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CMMG Dissent
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- Design Features
- Build Quality
- Recoil
- Fun Factor
3.9/5Overall Score
Specs
- Caliber: 300 Blackout
- Action: Compact Action-Direct Impingement
- Weight: 4.8 lbs
- Length: 15.7"
Pros
- Aesthetics
- Function
- Controls
Cons
- Price
- Recoil
Have you been in the market for a unique and excellent AR pistol that will also make an equally awesome short-barrel rifle when your SBR tax stamp comes back?
Then you should have already come across the CMMG Dissent in 300 Blackout and if you haven’t, let me be the first to introduce you!
What is the CMMG Dissent?
An aficionado of unconventional firearm designs would find the CMMG Dissent captivating.
It’s an intriguing deviation from the traditional AR platform, boasting the design of a piston or roller delay blow-back gun but sparking off rifle-caliber shots.
Larger than a handgun but smaller than a typical rifle, the Dissent is a distinct blend of innovation apt for users seeking a unique, compact, and powerful shooting experience.
The CMMG is considered one of the top side charging AR-15’s on the market today.
Ergonomics & Firearm Overview
The compact handguard and barrel assembly of the CMMG Dissent is the epitome of impeccable engineering combined with intentional design.
Boasting numerous features enhancing performance, this compact assembly offers professional shooters and firearms enthusiasts a reliable, efficient, and enjoyable shooting experience.
Ideal for anyone seeking an AR-platform firearm that every element is maximized for compactness and maneuverability, CMMG Dissent brings a fresh breath of innovation.
While covering the controls, I want to go ahead and point out that the dissent is mostly ambidextrous, and I’ll probably continue to mention it for our readers that are skimming through the article.
Safety
The Ambi-Safety Selector feature of the CMMG Dissent truly stands out in its array of impressive specifications.
Being both a functional necessity and an addition to the firearm’s aesthetic appeal, this feature brings a touch of operator-grade flair to the mix.
CMMG has created its own throw for the safety that is ambidextrous. On the left side the lever is thicker and on the right side it’s thinner and shorter.
This is a great design because it keeps the right side selector off your trigger finger when it’s at the rest position on the side of the lower receiver.
The throw is also a 60/90 Degree throw and is appropriately named the CMMG ZEROED 60™ / 90™ safety selector.
Pistol Grip
Pistol grips are mostly unimpressive these days because most companies use a combination of Magpul or B5 Industries grips and call it a day.
While those grips are good it just doesn’t add that one little extra difference that will set them apart from other guns on the market.
CMMG has, at the minimum, designed its own grip and grip texture. It also has a bottom closure that is on a hinge so it doesn’t get lose when opening the grip compartment.
Magazine Release
The CMMG Dissent’s magazine release is a user-friendly feature that effortlessly melds functionality and convenience together.
This feature is a paragon of intuitive design and user adaptability.
Operating in the high-pressure moments that firearms often entail, the agility and ease provided by this push-button system can make all the difference.
Acting as an efficient and smooth bridge between the user and the weapon, the push-button mag release delivers an almost instantaneous response.
With just a gentle push, users can quickly unload their firearm and reload in seconds, minimizing downtime and maximizing their focus on the task at hand.
This simple mechanism streamlines the reloading process, making it beneficial for both beginners and seasoned users.
One can’t help but praise this feature for its contribution to the tactical efficiency of the CMMG Dissent.
It encourages speed, reduces the risk of fumbling with the magazine, and allows users to make smooth and swift transitions.
The ambi design and unique paddles add that spark that makes the gun much better than other options on the market.
Magazine Well
Magazine wells these days are extremely flared and often have a good funnel into place.
This gun doesn’t have a very good flare to it’s magwell, is one of the few areas of critique I have for the CMMG Dissent.
The lower is a forged lower and they typically have a standard magwell. While the magwell works it’s just nothing to write home about and could be better.
Bolt Release/Hold open
Custom bolt release/hold opens make things easier and more fun and this one isn’t extremely unique but adds just enough touch to make it stand out.
Unlike the rest of the controls, it is not ambidextrous but is easy to use on the left side of the gun.
