CMMG
CMMG is a Fayette, Missouri manufacturer specializing in AR-15 pattern firearms with an emphasis on innovative caliber and format options. Best known for their Banshee pistol caliber carbines and Dissent PDW series, CMMG produces complete rifles, pistols, and upper assemblies in an unusually broad range of calibers including 9mm, .45 ACP, 10mm, .22 LR, 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout, 6.5 Grendel, and others. Their Radial Delayed Blowback (RDB) operating system is a key differentiator — a patented mechanism that dramatically reduces felt recoil in pistol-caliber AR builds compared to direct blowback designs.
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CMMG Banshee: The Pistol Caliber Carbine
The Banshee is CMMG’s AR-platform pistol caliber carbine — available in 9mm, .45 ACP, 10mm, and .22 LR with barrel lengths from 5 to 16 inches and in pistol, SBR, and carbine configurations. The Banshee’s Radial Delayed Blowback system is its key feature: where most PCC designs use direct blowback (the bolt recoils directly against spring pressure), RDB uses a rotating delayed bolt that slows the rearward bolt travel, reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise significantly. This makes the Banshee noticeably softer-shooting than competitors like the KRISS Vector or standard blowback 9mm AR builds. The 9mm Banshee accepting Glock magazines is the most popular configuration.
CMMG Dissent: The PDW Format
The Dissent is CMMG’s PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) series — compact AR-platform firearms with a collapsing stock that reduces overall length below standard carbines. Available in 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout, and 9mm, the Dissent uses CMMG’s RDB operating system in rifle calibers for the same recoil reduction benefit that makes the Banshee popular in pistol calibers. The Dissent in .300 Blackout with a suppressor is a particularly capable compact suppressor host.
CMMG Resolute: The Rifle Platform
The Resolute is CMMG’s standard AR-15 rifle line in 5.56 NATO and other rifle calibers — a more conventional AR-15 build for buyers who want CMMG’s quality and American manufacturing in a traditional rifle format. The Resolute uses direct impingement operation and represents CMMG’s entry into the conventional AR-15 market rather than their specialty caliber segment.
Frequently Asked Questions: CMMG
What is Radial Delayed Blowback?
CMMG’s Radial Delayed Blowback (RDB) is a patented operating system that uses a rotating bolt with radial locking lugs to delay the rearward movement of the bolt carrier during firing. This delay reduces the bolt velocity at the moment of extraction, lowering felt recoil and muzzle rise compared to direct blowback designs. Independent testing consistently shows RDB-equipped CMMG PCCs produce less felt recoil than comparable direct blowback competitors.
What magazines does the CMMG Banshee use?
The 9mm Banshee is available in Glock magazine and Colt SMG magazine configurations — the Glock-pattern version is the most popular for its broad magazine compatibility with Glock 17/19 double-stack magazines. The .45 ACP Banshee uses Glock 21 magazines; the 10mm uses Glock 20 magazines.
Is CMMG made in the USA?
Yes — CMMG manufactures all firearms at their facility in Fayette, Missouri.
See Also: Pistol Caliber Carbines • AR-15 Rifles • Suppressors • 9mm Ammo • .300 Blackout Ammo