@boscoey]

very interesting, thank you guys. hope to see some more g3/ptr ... tests

[@kapitan762x54R]

I like it when mud converts automatic or semi-automatic rifles into bolt-action ones.

[@Sssaaatttuuurrrnnn]

Dropping a G3 in the mud turns it into a bolt action rifle, for approximately two magazines. Good to know!

[@ThomasRonnberg]

You guys should do a funny/mock 1980s m16 propaganda video comparing it to all these other guns..

[@callhoonrepublican]

I have the same gun...This video pleases me immensely

[@fmj308win]

This series has blown my mine. Results were not at all what I expected. My world has been turn upside down.

[@Schmidt54]

Isn't it originally derived from the Sturmgewehr 45 (Gerät 06) prototype?

[@evanasche8882]

Looking to have a PTR 91 as a trunk gun and wanting to validate reliability and functionality. This video helps

[@jorgec.a3123]

The CETME takes so little credit it's sad, it's always about the G3

[@manolosinsucarro5290]

Como?? En spanish plis

[@simlucien]

"Now it's California compliant!" It's funny because this state is ridiculous. Great video!

[@diltzm]

Any chance of getting a mud test of a BAR?

[@TheZansibar]

For as long as its not cocked (since its an open bolt gun) it will probably perform outstandingly

[@captainslut.1650]

It hurts my heart to see such an expensive gun get wrecked in the mud like that.

[@556poor7]

Great video I have a C308 and have to say it's a stout gun and well built.

[@nicholasmaugeri759]

Wow I was honestly expecting better on this....Very informative

[@buliwyf3236]

I have had both in the past, DSA and HK 93 and sold them off. Now I can't afford to get my HK replaced but I do have 2 PTR 91's. They are just a superior design. The AR did better in the mud, however dont try to submerge a AR in water and try to fire it without draining it first. HK Wins!

[@garypotyep9397]

The C308 is a fine rifle for the money. For the price that brand-name PTRs are going for right now, it would be foolish to pick one of their rifles up. Thanks for the videos!

[@MrGunman11]

Granted, but you do get more features with the PTR depending on the rifle you pick.

[@HUNTENMASTA1337]

PTR is higher quality, period

[@MrSmith336]

How so?

[@LifeStyle-uh1ns]

Made on proper HK tooling. (PTR pretty much bought the HK G3 'factory' in Portugal I believe and brought all the machines to the US. Buying a PTR is pretty much like buying a HK G3.

[@MrGunman11]

Bang Switch Depending on the rifle you choose, you can either get a bull barrel, paddle mag release, and standard HK style sights. Or if you're into the classic look, you can get their $900 PTR 91 GI with an actual steel lower and a paddle mag release. If you go back and see how Karl struggled to release the mag before the mudd test. Trying to add any of the above to a C308 will bring the price up towards a PTR. And if choosing between a PTR or a Century, I rather have a PTR.

[@MaxSluiman]

I used a fal in the Dutch army and fals are great rifles, when kept clean. I destroyed one fal by forcing it to operate, while it had dry sand. I had to recharge it every single shot. One other fal I destroyed by forcing it to run on full auto for 4 mags and then putting it in wet grass.

[@MilsurpWorld]

I'd like to see some type of ranking eventually. I'm starting to lose track of how well each one performed.

[@7SlotRover]

Seeing this makes me feel solid about my ptr buy today

[@zed-xr4353]

Looking forward to the AR-15 mud test where it totally chokes.... oh wait.

[@snakeeyes941]

I'm curious how well a proper PTR-91 would do in the test in comparison to the C308, it'd definitely be easier to remove those magazines since it has a paddle release.

[@JR9979]

you guys need to add another stage to these mud tests. a soldier in the field has a canteen of water on him for the most part, if the weapon will not run then use the contents of the canteen to see if the quick wash will get it working again.field expedient weapon cleaning device haha.

[@ss5606]

It's a great battle rifle, i have served 9 months with this gun.

[@nuclearpuker7504]

3:21 As Karl pointed out there wasn't mud more towards the charging handle, could that be a issue or is it sealed enough?

[@crashandburnbirner]

it would be an issue

[@markshul03]

I don't see it being much of one. Its just a hollow cocking tube. The mud would have to get in all the right places to hold the gun out of battery that I don't see being much harder to clear out than what was already doing it. It not going to be any worse than mud caking in around the FAL's piston system under the hand guard.

[@crashandburnbirner]

mark shuler I just think you would be unable to charge it if the tube got full of crap.

[@markshul03]

***** There is no empty part of the tube. The cocking handle and carrier takes up almost all of the space. The only real way mud could get in would be from the space left by the carrier when it reciprocates. But even then mud would be hard pressed to get in enough to cause a problem.

