CETME L, LC, LV

MANUAL
VER. 1.0
 MarColMar Firearms LLC proudly uses
CERAKOTE on its CETME L, LC, and LV firearms:

MarColMar CETME Model L, LC, LV Manual

Copyright 12/10/2018
All Rights Reserved

Manual may be found online at: www.marcolmarfirearms.com

 *** IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE ***

BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR CETME L, LC or LV, YOU MUST READ AND
UNDERSTAND THIS MANUAL! Owning a firearm brings with it a lot of
responsibility for your own safety, and the safety of others… SO READ THE
MANUAL AND FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE FIREARM’S OPERATION
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE IT.

SHOOTING IS AN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITY - FIREARMS CAN

CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE IF YOU ARE
NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE OPERATION AND FEATURES OF YOUR
FIREARM, OR IF THEY ARE HANDLED IN AN UNSAFE MANNER. BY
SHOOTING THIS FIREARM THE OPERATOR ASSUMES FULL
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS, THE ACTIONS OF OTHERS
ALLOWED TO USE, THOSE WHO GAIN ACCESS TO THE FIREARM, AND THE
SAFETY OF OTHERS WHO MAY BE UNAWARE OF THE SHOOTING ACTIVITY.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERYONE, WHEN YOU SHOOT.

PREVENT ACCESS TO THIS FIREARM BY CHILDREN AND/OR

UNAUTHORIZED PARTIES! KEEP IT LOCKED AWAY AND UNLOADED WHEN
NOT IN USE. ALWAYS USE THE CABLE LOCK WHEN STORED, AND KEEP
AMMO AND MAGAZINES STORED SEPARATELY AND AWAY FROM THE
FIREARM! SEVERE PENALTIES EXIST IF A CHILD OR ANOTHER PERSON
OBTAINS AND IMPROPERLY USES A FIREARM, YOU MAY BE HELD
FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE, AND EVEN BE SENT TO PRISON.

WE RECOMMEND ONLY NEW, FRESH COMMERICAL / BRASS CASED

AMMUNITION BE USED IN THIS FIREARM. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR
DAMAGE OR INJURY AS A RESULT OF USING FAULTY, NON-STANDARD,
RELOADED, OR REMANUFACTURED AMMUNITION. ALWAYS ENSURE THE
GUN IS POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, ESPECIALLY BEFORE LOADING!

DO NOT MODIFY OR CHANGE THIS FIREARM. ITS SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN

DESIGNED TO BE SAFELY USED BY THE OPERATOR. WE ARE NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY DUE TO ANY MODIFICATION
OR CHANGE MADE BY THE OWNER OR USER.

MARCOLMAR FIREARMS LLC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS,

INJURIES, DAMAGE OR DEATH RELATED TO UNSAFE HANDLING,
IMPROPER ACTIONS, UNFAMILIAR OPERATION, IMPROPER BACKSTOP,
FAULTY AMMUNITION, OR WORN COMPONENTS. DON’T TAKE RISKS –
THOROUGHLY FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE FIREARM AND ITS
FEATURES. IF YOU ARE UNSURE – STOP – MAKE THE FIREARM SAFE – AND
CONSULT THE MANUAL OR CONTACT US!

REMEMBER – DON’T RELY ON MECHANICAL SAFETIES – TREAT EVERY

GUN AS IF IT IS LOADED AT ALL TIMES! THOROUGHLY CLEAR / UNLOAD
ANY GUN THAT IS NOT TO BE IMMEDIATELY FIRED!! 1
 SAFETY:

Safety is EVERYONE’S responsibility. We want to ensure that you, your CETME L,

and anyone who may be close while firing, or around the gun while stored, are always
safe. DON’T GIVE THE ANTI-GUNNERS ANYTHING TO TALK ABOUT! Ensure
the firearm is always secured and follow the NRA’s Rules of Safety:

1. TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT WERE LOADED AT ALL TIMES.

2. ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
3. KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT.
4. ALWAYS CARRY YOUR FIREARM IN A MANNER SO NO ONE WOULD BE
HURT IF YOU STUMBLED OR FELL.
5. BEFORE YOU SHOOT CHECK THE BARREL FOR OBSTRUCTIONS AND
THE ACTION FOR PROPER FUNCTIONING.
6. ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN UNLOADED AND SECURED WITH THE ACTION
LOCK IN PLACE, WHEN NOT IN USE.
7. KNOW YOUR TARGET! DO NOT SHOOT AT UNSAFE TARGETS OR THOSE
THAT COULD POSE A RICHOCHET THREAT.
8. KNOW YOUR BACKSTOP! MAKE SURE IT IS CLEAR AND SAFE AND
THERE ARE NOT PEOPLE OR PROPERTY BEYOND AT RISK.
9. ALWAYS USE HEARING AND EYE PROTECTION.
10. KNOW HOW TO USE THE FIREARM AND MAINTAIN IT. NEVER ALLOW
THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH ITS OPERATION TO USE IT.
11. USE THE CORRECT AMMUNITIION FOR YOUR GUN. USE CLEAN AND
FRESH, FACTORY LOADED, BRASS CASED AMMUNITION OF THE
CORRECT CALIBER AND BULLET WEIGHT (62 OR 55 GRAIN 5.56
OR .223).
12. NEVER PASS A LOADED FIREARM TO ANOTHER PERSON. ENSURE THE
FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND THE ACTION IS OPEN AND SAFE.
13. NEVER USE ALCOHOL, ILLEGAL DRUGS, OR OVER-THE-COUNTER
DRUGS BEFORE OR WHILE SHOOTING!
14. STORE THE FIREARM SECURELY SO THAT IT IS NOT AVAILABLE TO
UNAUTORHIZED PERSONS – ESPECIALLY CHILDREN! NEVER STORE
THE AMMUNITION WITH THE GUN – PLACE AMMUNITION IN SECURE
STORAGE AS WELL. USE THE PROVIDED ACTION LOCK WHEN
STORED.
15. NEVER STORE THE FIREARM LOADED! WHEN SHOOTING IS
COMPLETE, UNLOAD THE FIREARM BEFORE TRANSPORT AND
STORAGE.
16. DON’T RELY ON YOUR FIREARMS SAFETY MECHANISM. HANDLE
EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT WILL GO OFF AT ANY TIME – EVEN WITHOUT
THE TRIGGER BEING PULLED.
17. DO NOT ALTER OR MODIFY THIS GUN IN ANY WAY. IF YOU ARE HAVING
PROBLEMS CONTACT US DIRECTLY. ALTERING OR MODIFYING THIS
FIREARM VOIDS THE WARRANTY AND MAY CAUSE UNSAFE
CONDITIONS OR EVEN DEATH.
18. HAVE YOUR FIREARM OCCASIONALLY INSPECTED BY A COMPETENT