The left side has a hinged paddle design with a small paddle on the bottom and a large paddle on top.
Charging Handle Configuration
CMMG’s Dissent lives in a unique category of firearms, the side charging handle guns.
The side charging handle is unique on this gun and it latches to the front of the rail, holding it in place until pulled back on to release from the handguard.
Since this is the 6.5″ barrel the charging handle pulls nearly all the way back to the upper.
This is probably one of the smoothest side-charging guns I have reviewed (I have reviewed a few).
Trigger
Introducing the fantastic TriggerTech AR-D Trigger, the jewel in the crown of the CMMG Dissent.
Not your average trigger, the AR-D feature packs a punch, delivering a clean pull, crisp break, and delightful consistency that’s sure to make firearm aficionados swoon.
Developed in collaboration between CMMG and TriggerTech, this exceptional component paves the way for a superior shooting experience.
The trigger almost sells the gun with it’s thing flat surface it’s one of the critical components of the gun and the fact it’s so well done makes the gun feel extremely high-end.
Stock Options
Much like other side charging guns the stock options are nearly endless. With the 1913 Picitanny rail you can add whatever stock your heart desires.
I’m a pretty big fan of the Jmac Customs stocks as they have a ton of options, work well, and look aesthetically pleasing.
Muzzle Device
The CMMG Dissent muzzle device is a unique piece that has no porting or holes of any kind.
I don’t get caught up on factory muzzle devices because I will almost always suppress my guns, especially .300 Blackout.
The Dissent offers enough clearance from the rail to fit almost any QD suppressor muzzle attachment.
CMMG Dissent Ammo
A world of effectiveness and accuracy, the CMMG Dissent is not just another typical firearm.
For those who admire power and performance, the Dissent’s wide array of ammunition options is an exciting prospect, offering the flexibility to tailor one’s shooting experience.
Getting 300 Blackout ammo for your dissent shouldn’t be hard these days. The round has gained in popularity and has become the primary caliber for some.
I personally love 300 Blackout and have several guns that shoot the round, such as the Q Honey Badger, Brownells BRN-180 and the Sig Rattler.
Shooting the CMMG Dissent
First, I want to say that the Dissent is a gun that fits a niche roll in the firearm space. I really like the number of features the dissent offers right out of the box and it’s a great piece for the collection.
I shot the Dissent un-suppressed (as it came from the factory) with Gorilla Ammunition .300 AAC BlackOut, 150gr Sierra GameKing FMJ rounds. They shot flawlessly without any issues.
However, with these rounds and the short barrel of the Dissent, there was a significant amount of muzzle rise. With the adjustable gas block, I think this could be mitigated substantially and if you shot it suppressed it would be even less rise.
Personally suppressed it the way to go and this gun will eventually host a suppressor and when I get that experience, I’ll report back.
Without even sighting in my Holosun HS512C I was on target with every shot. It was a fantastic shooting experience and I really enjoyed this gun.
CMMG Dissent Final Thoughts
The Dissent is a fantastic gun that I would highly recommend if it fits your needs.
The gun has more recoil than I’d like but adjusting the gas block with your ammo of choice will probably lower the recoil.
If you are in the market be sure to grab a Dissent and have a blast with it, this gun is also a great option for a backpack gun paired with the Policy.
What is the difference between CMMG Banshee and Dissent?
The largest difference between the two platforms is the Banshee is a direct impingement system and the Dissent is a Compact Action-Direct Impingement.
The Dissent doesn’t have a buffer tube and the Banshee has a buffer tube and spring like most AR-15’s.
Lastly, the Dissent is side charging, whereas the Banshee has a rear charging handle like an AR-15.
Is the CMMG dissent an SBR?
CMMG sells the Dissent as a pistol an a SBR. You can pick how you want to purchase it from the factory.
Is CMMG Dissent a good gun?
Yes, the Dissent is a quality-built gun backed by a company with a solid history in the market.
I just bought the CMMG dissent and running a rugged razor 7.62. It’s not as quite as I wanted. I saw in the review that you said you didn’t run it with a suppressor but was planning on it. Have you ran that gun with a suppressor yet. And if so what was your experience?