[@fatalvenomX]

mark shuler plus lots of unused space for the mud that get in to make its home in. Meaning not getting in the way of the bolt.

[@trancamortal]

Very nice test, comparison and conclusions. However,if my memory serves me well, when you did the AUG test you were careful to put mud in the charging handle's slot and that was what killed it. You haven't done this test the same way.

[@KJRUSS0]

IWI Tavor, Beretta 92fs, Sig p226, HKp7, or Kel Tec Sub2000. I wouldn't mind seeing how a few revolvers hold up to the mud tests as well.

[@ooloncaluphid]

Novel approach to applying an FDE finish. Perfect camouflage for the region.

[@monkeywidagun3562]

do a top 5 of the best guns to pass the mud test

[@troy9477]

I definitely want a CETME/G3 like that- when i move to a free state :( I would probably get black furniture, or green maybe, to be different. I find the mechanism interesting

[@theduke7539]

Just picked up one of these today with classic wood furniture, cant wait to dunk it in a wheelbarrow of mud

[@Plata-ori-plumbu]

I've got both the DS Arms FAL and the Century C308, both new. I paid less than half the price of the FAL for my C308 and I'd GTW with it any day over my FAL. It just so happens.

[@martinlag3234]

Love your videos and mud tests! 😃👍

[@alexander101202]

5:00 that is an norwegian soldier before we adapted the HK 416

[@jakeharris1357]

Very informative and simple, thank you. Im just waitin till I'm back in Texas then I intend to pick one of these up, gonna make it my new hog rifle.

[@trigger5.563]

I also think the delayed blowback has tighter fit so the grit affects it a bit more

[@mr.slowcarfast4802]

Just out of curiosity, do you guys think getting a little bit of mud out of the action by simply swyping your finger over the bolt (like you would propably if you didn't have to return fire immediatly) would make much of a difference? I guess reducing the amount of mud on the bolt would improve the chance of the gun cycling significantly since there is less material slowing the bolt down. Sure it would defeat the purpose and comparability of the test, but it would be interesting to see if such little action would return the rifle to a working order.

[@kasperlindstrom9990]

FNC & R700 would be neat to see get personal with the mud.

[@Slipvayne1908]

you took "outside voice" to the next level dude

[@thehosergunguy4898]

Could you guys test an sks? That would be cool!

[@crazyfvck]

+The Hoser Gun Guy I would like to see that too. However, I suspect it would be very similar to the VZ58.. Milled receiver rifle with an open top. And it has the same locking system as the FAL shown in this video. The gap between the bolt carrier and bolt is also exposed in the ejection port cutout. Mud would probably get in there without issue, and cause problems. That being said, I love my Yugo SKS, and I wouldn't throw it out if it failed their test :)

[@thehosergunguy4898]

crazyfvck I agree! I am just impressed that any rifle can survive that lol.

[@christiankirkenes5922]

I miss my g3 :(

[@paulpreu6708]

Very nice these mud test videos. It would be great to see a how a G36 performes when quenched in mud.

[@MusicMan642]

Seems that a dust cover would be a much welcomed solution to this problem on the G3

[@johnmagill9496]

It looks like most of the problems would be solved by first removing the mag, then open the action to clear it. Then either shake out the mag or put in another mag. It may be a little time consuming, but far less time consuming than having to motar that rifle between every shot.

[@Thickolas556]

8:20 "if I put another mag in this right now it's ready to run" but you can't because you can't remove the magazine sooo...

[@dodge666uwe]

+Nick Clayton: Yeah, so a stupid idiot, who has trained him at this rifle? His Grandma? At "Gernan Bundeswehr" we trained at the G3 so long time till we could re- and assembly it blind! Including the delayed rollerblock! I never had problems to change the mag. Ridicolous that these guys need to prostitute themselves here and then failed so much...

[@LivetoshootNC]

More good content. Great channel guys.

[@ZAKW42]

I'm pretty familiar with Tucson mud, gives me a thought: what if you let the mud dry before firing? just for giggles.

[@smoggmage]

I gave you a thumbs up just because I thought about what it's like to clean this....

[@jshaw1503]

smoggmage I gave you a thumbs up because I thought about what it's like to type this.

[@ICEMANinHD]

THAT is the G3 robustness I remember firing 10K rounds with. To properly screw it: put mud in the rail opening on the left side where the charging handle runs.

[@misterdipster4241]

Exactly!

[@misterdipster4241]

Exactly!