2
 GUNSMITH TO ENSURE IT IS STILL IN GOOD RUNNING CONDITION.
19. IF THE FIREARM FAILS TO FIRE WHEN THE TRIGGER IS PULLED – BE
EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS! KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE
DIRECTION IN CASE THE FIREARM DOES DISCHARGE AND WAIT AT
LEAST 30 SECONDS TO ENSURE THAT IT IS NOT A DELAYED IGNITION
CARTRIDGE. AFTER 30 SECONDS CAREFULLY REMOVE THE
MAGAZINE, AND RETRACT THE BOLT TO UNLOAD THE FIREARM, AND
SAFELY DISPOSE OF THE ROUND. CHECK THE BARREL TO ENSURE
IT DOES NOT HAVE AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IN IT.
20. DO NOT ALLOW THE FIREARM TO BUILD UP EXCESSIVE HEAT BY
RAPID AND CONTINUOUS SHOOTING. DOING SO MAY ALLOW THE
FIREARM TO HEAT TO THE POINT THAT ROUNDS BEGIN TO “COOK
OFF” IN THE ACTION. THIS CONDITION WILL ALLOW THE ROUND TO
FIRE WITHOUT THE OPERATOR PRESSING THE TRIGGER. IT MAY
ALSO CAUSE PREMATURE BARREL WEAR AND DAMAGE.
PERIODICALLY ALLOW THE FIREARM TO TOTALLY COOL BEFORE
CONTINUING TO SHOOT.

WARNING: SHOOTING FIREARMS IN POORLY VENTILATED AREAS,

CLEANING THEM, AND HANDLING AMMUNITION, MAY RESULT IN
EXPOSURE TO LEAD AND OTHER SUBSTANCES KNOWN TO CAUSE
BIRTH DEFECTS, REPRODUCTIVE HARM, AND OTHER SERIOUS
INJURIES. ALWAYS ENSURE YOU HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION
WHEN SHOOTING AND CLEANING YOUR FIREARM. ALWAYS WASH
YOUR HANDS WHEN YOU ARE THROUGH SHOOTING AND CLEANING
YOU FIREARM, AND AFTER HANDLING AMMUNITION.

YOUR PURCHASE AND SUBSEQUENT USE OF THIS FIREARM

DEMONSTRATES YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND AGREEMENT WITH
THE PRECEDING STATEMENTS, AND YOUR PERSONAL ACCEPTANCE
OF ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS FIREARM AND ITS USE.

3
 CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PURCHASE OF THE CETME L!

We hope that this run of CETME L’s will be one of the highlights of your military
firearms collection. MarColMar Firearms LLC has taken great care to ensure the
quality of its design, construction and production. We know you’ll be pleased to own,
display, and shoot the CETME L. While this manual uses the designation CETME
L, everything in the manual is equally applicable to the CETME LC, and LV.

Just like its original full-auto cousin, the PATENT-PENDING Semi-Auto CETME L
design was developed to be robust, simple, and easy to maintain. The CETME L was
the only roller-locked military firearm for the individual solider, specifically designed
to fire the 5.56 / .223 cartridge, unlike the HK33 series that was based on the size
of the original CETME C / G3’s 7.62x51 receiver. We wanted this semi-auto copy
to be as true to the original as possible, and be virtually indistinguishable from its full
auto cousin. We believe that this has been achieved. Our initial production models
have been extensively torture tested, with over 10,000 test rounds fired and
counting.

THE CETME L, LC, LV PACKAGE:

You received the following in your semi-auto CETME L package:

1) Semi-auto CETME L, LC, or LV

2) 30 round STANAG magazine (where allowed by law)
3) Semi-Auto Manual for the CETME L
4) Translated Spanish CETME L manual
5) Action Lock
6) Brothers & Arms Oil
7) Custom Shipping Box

CETME L SPECIFICATIONS:

Your CETME L has been designed to be as faithful to the original as possible, but
MarColMar has incorporated as many improvements in manufacturing (ex. our
robotic welding station), and materials (ex. nitride, hammer-forged barrels) to
improve the quality and reliability of the firearm. Below are the specifications of your
new semi-auto CETME L, and if applicable, any changes that were made to the
original design:

Ammunition: 5.56 / .223 Brass-cased SAAMI Spec.

