Century Arms CA-3: Rebuilt G3 Goodness

Zac K
by Zac K

Who wants an affordable G3? Everybody, right? The Heckler & Koch-built battle rifle is a classic weapon of the Cold War, and now, Century Arms has its own take on the formula with its new CA-3.


Century Arms @ TFB:


The sorta-new CA-3


It’s not exactly correct to call the CA-3 new, because it’s made from a combination of new and old parts. Officially, Century Arms says it’s a “military surplus sourced G3 with a lot of original features and a configuration enthusiasts have grown to love.” It’s actually assembled by PTR, who specializes in roller-delayed firearm designs—see all the fun stuff they make here.


In this case, Century is recycling the G3’s original fixed stock, forend, adjustable front sight, rotary aperture rear sight, trigger group, bolt and bolt carrier. They also included the original trigger group, but modified it to keep the good people at the ATF happy.

The new parts, from PTR, include a made-in-America trunnion, barrel, flash hider, stamped receiver, hammer, sear and charging handle.


Of course, the rifle comes chambered in 7.62x51 NATO; it ships with a single 20-round mag. Like all Cold War battle rifles, it’s a hefty piece of firepower, weighing in at 9.5 pounds and with an overall length of 40.5 inches. But if you’re going to rip off a dozen rounds of .308-level firepower, that weight doesn’t seem quite so bad.


The barrel itself is a chromoly 4150 18-inch unit, with 5/8x24 threads, a birdcage-style flash hider and a 1:10 right-hand twist.

If you want to add a scope, you’ll have to get a claw mount, as these are fairly accurate repros of military small arms made before optics became standard.


The asking price is a $999.99 MSRP. Find more info (but alas, no more photos at this point!) at Century’s website here.


Zac K
Zac K

Professional hoser with fudd-ish leanings.

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 3 comments
  • Wolf953 Wolf953 on Aug 28, 2024

    Hey guys, long time TFB TV watcher and fan.

    I have been over the course of the last year or so been working here on the profile and chamber programs for these Century and our own PTR barrels to be as squared concentric to .001-.004" in length as possible.

    I hope everyone is at least happy with if not impressed with them, I know realistically some won't be but you can't please everyone... I hope everyone has a good day, keep your powder and your socks dry...

    • BeoBear BeoBear on Aug 28, 2024

      If I had the budget I'd buy one in a heartbeat. I guess I'll have to settle for being happy for those who can afford them. Thanks to all the folks who helped bring these beauties to market.


  • Heat is still overrated Heat is still overrated on Aug 28, 2024

    “Century arms” and “goodness” don’t belong in the same description.

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