Developed after the Second World War for West Germany’s Bundeswehr, the G3 was seen as one of the most innovative battle rifles produced in the latter half of the 20th century. Since it was first introduced in 1959, it was exported to more than 70 countries and manufactured under license around the world.
Though the semi-automatic-only HK91 was introduced for the civilian market, it hasn’t been imported since the late 1980s, leaving shooters looking for the qualities of the G3 with little option.
Century Arms is now filling that void with its new military surplus-sourced CA-3. The firearm is reportedly built around parts from the H&K-designed G3 sourced from the Portuguese Army. The NATO member began producing the battle rifle under license in 1962 at its government-owned Fábrica de Braço de Prata facility. The rifle was widely used in the Portuguese Colonial Wars in Africa. Portugal began to phase out the rifles in 2019, and it seems that Century Arms was able to swoop in.
However, to import the firearms meant destroying the receivers and barrels.
The CA-3 is thus a mix of the old and new, a true 21st century take on the G3, and it features not only the G3 roller delayed blowback design but also original parts, including the fixed stock, forend, adjustable front sight, rotary aperture rear sight, trigger group (modified for compliance), bolt and bolt carrier. The rifles are completed with newly-made American components, including the trunnion, barrel, flash hider, stamped receiver, hammer, sear, and charging handle.
Century Arms CA-3 Specs:
- Caliber: 7.62×51 NATO
- Capacity: (1) 20-Round Magazine
- Weight: 9.5 pounds
- Length: 40.5 inches
- Height: 8.7 inches
- Width: 1.8 inches
- Barrel Length: 18 inches
- Barrel Threads: 5/8×24
- Barrel Twist: 1:10 RH
- Muzzle Device: Birdcage Style Flash Hider
- System: Roller-delayed Blowback
- Receiver: Stamped Steel (claw mount compatible for optics)
- Barrel Material: Chromoly 4150 Steel
The Century Arms CA-3 is available now for $999.99 (MSRP).