Receiver: Laser cut blank, 4 station progressive die, 600 ton

pressed, robotic welded, modified for STANAG magazine feed
geometry

Barrel: 16”, 1 in 7 twist, hammer-forged, nitride, fluted to original CETME

specs, chamfered feed ramp / CETME LC length 12.6"

Magazine: STANAG AR-15/M-16 magazines

Rear Sight: Short range aperture I.D. increased for ease of vision and target
tracking; sight adjustment dial changed to allow easier disassembly
4
Length: As original: 37.5 inches, 26.2" LC Stock Collapsed

Width: As original: 2.25 inches

Weight: 7.5 lbs. +/-

Furniture: Nylon 66 molded in color, not polypropylene so much more resistant

to UV, temperature extremes, and no degradation over time

Springs: All spring strengths upgraded for better reliability, Chrome Silicon
used for extractor spring to Increase life and heat resistance

Finish: Cerakote - by Certified Installer onsite

CETME L HISTORY:

CETME, or the Centro de Estudios Técnicos de Materiales Especiales was

established in Spain just after World War II. Its primary goal was to understand the
use and development of small arms in WWII, and use this information to develop new
arms for the Spanish military.
They made great use of former
German weapons developers
and their wartime designs,
especially those from Mauser.

One of these individuals was

Ludwig Vorgrimmler, who along
with other former Mauser
employees, moved to Spain to
continue their work at the end of
the war. Their designs continued
to follow the direction of the
Mauser factory by utilizing the
delayed blowback, roller-locking system of operation.

Their first rifle, the CETME 58/64/C, was officially adopted by Spain 1957. Originally
designed for the German Sturmgewehr round, the 7.92x33 Kurz, it was then
redesigned for the reduced power 7.62x51mm CETME, and finally chambered in the
familiar 7.62x51mm that NATO
had adopted. This rifle utilized
the delayed blowback, roller-
locking system. The CETME
Modelo 58 was a great
success, and was even
subsequently licensed to
Germany for their military use,
designated the G3; for U.S. shooters and collectors this became better known as the
HK91 series of semi-auto rifles.

In what to this day is still a hotly disputed move, in the late 60’s and early 70’s, NATO
began to push its member countries to move toward the 5.56 round. The United
States of course, moved to the M-16 platform. Heckler & Koch saw an opportunity
to sell new 5.56 firearms to NATO countries, so they based their new 5.56 weapon 5
 on the tried and true G3
platform. Starting with the G3
receiver, they simply shortened
the G3’s receiver and magazine
well to fit the 5.56 round in their
new HK33 model. They
eventually did the same thing
with the development of the
MP5, shortening the receiver yet again for the 9mm, and .40. A marginal success,
it never saw widespread military adoption.

While there are other subtle changes between the designs (ejectors, hammers, etc.),
the basis of the design of
the HK33 and MP5 is still
the G3; this is aptly
demonstrated by the fact
that the G3 bolt will fit into
an HK33 and MP5
receiver.

Spain did not join NATO

until May of 1982.
Although they were still
fielding the CETME C,
they took note of the
move to smaller calibers
by militaries throughout
the world, and had started research on a new weapon in the 1970s. However, with
their impending membership in NATO, by the early 1980’s, this effort dramatically
increased in priority. CETME decided to design a totally new firearm instead of using
the CETME Model C receiver as its starting platform. The result was the CETME
Model L - the first and only roller-locking firearm designed specifically for the
5.56 / .223 round from the ground up.

Trials began in 1981-2, and the

design was finally approved for
production in 1984. The rifle was
produced by the Empresa
Nacional Santa Bárbara factory
(or Santa Bárbara Sistemas) and
initial deliveries began in 1987.
While reports state that the
Spanish military ordered about
60,000 rifles, it is believed that
only approximately 50,000 were
built.

Since the CETME L began with a

clean slate, the receiver is much
narrower, and the bolt and carrier
are much smaller vs. the HK33
system. The net effect of
6
 designing the gun for the 5.56/.223
round from its start, is a much thinner,
and arguably quicker handling rifle
than the HK33, and with much less felt
recoil due to its lighter reciprocating
mass. This is very easy to see when
the CETME L is disassembled. The
bolt, carrier, and rollers are all much
smaller in relation to its German
cousin.

The initial CETME L had a longer

handguard and a protected rear sight
with a familiar diopter setup like HK 9X
series rifles (seen in the series picture
below). However, these were
dropped quickly after fielding the
guns. The handguard tended to get
very hot during firing, and the rear
sight was deemed too expensive and
hard to adjust for windage. The
updated CETME L has the now
familiar shorter handguard with the
exposed heat shield, allowing
increased air flow for cooling, and
the 200m and 400m two leaf rear
sights.

The CETME L also saw its share of

variants while in service with the
Spanish military. The first, the
CETME LC, was fielded in at least
two barrel lengths, the standard
“commando” configuration had a
12.6” barrel and a collapsible stock.
There is also a “paratrooper”
version of the LC, which retained
the collapsible stock, but had the
CETME L’s longer 16” barrel. Due
to the collapsible stock, both
versions of the LC have a different
mainspring assembly than the
CETME L which does not have a
buffer spring.

In addition, the CETME LV was

fielded, and was given to
designated marksmen – although
reports from ex-Spanish military
personnel maintain that they rarely
if ever saw them in the field.

7
 The LV was fielded in at least two
models or variants, being
differentiated by their rear sight setup.
Two scopes were offered, and seem
to the determining factor for the type of
scope setup on the receiver, the
domestically produced ENOSA, and
the British SUSAT. In addition, a night
vision scope was offered, which could
be mounted to either sight base. Both
sight bases accepted standard
STANAG scopes.

There were also ENOSA scopes with

quick detachable mounts that were
fitted to standard CETME L rear
sights.

