The current state of HK clones

[sigstroker]

They're cheaper now than they've been in a long while, in real deflated U.S. dollars.

The POF, at $1199, is in the K format. No pic rail, but it comes with a 3 lug.




The Century Arms, at $1149, is in the "full size" format. Also no pic rail, but with 3 lug.



I can't remember if one is better than the other, because honestly I didn't pay much attention when they were $1500-$2000. They did used to have pic rails though, and I absolutely need a red dot. I'm not going to fart around with a claw mount.

What say you experts?

Which is better?

How would I mount a dot?

Any other things I should know about?

[Ora Serrata]

Century arms version is a MKE built on HK tooling in Turkey. I have the rifle version and it’s amazingly reliable and accurate.

POF sounds like it’s also made on HK tooling but in Pakistan. I don’t have personal experience with the POF but it’s probably equally as good. Doubt you could go wrong with either.

[sigstroker]

The Paki guns had a good rep even in the 80's. The word was HK tooling set up by HK.

Any ideas on mounting a dot without a claw mount?

[sigstroker]

Looks like this mount could work. OOS at the moment.

https://hkparts.net/product/ultra-low-profile-hk-red-dot-mount-aimpoint-primary-arms-vortex-burris-fits-all-hk-models-p17962.htm/

[Ora Serrata]

It’s a pistol caliber carbine which means you’re not shooting things more than 100 yards away. I have no problem hitting targets at 50-100 yards quickly with iron sights. I’ve never felt the need for a red dot on it.

[The Gleam]

All well and good, but just can't get my ears past the phrase "Century Arms" for so many historical reasons, HK tooling or not.

I'm open to them getting better, improving their wares, but it will always be suspect as they have a long track record and trail of dropping turds.

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[sigstroker]

You are fortunate then. I can't see iron sights.

[jarhead714]

Somebody hit me up when they got a version where you can reach the selector without having thumbs like E.T., check for an empty chamber with a magazine inserted, and one where the bolt stays open on the last round.

[highpower]

All well and good, but just can't get my ears past the phrase "Century Arms" for so many historical reasons, HK tooling or not.

I'm open to them getting better, improving their wares, but it will always be suspect as they have a long track record and trail of dropping turds.

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This is where you have to separate fact from your preconceived notions. Century is the importer not the manufacturer. This is exactly the same as the Romanian AK's that Century imported.

In this case the MP5 clones that Century imports they are also, like the POF guns, made on tooling bought and set up by HK, this time in Turkey. The Turkish company is called MKE (I have no idea as to what the acronym stands for) and they have been making these HK pattern guns since the late seventies.

I recently bought one of the MKE MP5 clones from Atlantic and while I only have 500-600 rounds through it so far, it is a very nice gun. I ordered some spare parts from HK Parts (I always buy spares for guns I intend to shoot a lot) and installed a genuine HK extractor. When comparing the extractors side by side, I swear I could tell absolutely no difference between them. The gun worked flawlessly before I installed the HK part and has continued to work flawlessly since.

So to recap; just because Century imports these forearms, it does not mean that they have anything to do with the manufacture of them. You are not the first uninformed person to express this idea that somehow because Century imports an item that they are involved in the direct manufacturing of said item.

I have several firearms that Century has imported from overseas over the years and have been eminently satisfied with them:
Romanian 10/63
Romanian PSL54c
MKE AP5
Yugo M92

That being said, I would never buy any of the guns they had a hand in manufacturing with the exception of the Yugo M70AB2 and M70AB2(t). Those were made by Global Tool and Machine in Texas under Century contract using NDS receivers and Yugo M70 parts kits. They have a good reputation and certainly mine has been very solid over the decade I have owned it.

There is one other rifle that Century had a hand in that is well worth buying if you can find one. Several years ago, Century sold all of their remaining HK33 parts to Buds Gun Shop who contracted with PTR to assemble them. They were marketed through Buds at a bargain price of $525. The receivers say Century Arms on them, but the guns are all either genuine HK parts or things like the barrels being made by PTR. The internal parts on the one I got were like new with matching numbers on the bolt, bolt carrier and locking piece.

[BakoJ]

I have a PTR 9CT that I purchased in Aug 2021. Fit and finish are excellent. It has the welded rail for sights along with a mlok handguard and 3 lug. I have 250 rounds through it and I'm thoroughly satisfied. Make sure to switch out the crap plastic mags for good quality steel mags. Can't go wrong with their lifetime warranty and made in America.

Waiting for my tax stamp to be approved so I can hang my can on it.

[JWHuey]

All well and good, but just can't get my ears past the phrase "Century Arms" for so many historical reasons, HK tooling or not.

I'm open to them getting better, improving their wares, but it will always be suspect as they have a long track record and trail of dropping turds.

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Century has imported a LOT of good firearms.

A lot.

[oddball]

I own an HK SP5 that I bought for MSRP at a local shop a few months after they were released for the U.S.market. I was on a waiting list for a couple of years with Zenith, who were the importers of MKE MP5 clones for a long time. I actually shot a Zenith Z5P several times and it was what motivated me to get a MP5 (semi auto). I have to say the fit and finish of the Zenith does not compare to the HK, but prior to the SP5, Zenith was the company. But once the SP5 was released, I went for the HK

Now MKE are with Century as importers, but Zenith is still in the MP5 clone game- they are now a U.S. manufacturer, not a distributor. And word is that they make a pretty good clone.

https://zenithfirearms.com/home/

[johncage]

from that angle it looks like a sten gun

[naz]

I would love one as a suppressor host with drum mags, but with the current epic “off roster” premium plus no suppressor plus neutered with 10rd mag lock, it’s a hard sell for me (and a reason in the ‘move out of ca’ column)

[SunkenShadow]

The other one I noticed was Belt Fed Products has something going on too?