[@fdsdh1]

after the K98 test I half expected this to be put into a box or something

[@lolwutyoumad]

Most of the "malfunctions" seem to be due to the operator using cheap underpowered 7.62x51 that is made for gas system battle rifles. You can tell by the weak ejection pattern that the ammo is clearly underpowered for the G3 system as full powered .308/7.62x51 will throw the brass forward and far out several meters

[@InrangeTv]

+lolwutyoumad I was using military surplus 147 grain Hirtenberger. You know, the underpowered stuff that the military uses in their G3s? ~Karl

[@lolwutyoumad]

Funny you mentioned that since PTR specifically lists surplus Hirtenberger as a problem ammo with their rifles. So yes, underpowered ammo is a problem if the blowback isn't strong enough to cycle the heavy G3 bolt ( I had similar issues with Mexican Aguilla).If you try Monarch .308 that you buy from Academy for 9 bucks a box, you will be able to tell the difference in recoil, (proper) ejection pattern and a world of difference in reliability. Not trying to be mean or anything, just a few things I learned with my own PTR

[@MasterTaters]

Karl can you redo this test with some hotter ammo? I really want see the g3 stomp everything else really bad.

[@deanyilmaz8090]

InRangeTV He does make a fair point, could you please redo the G3 again?

[@MrVolodus]

When I am shooting 7,62x54R military surplus, they are much much weaker then new stuff in terms of recoil. With new ammo my FAL throws brass 3 meters to the front from prone position with gas port open to 1/2. Could it be that surplus ammo is "expired"?

[@hambone950]

love this page y'all seem to do the right mud test everyone likes to paint some mud or dirt on the gun then wipe it off!!

[@drmaudio]

C-308 is seeming like a better and better deal. Affordable rifle, $3 mags, and very reliable.

[@fredthegonzalo]

I know this is an old video but my cetme won’t return to battery after the first round is fired and ejected, it loads the next round but won’t fully return to battery. what might be the problem?

[@TroopperFoFo]

Steyr M95 mud test maybe eventually?

[@RobotUnicornZombie]

“Hey, it’s California compliant now” Comedy gold

[@paulsmecker2778]

Thanks guys

[@ThomasBrucefye]

Ejects into orbit, lol. Interesting observation about the locking mechanisms.

[@josephfarrah579]

4 years ago Carl enjoyed a rifle that sat well on a wheel barrow. In 2020 he still points it out. Will it continue through 2024?! We shall see.

[@Swindle1984]

I'd like to point out that of course you can work the charging handle on the G3; the charging handle is up on the handguard, where no mud was poured. The charging handle on the FAL is on the receiver, where mud was directly poured. There was also no attempt to dial up the gas on the FAL to see if that improved reliability; it MIGHT have blown out whatever mud was in there and added more force to the bolt cycling. Don't know that that would fix the failure to go into battery however. Otherwise, perfectly valid results.

[@InrangeTv]

We missed the charging handle by accident, honestly. We intentionally made sure to put filth into the same location on the later CETME-L test. ~Karl

[@hakjobtm7472]

has a cetme doesnt do the thing that they're known for _slap the bolt handle you heathen_

[@brendanh8978]

If I had to "got to war" with either rifle, I'd tape up the ejection port and maybe around the trigger and any other openings. Seems like it would be worth the effort to keep the reliability edge for when you really need it.

[@tcrevels]

Nice vid, keep em coming!

[@gewamser]

I'm not partial to any torture tests. Unless it is one I am specifically interested in, such as rifles under arctic conditions. But it's cool if you enjoy it...do it. I don't care for the people shooting a nice AR or AK till it melts down either. The SIG "over the beach test" video for the 516 was pretty good. I can tell you from personal experience that very old, abused and well worn FAL's and G3's in service for over 30 years, with African Park Rangers, still work, and work well. With almost no parts needing replacement. :)

[@nemo._.nobody]

I'm not surprised, the Portuguese army as been using the G3 since the 50/60.... With great results during the colonial war from 61 to 75. There were also some FAL's in service, but they got replaced by the G3. They did not resist the diversified climates of the colonies, they could not stand the dust or the mud, a simple "walk" in a rice field or the crossing of the crude swamps of Guinea condemned the FAL almost immediately. Interestingly and ironically, the Portuguese G3 will be replaced as a standard weapon by the Scar of FN, the same that manufactures the FAL, rather than the 416 of HK, the same that manufactures the G3 (the Portuguese G3 were nevertheless manufactured in Portugal under license ). Sorry my bad English ^^

[@Descorath]

That g3 seemed very hard to cock even before the mud test. Can't say I remember it being that sticky at all (though, norwegian version has an all metal cocking handle)

[@MediumTim]

"It's California compliant now!" LMFAO

[@BakedKipling]

Great video

[@dannyboy4805]

Good video indeed. This is why the portuguese marines refused to replace the HK91 G3 in use for decades to a new FN Scar as the army did. They just modernized the HK with a new scope and the with Sphur stock.

[@recondo886]

the 80s HK91 advertisement had a man with the rifle coming out of a body of water. No Compromise.