The only area of major combat the

CETME L saw during its time in
service, was during the Gulf War,
when the Spanish served with
Coalition troops in Kuwait.
Information gathered from ex-
Spanish military during our
development, demonstrates that the
troops generally liked the rifle and it
was employed to great effect where ever they saw action. They liked that it was
small, quick handling, and was generally reliable.

However, some troops did have issues. Most did NOT like the magazines that were
issued with the rifle, as well as the ammunition (see the information in the Magazine
section of this manual), which were the cause of most of the issues experienced with
the CETME L.

8
The CETME continued
to serve with the
Spanish military until
1999, when it was
largely replaced by a
license-built variant of
the HK G36E, due to
reportedly aggressive
pricing by HK. CETME
L’s continue to be used
by Police and are in
stock with Reserve
Units to this day.

When Spain decided to

surplus its CETME L’s,
we were the lucky beneficiary of the sale. The CETME L will likely be the most
modern military arm to be sold as surplus en masse to the market, due to draconian
EU and UN sponsored rules for weapons parts sales.

The CETME L’s history as a semi-auto rifle for the U.S. Market is now just beginning.
Over the course of two years, and two million dollars, MarColMar Firearms has
worked to bring this firearm to the collectors and shooters of the USA. While we
made every effort to be as faithful to the original as possible, where ever there was
an opportunity to increase quality, reliability, and functionality with newer materials
and production methods, we did so. Through extensive high-speed photography
and analysis of the CETME L’s timing and bolt velocities, we were able to add to
its reliability and functionality, in order to ensure you have the best rifle we can
possibly provide. Thank you for purchasing our CETME L, and we hope you will
safely enjoy it, and that it will be proud to addition to your collection. REMEMBER
to stay ever vigilant and guard our freedoms for not only you, but future generations.

9
 AMMUNITION:

The MarColMar CETME L has been designed for SAAMI Spec. 5.56 / .223
ammunition. With its 1 in 7” barrel twist, 62 grain bullets are preferred, but 55 grain
can be used as well. We recommend only brass-cased, copper-jacketed
ammunition be used for the CETME L. NEVER use lacquered steel case ammunition
as the laquer can flow and fill the barrel flutes.

You may notice that lower power ammunition will tend to make spent cartridges eject
in wider patterns, and closer to the shooter, than hotter makes of ammunition, which
will tend to be ejected much farther and in a more consistent pattern.

For warranty purposes, the barrel and the extractor / extractor spring are normal wear
items, as with any other firearm. MarColMar does not warranty barrel or extractor
wear.

IMPORTANT BREAK-IN INFORMATION:

It is not unusual for firearms to need a break-in period after manufacture. While milled
firearms require more rounds, stamped guns also require a short period of break-in.
Each CETME L is test-fired at our facility to ensure proper operation, extraction, and
ejection. We suggest that you only use high-quality, brass-cased, copper-jacketed
ammunition for all shooting sessions, as well as new high-quality STANAG AR-15/
M-16 magazines.

You may encounter a few failures to feed, or eject during an initial period. If such an
issue persists, check your magazines and ammunition first. This is generally the
issue with any functioning problems. If this does not cure the problem, ensure that
the rifle has sufficient lubrication. If there is still a problem, contact us at MarColMar.

PARTS:

Your Semi-Auto CETME L was made utilizing good to excellent condition CETME L
parts secured from the Spanish military, as well as new U.S. made parts. As these
surplus parts were good to excellent military surplus kits, they did exhibit finish wear
and use. MarColMar inspected each kit, and all the parts to ensure their use in the
new rifle would be acceptable.

Bear in mind however, this is NOT a high-grade Browning or Beretta hunting rifle, but
a collectible military firearm that had been through arsenal inspection and possibly
even rebuilds over time. However, every effort was made to ensure the quality and
consistency of each build, despite using surplus parts. This allows the best CETME
L to be made available at the lowest price for you the shooter and collector.

FINISH:

MarColMar has gone to great lengths to provide the

highest quality of finish for the CETME L, working
directly with Cerakote and installing a commercial
oven and cross-draft paint booth to ensure consistent
quality. As with the originals, MarColMar paint fills the
markings on the receiver. This paint is standard white
10
or black enamel paint, and thus should be protected from gun solvents. While
Cerakote is one of the best finishes on the market, it must still be protected from
abrasion and abrasive surfaces, and should still be oiled to reduce the potential of
corrosion both on the inside and outside of the rifle.

922(r) COMPLIANCE:

Title 18 Chapter 44 Section 922(r) of the United States Code, defined further by Title
27 Part 478.39 of the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR), makes illegal the
manufacture and assembly of semi-automatic rifles and shotguns using any more
than 10 imported parts.
Twenty total parts are included in this regulation. We have marked the imported parts
your CETME L uses, this serves to document its compliance with 922r:

(1) Frames, receivers, forgings or stampings U.S. Made

(2) Barrels U.S. Made
(3) Barrel extensions Not Applicable
(4) Mounting blocks (trunnions) Imported
(5) Muzzle attachments Imported
(6) Bolts Imported
(7) Bolt carriers Imported
(8) Operating rods Not Applicable
(9) Gas pistons Not Applicable
(10) Trigger housings U.S. Made
(11) Triggers Imported
(12) Hammers Imported
(13) Sears Imported
(14) Disconnectors Imported
(15) Butt stocks U.S. Made
(16) Pistol grips U.S. Made
(17) Forearms, hand guards U.S. Made
(18) Magazine bodies U.S. Made
(19) Followers U.S. Made
(20) Floorplates U.S. Made

Your CETME L uses only 8 imported parts, putting it well within the limits of 922(r).
Any use of imported parts that take this count above 10, would violate 922(r).

