First Impressions of CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver
The CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver is an intriguing offering in the pistol caliber AR market. CMMG has built a reputation for quality and innovation, and this upper promises a compact, reliable, and fun .45 ACP platform, ready to pair with your existing lower. Its short 5-inch barrel and CMMG’s Radial Delayed Blowback system are the features that immediately caught my attention, hinting at excellent maneuverability and manageable recoil.
I was looking for a compact and potent personal defense weapon (PDW) build in .45 ACP, something more practical than a full-sized AR, and more controllable than a traditional blowback pistol caliber carbine. The online pictures don’t truly convey the robust construction and compact size until you hold it in your hands.
Unboxing the CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver revealed a sleek, well-finished upper. The Cerakote finish felt smooth and durable, while the overall weight felt balanced, suggesting quality components within. The M-LOK handguard felt solid and provided ample space for accessories.
I considered building with a standard direct blowback upper from another manufacturer and a competing upper from Angstadt Arms. However, the CMMG’s Radial Delayed Blowback system and reputation for reliability ultimately won me over. I was definitely excited to start my .45 ACP AR pistol build.
Real-World Testing: Putting CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver was at an indoor range known for its well-maintained lanes. I tested it with a variety of .45 ACP ammunition, ranging from standard 230-grain FMJ to lighter 185-grain hollow points. The performance was impressive, with consistent cycling and noticeably reduced recoil compared to my experience with traditional blowback .45 ACP firearms.
The Banshee upper handled flawlessly even when the range got a bit warmer and dustier. Getting used to the controls was intuitive, as it mirrored the standard AR platform. One surprise was how quiet the platform was even without a suppressor.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, and the upper continues to function flawlessly with minimal maintenance.
The Cerakote finish has held up remarkably well, showing only minor wear marks in high-friction areas. Cleaning is straightforward, and the Radial Delayed Blowback system seems to keep the action cleaner compared to standard blowback systems. This upper definitely outperforms my previous experience with a converted AR-15 chambered in 9mm.
Breaking Down the Features of CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver
Specifications
- Caliber: .45 ACP. This iconic caliber delivers significant stopping power, making it ideal for personal defense.
- Barrel Length: 5 inches. The short barrel provides excellent maneuverability in tight spaces.
- Barrel Profile: Medium Tapered. This balances weight and accuracy for optimal performance.
- Barrel Twist Rate: 1-16. This twist rate is optimized for stabilizing a wide range of .45 ACP bullet weights.
- Threads per Inch: .578×28. The standard .45 ACP threading allows for easy attachment of suppressors and other muzzle devices.
- Finish: Cerakote. Cerakote provides exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
- Fabric/Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum. This lightweight and strong aluminum alloy is used for the upper receiver and handguard.
- Gun Rail: M-LOK. The M-LOK handguard offers a versatile platform for mounting accessories.
- Gun Type: Rifle. Designed for AR-15 platform rifles.
- Gun Make: CMMG. CMMG is known for high-quality AR platform firearms and components.
- Gun Model: CMMG Banshee MKG. The Banshee line is known for compact and lightweight designs.
- Magazine Included: No. Magazines are sold separately, allowing users to choose their preferred capacity and brand.
- Mount Type: M-LOK. Ensures secure and versatile accessory mounting.
Performance & Functionality
The CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver excels in its intended role as a compact and potent PDW. The Radial Delayed Blowback system significantly reduces recoil, making it easier to control during rapid fire. Accuracy is excellent for a pistol-length barrel.
The strengths are undoubtedly the reduced recoil, reliable cycling, and compact size. A minor weakness is the lack of an included magazine. The upper exceeds my expectations for a .45 ACP AR platform.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional, with tight tolerances and a smooth finish. The 6061-T6 aluminum keeps the weight down without sacrificing durability. The M-LOK handguard is comfortable to hold, even for extended periods.
There’s virtually no learning curve for anyone familiar with the AR platform. The controls are intuitive and easily accessible.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver should last for many years. The Cerakote finish is highly resistant to scratches and corrosion.
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, requiring only basic tools and solvents. The Radial Delayed Blowback system helps to keep the action cleaner, reducing the frequency of maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver does not include any accessories beyond the upper receiver group itself. However, it’s highly customizable with a wide range of aftermarket accessories.
The M-LOK handguard allows for easy attachment of lights, lasers, foregrips, and other accessories. The .578×28 threaded barrel is compatible with most .45 ACP suppressors. Popular accessories from brands like Magpul, BCM, and Streamlight are easily integrated.
Pros and Cons of CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver
Pros
- Significantly reduced recoil due to the Radial Delayed Blowback system.
- Excellent accuracy for a 5-inch barrel pistol caliber AR.
- High-quality CMMG construction and reliable cycling.
- Compact and lightweight design, ideal for PDW builds.
- Versatile M-LOK handguard for easy accessory attachment.
Cons
- Magazines not included.
- Relatively higher price compared to direct blowback uppers.
Who Should Buy CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver?
The CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver is perfect for those seeking a compact, reliable, and controllable PDW in .45 ACP. It’s ideal for home defense, tactical applications, and recreational shooting. It will also appeal to enthusiasts of AR platform firearms and those looking for something unique.
Those on a very tight budget or who prefer the simplicity of a direct blowback system might want to skip this product. You must have a lower receiver, magazines and brace/stock to use this upper.
Must-have accessories include quality .45 ACP magazines, a red dot sight, and potentially a suppressor for maximum enjoyment.
Conclusion on CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver
The CMMG MkG .45 ACP 5in Banshee Upper Group Receiver is a fantastic addition to the pistol caliber AR market. The Radial Delayed Blowback system sets it apart, offering a noticeable reduction in recoil and enhanced reliability. The price of $809.99 is justified given the quality of construction, innovative design, and overall performance.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this upper to anyone looking for a premium .45 ACP AR pistol build. Experience the difference that CMMG innovation makes and build your dream PDW today!