ATF DESIGN APPROVAL:

MarColMar Firearms submitted this design to the ATF Technology Branch, and
received approval for its design as a semi-auto firearm on 11/15/2017. This approval
was received due to our design elements that eliminate the possibility of converting
the CETME L to full-auto operation. These steps include the welding of a blocking
plate inside the receiver, and the removal of the auto-sear from the lower fire-control
assembly. This blocking plate will not allow the installation of an original lower fire-
control assembly. In addition, ATF affirmed the 922(r) imported parts count that is
outlined above.

11
 MAGAZINES:

The original CETME L was issued with a Spanish magazine that utilized a thicker steel
construction, had a different follower design, and had a different feed geometry than
our aluminum STANAG AR-15/M-16 magazines. Unfortunately, this Spanish
magazine was poorly designed, and very inconsistent in its manufacture. These
magazine issues, as well as poor quality control with the Santa Barbara ammo used
during Desert Storm (far too hot), caused the CETME L to have some operational
issues in its combat deployment.

These issues were actually addressed in country by Spanish soldiers who began
picking up discarded M-16 STANAG magazines, or even trading with U.S. Soldiers
for STANAG magazines and U.S. sourced ammunition, which readily addressed the
CETME L’s issues. This became so widespread, Spanish troops were reportedly
threatened with discipline and required to pay for their “lost” magazines, if they were
found using U.S. STANAG magazines and foreign ammunition with their CETME Ls.

MarColMar Firearms understood this issue, and addressed this with the CETME L.
Although STANAG magazines functioned with original CETME Ls, it was not a perfect
solution. Through the use of high-speed video and photography, we analyzed bolt
velocities, different ammunition loads, and magazine feeding, and changed the
magazine angle, feed geometry, and added a barrel chamfer, to better match that of
the STANAG magazine, and aid in smoother loading.

For this reason, we only recommend you use a new or like new milspec STANAG
magazines with your CETME L. For those who are unfamiliar, a STANAG magazine
is constructed of aluminum, with no texture or surface features on the magazine body,
just like the one provided in your package.

A NOTE ON STANAG MAGAZINES: Please note that NOT ALL STANAG

MAGAZINES ARE CREATED EQUAL! Due to the popularity of PMAGS and other
polymer magazimes, many STANAG magazine manufacturers are not maintaining
their dies and thus the cutout that locks the magazine in the firearm, is now out of spec.
This may not be a problem with the AR mag-well due to its design, but the long
magwell and design of the CETME L makes the placement of this feature very
important. We actually tested many new STANAG magazines during development,
and found out-of-spec tolerances from brand new magazines. One manufacturer
when questioned, even admitted to being out of spec. In addition, well used aluminum
STANAG magazines may also have wear in the lockup cutout, which could cause
problems.

For these reasons, we recommend new AR-15/M-16 STANAG magazines be used

with your CETME L, from the same provider we have packaged with your rifle.

Finally, PMAGS and many other polymer magazines will not work with your CETME
L due to the angled mold line that corresponds to the bottom of the AR-15/M-16 mag-
well. If this molding feature is removed, we have successfully used PMAGS in the
CETME L.

If you need magazines, just contact us at MarColMar or go to our website online, and
we’ll have extras for sale.

12
PARTS IDENTIFICATION:

Use the diagram below, to identify the common parts that this manual refers to, in
the overview of the CETME L’s operation:

Charging Handle Bolt Release

Handguard Pin Sling Plate

Sling Swivel
Hammer Pack Pin
Sling Attachment
Trigger

Rear Sight Adjustment Front Sight Adjustment

Buttstock Pin Keepers
Bolt Hold Open

Magazine Release
Buttstock Pins

LOADING THE CETME L:

Loading a STANAG magazine is easy due to its double stack configuration. Simply
place a round on top of the magazine’s feed lips, and press downward, ensuring that
the round is under the lip and fully to the rear.

Just like the military, we do NOT recommend that you load more than 28 rounds in
a 30-round magazine. Based on the magazine’s manufacture, “over-loading” the
magazine can cause feeding and ejection problems, or cause issues with the
magazine securely locking into the rifle.

13
 SAFETY: First place the rifle on SAFE, by simply rotating the Safety Lever up to the
“S” setting on the receiver. NEVER RELY ON THE RIFLE’S SAFETY FOR YOUR
SAFETY. UNLOAD THE GUN WHENEVER YOU ARE NOT ACTIVELY FIRING,
DO NOT STORE IT LOADED OR WITH AMMUNITION.

BOLT: Then pull back on the charging handle, located on the left side, near the front
of the rifle…

While holding the charging handle, press the bolt hold open located on the right side
of the rear sight, to lock the bolt to the rear. Slowly release the charging handle until
you can feel the bolt lock back under pressure from the mainspring and held by the
bolt hold open. Once locked back, NEVER place your hand or fingers inside the
ejection port, as the bolt could come unlocked and cause injury (see the following
pic).

14
Now insert a loaded magazine (with the bullets pointed toward the muzzle) into the
magazine well, and push up until the magazine release locks into the magazine. DO
NOT PUSH TOO HARD, as you could cause the magazine to travel too far into the
mag-well and jam into the receiver. Just push until the magazine lock engages.

BE SURE TO ONLY CHARGE / LOAD THE GUN WITH THE BARREL POINTED
IN A SAFE DIRECTION! SHOULD A SLAM FIRE OCCUR (ROUND FIRES WHEN
LOADING) IMMEDIATELY STOP USING THE GUN AND CONTACT US! IN
ADDITION, SHOULD THE GUN EVER DOUBLE OR RUN AWAY, THIS
INDICATES DAMAGED COMPONENTS! DISCONTINUE USE OF THE GUN
AND CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY!
NOTE: Once the magazine is fully inserted into the gun, you should always use the
bolt release button, on the left side of the rear sight, to load. This will allow the bolt
to close with the full force of the mainspring and buffer spring. Using the charging
handle to allow the bolt to move forward may result in the bolt and carrier not fully
moving forward, and the rollers not fully engaging into the trunnion! (see the
following pic).
15
 FIRING THE CETME L:

Now with the loaded magazine in the rifle, and the bolt fully closed, provided you are
aimed at an appropriate target, with a suitable backstop, you many rotate the safey
lever down to FIRE or "F", take a sight picture, and pull the trigger. You will feel a light
recoil sensation, and see the expended cartridge eject from rifle.

WARNING: EXCESSIVE RAPID FIRING OF THE CETME L WILL CAUSE

PREMATURE BARREL / RIFLING WEAR. The CETME L was designed by the
Spanish to be a lightweight, easily carried and fast-handling rifle. As such the barrel
O.D. is very thin, very much like a pencil barrel AR-15/M-16. We do not recommend
firing more than two back-to-back magazines in rapid succession, without allowing
the barrel time to cool off. As an original machine gun, the CETME L is designed to
be shot in bursts, but continuous rapid fire will negatively affect overall barrel life.

As your rifle wears, you may begin to experience extraction and ejection issues, as
primarily the extractor spring wears (approx. 6k to 8k rounds). If a replaced extractor
spring does not fix the issue, you may also have a worn extractor and/or ejector.
Evidence of wear in these components can be seen when ejected cases fail to fully
clear the ejection port. This is a natural result of firing wear, and is addressed by first
replacing the extractor spring. If that does not address the issue, the extractor and/
or ejector may need to be replaced.

DISASSEMBLY / ASSEMBLY:

STEP 1: REMOVE THE MAGAZINE FULLY FROM THE RIFLE

Press the magazine release, and remove the magazine from the rifle (see the
following pic).

16
STEP 2: PLACE THE RIFLE ON SAFE

Rotate the Safety Selector to SAFE by pushing it up to the “S” position.

STEP 3: SHARPLY PULL BOLT HANDLE TO THE REAR

With force, pull the bolt handle to the rear, to clear any unfired round in the chamber.
You may want to cycle the action several times (see the following pic).

17
 STEP 4: LOCK BOLT TO REAR USING BOLT HOLD OPEN

Press the bolt hold open, on the right side of the rear sight, while holding the charging
handle to the rear. Slowly move the bolt handle forward until you can feel the bolt
hold open catch the bolt and carrier.

STEP 5: INSPECT THE CHAMBER TO ENSURE RIFLE IS UNLOADED

Look into the action to ensure there is no unfired round in the barrel. If you cannot
fully see into the action, use a light to illuminate the chamber. If you see an unfired
round, while keeping the rifle pointed in a safe direction, press the bolt release on the
left side of the rear sight, and allow the bolt to close. Once closed, pull back with force
on the bolt handle to eject the round.

If it still does not come out of the barrel, WITH GREAT CARE continue these steps
to fully break down the gun, and DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE PULL
THE TRIGGER! (see the following pic).
18
STEP 6: PUSH THE BOLT RELEASE TO ALLOW THE BOLT TO
MOVE FORWARD DO NOT PULL THE TRIGGER!

STEP 7: REMOVE THE BUTTSTOCK PINS

Push on both rear pins and remove them from stock.

19
 STEP 8: STORE THE BUTTSTOCK PINS

So you don’t lose the pins, place them in their keepers, on either side of the rear sling
attaching plate. (see the following pic).

STEP 9: PULL BUTTSTOCK AND MAINSPRING TO REAR

Remove the buttstock and mainspring from the rifle.

STEP 10: REMOVE MAINSPRING ASSEMBLY

Remove the mainspring from the buttstock (see the following pic).

20
STEP 11: INSPECT MAINSPRING BUFFER ASSEMBLY

Every time you disassemble, check to ensure that the buffer nut is fully seated on the
rear of the mainspring! If this nut ever begins to come lose, you will notice a sharp
increase in recoil in the CETME L, and eventually stock damage may occur. Always
check to make sure the nut is flush with the end of the shaft. This part should have
LOCTITE® (Blue 242) on it, and remember despite what the internet may say, this IS
NOT AN ADJUSTMENT. Simply ensure the nut and bolt are flush.

NOTE: For the CETME LC there is no buffer spring, simply, make sure the nut is flush
with the end of the guide rod.

STEP 12: PULL BOLT HANDLE TO REAR TO REMOVE BOLT AND CARRIER

With care, gently pull the charging handle to bring the entire bolt and carrier to the rear
for removal from the receiver (see the following pic).
21
 STEP 13: REMOVE BOLT FROM LOCKING PIECE

With your hand, or the help of a screwdriver, as you are looking at the bolt face, rotate
the bolt head counter clockwise, until it releases from the bolt latch.

STEP 14: REMOVE THE LOCKING PIECE

Carefully turn the locking piece until it removes from the bolt latch and carrier.
WARNING: THE FIRING PIN AND FIRING PIN SPRING ARE UNDER PRESSURE
BEHIND THE LOCKING PIECE. TAKE CARE WHEN YOU ARE REMOVING, (see
the following pic).

22
Then remove the firing pin and spring.

STEP 13: (OPTIONAL) REMOVE HANDGUARD PIN

While not required for routine cleaning, you may remove the handguard as well, first
push the pin out of the handguard (see the following pic).

23
 STEP 14: (OPTIONAL) ROTATE SLING SWIVEL FULLY UP

Rotate the sling swivel fully upward so it will clear the handguard.

STEP 15: (OPTIONAL) PUSH HANDGUARD FORWARD AND ROTATE DOWN

TO REMOVE

Push on the rear of the handguard until it will clear the trunnion, then pull down to
remove. (See the following pic).

24
STEP 16: (OPTIONAL) REMOVE HAMMER PACK PIN

If you desire to remove the hammer pack, push the pin out of the front of the pack.
Note that the pin always goes in from the left side!

STEP 17: (OPTIONAL) PULL HAMMER PACK TO REAR

With the pin out, push or pull on the pistol grip toward the rear of the receiver until
it will not move any further. This will align the safety selector hole with the “egg”
shaped hole in the receiver (see the following pic).

25
 STEP 18: (OPTIONAL) ROTATE SAFETY SELECTOR TO FRONT

Now rotate the safety selector through the FIRE position, and forward so the thumb
rest is pointed forward.

STEP 19: (OPTIONAL) PRY SELECTOR UPWARD AND OUT

With your fingers pry up and move the selector back and forth a small amount to
begin to pull it from the hammer pack. There is a fair amount of manipulation
required, especially until the rifle fully breaks in. When the safety selector is
removed, the hammer pack is free of the receiver.

STEP 20: (OPTIONAL) REMOVE HAMMER PACK

Pull the hammer pack down to remove it. With the hammer pack removed, you may
clean and oil it to ensure that it remains in top operating condition (see the following
pic).
26
We do not recommend grease or large amounts of oil. Simply put oil into the areas
that have friction or pivot for operation. Take the time to inspect your hammer spring
as well. We do not recommend any further disassembly of the hammer pack
for routine maintenance.

Several wear items are in the hammer pack. The hammer spring, trigger spring, and
ejector spring are components that will eventually need replacing with wear and use
of the CETME L. This does not indicate a problem, just normal wear-and-tear. If you
experience a failure in the hammer pack, or the need to replace components, get in
touch with us for replacements, and/or repair services.

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND ANY FURTHER DISASSEMBLY OF THE CETME L.

REASSEMBLY:

Reassembly is done by doing the steps above in reverse. However, there are some
helpful hints and needed steps for reassembly:

1) IMPORTANT! When reassembling the rifle, put the bolt and carrier into the
receiver before putting the hammer pack in. If you do not, in order to put the hammer
pack in, you will need to use a tool or your finger to push the hammer down so it clears
the bolt carrier as it is inserted into the receiver. This is due to the ATF's insistence
that all safety sears be removed from military semi-auto conversions.

2) If during reassembly, you find that the rollers are out in the locked position, and
the bolt and carrier will not go back into the receiver, simply take a screwdriver and
rotate the bolt head 90 degrees, pull it forward while pushing the rollers in, and then
rotate it back to its proper orientation (see the following pic).

27
 3) When replacing the hammer pack into the rifle, it is important to ensure the safety
selector is properly seated. After the safety selector has been seated and rotated to
the FIRE position, push down on the safety selector as you push the pack forward
to align the holes for the pin. If you do not, the safety selector may hang up on the
receiver and not allow it to fully move forward and allow the hammer pack pin to go
back in.

4) Like the FAL and Sig 55X series of rifles, the CETME L will mark the ejection port
area with the ejected cartridges. Contrary to popular belief, the ejection port flare is
only there as added protection to keep an odd cartridge from hitting the shooter, not
the side of the receiver. Due to this, if you want to keep your CETME L looking its
best, we recommend you apply black tape or Velcro with adhesive to the area just
below, and just behind the ejection port, whenever you shoot the CETME L (see the
following pic).

28
For additional information on the CETME L, consult the translated Spanish
CETME L manual on the backside of this manual. Inside the translated Spanish
manual is background information you may find interesting and helpful!

CLEANING & LUBRICATION:

Although roller-locking guns are incredibly reliable, they are notoriously dirty after
firing. Make sure the CETME L is thoroughly cleaned after each shooting session!
We recommend using only top-quality cleaning solvents and materials from
reputable manufacturers. Once disassembled the Semi-Auto CETME L is easy to
clean and maintain. Clean all of the components that come in contact with the
residue from firing the gun, these include the barrel, flash hider, bolt carrier, bolt,
rollers, and locking piece. Once cleaned, use a quality solvent like Hoppes #9 or
similar.

The barrel is nitrided, but does need to be thoroughly cleaned. With a roller locking
firearm, it is imperative to make sure the chamber flutes are very clean and free of
any obstruction. We recommend thoroughly cleaning the barrel with a copper brush,
and then a .223 jag and patch, alternating solvent and dry, until the patch comes out
clean.

We recommend that ALL barrel cleaning be done from the rear or chamber end of
the barrel. After disassembly just run the cleaning rod in from the rear of the receiver.
As a final measure, spray the entire firearm with a light coating of oil and wipe with
a dry cloth. This includes the inside of the receiver! After reassembly test the function
of the firearm. If it sounds right and looks right, it probably is!

29
 With your CETME L you received a sample
bottle of Brothers & Arms True Blue oil. We
recommend Brothers and Arms® TRUE
BLUE Gun Oil for our weapons, with its low
coefficient of friction, it has proven
performance in extreme conditions from sub-
zero temperatures to hot and dusty climates.

Ensure that at a minimum the bolt head, bolt

carrier, firing pin, locking piece, and the bolt
rails have lubrication, as well as all surfaces
inside the receiver.

USE OF THE SIGHTS:

NOTE: Everyone sees sights differently. Your CETME L was test fired and
preliminarily sighted during production. However, you may need to adjust the
sights to fit your physiology and shooting style. You may do so by
manipulation of the rear sight for windage, or by adjustment of the front sight
up and down for range.

The rear sights are windage adjustable. To do so, simply use the end of a cartridge
and press the detent in, and move the dial to move the sight. Moving the dial
clockwise (facing the dial) will move the point of impact to the right. Moving the dial
counter-clockwise will move the point of impact to the left.

The front sight is adjustable for range. Moving the front sight clockwise (when looking
down at the front sight) will lower the front sight, and raise the point of impact. Moving
the front sight counter-clockwise will raise the front sight, and lower the point of
impact.
30
The general rule is that the rear sight is moved in the SAME direction you wish to move
the point of impact, while the front sight moves the opposite direction.

You can use a normal M-16 front sight adjustment tool for this. PLEASE NOTE: The
front sight was changed from the original. The detent now interfaces on the bottom
of the front sight, not in its original 4 positions around the outside of the dial. This was
done to allow more precise adjustment, and standardization of the front sight blade.
As a result, the detent does not lock into the four openings in the front sight, they are
just there to accept an adjustment tool.

MALFUNCTIONS AND TROUBLESHOOTING:

In the event of a malfunction or failure to fire, your first priority is to keep the firearm
safe. IF THE FIREARM FAILS TO FIRE WHEN THE TRIGGER IS PULLED – BE
EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS! KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION
IN CASE THE FIREARM DOES DISCHARGE. WAIT AT LEAST 30 SECONDS TO
ENSURE THAT IT IS NOT A HANG FIRE / DELAYED IGNITION OF THE
CARTRIDGE. AFTER 30 SECONDS CAREFULLY OPEN THE ACTION, UNLOAD
THE FIREARM, AND SAFELY DISPOSE OF THE ROUND.

In the Spanish manual you will find a chart of common malfunctions of the CETME
L, we recommend that you make yourself familiar with them. In addition, through our
testing we found a couple of common occurrences you may encounter as the CETME
L wears:

Due to how the bolt carrier interfaces with the cocking piece of the charging handle,
from time-to-time a cartridge may bounce into the area and become jammed between
the two. Drop the magazine and clear the rifle first. Then pull the charging handle
to the rear and lock the bolt. You may then clear the cartridge (see the following pic).

31
 Second you may have a jam between the bolt head and the cartridge. Just as before,
first drop the magazine and clear the rifle. Then pull the charging handle to the rear
and lock the bolt. Finally clear the cartridge.

Both of these issues may be experienced as your extractor spring, extractor, and
ejector begin to wear, or could be due to weak ammunition, dirty flutes in the barrel,
or even a bad magazine. We recommend you check for any and all of these
conditions and rectify if identified.

STORAGE:

Whenever you store your CETME L, we recommend you ALWAYS use the action
lock that was provided. With your finger off of the trigger, and the rifle on SAFE “S”,
simply remove the magazine, and pull the bolt to the rear. Visually check to make
sure there is no cartridge in the receiver. If not clear, remove the cartridge.

32
Once clear, lock the bolt to the rear. Now with the lock
unlocked, drop the end of the cable through the ejection
port until it comes out of the magazine well. Lock the cable
into the lock and remove the key. Test to make sure the
lock is secure.

Now with the charging handle, NOT the bolt release, pull
the charging handle to the rear until you feel the bolt, and
slowly move the bolt forward until it contacts the cable near
the front of the ejection port. Do not leave the bolt locked
ot the rear, it can prematurely wear the mainspring.

When complete your CETME L is secure. Place the key in

a safe and secure location. We further recommend that
you DO NOT store ammunition and magazines with your
CETME L.

LIMITED WARRANTY:

In the event of a problem with your Semi-Auto CETME L, LC, or LV, you must contact
MarColMar Firearms LLC, PO Box 1523, Richmond IN. 47375 at (765) 983-8200 or
via the web at sales@marcolmarfirearms.com. In order for the warranty to be valid,
the original purchaser must complete the enclosed warranty card and mail to
MarColMar Firearms LLC within 30 days of receipt, or fill out the online warranty
registration at www.marcolmarfirearms.com.

MarColMar Firearms LLC warrants the Semi-Auto CETME L for a period of 1 year
to the original retail purchaser. This Limited Warranty covers any issue or problem
caused by a Manufacturer’s Material Defect on the Semi-Auto parts, or
Manufacturer’s workmanship. Wear-and-tear, finish, failure due to ammunition,
improper use, improper maintenance, and issues with original parts are not covered.
Accessories, and Acts-of-God are not covered under this warranty. The owner is
responsible for all shipping costs in the event of a warranty claim. Manufacturer
reserves the sole right to make such determination from an examination of the
firearm.

SPARE PARTS / SERVICE:

MarColMar Firearms will continue to provide support and spare parts for the CETME
L for some time. HOWEVER, don’t be caught short handed. We encourage
you to buy spare springs, extractors, and barrels so that you can properly
maintain your rifle for years to come. Simply visit us at
www.marcolmarfirearms.com to find a full selection of parts.

33
 THANK YOU!

Thanks once again for your purchase of our Semi-Auto CETME L, LC, or LV.
MarColMar Firearms LLC thanks you for supporting us, the firearms industry, and
for keeping the military gun collecting and shooting passion alive. Pass it down to
the next generation and be sure to tell them why it’s important to exercise and protect
this crucial liberty! In Liberty!

Dave Bane
Owner – MarColMar Firearms

NOTE: IF YOU LOSE THIS MANUAL AND EVER NEED A REPLACEMENT,

JUST GIVE US A CALL AND WE’LL GET ONE RIGHT OUT!

34
PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

35