CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black Review

First Thoughts on the CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black

The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black promises to be a versatile and cost-effective solution for AR-15 enthusiasts looking to enjoy .22 LR shooting. CMMG is a well-respected name in the AR platform world, known for their innovative conversion kits and dedicated .22 LR ARs. This upper group offers a compelling alternative to dedicated .22 LR ARs, allowing you to swap out your existing upper receiver for a rimfire experience.

I needed a dedicated .22LR upper for inexpensive training and small-game hunting. After years of relying on centerfire ARs, the rising cost of ammunition made frequent practice prohibitive. I was specifically seeking a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-maintain .22 LR upper that would seamlessly integrate with my existing AR-15 lower receiver.

Unboxing the CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black revealed a well-assembled unit. The black Cerakote finish on the receiver looked clean and durable. The handguard felt solid and the included accessories, like the charging handle and muzzle brake, appeared to be of decent quality.

I considered the Tippmann Arms M4-22 and the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport before settling on the CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black. I opted for the CMMG upper because it allows me to use my existing AR lower and trigger, giving me a more familiar and customizable shooting experience. The other options are complete rifles and I specifically wanted to convert an AR instead.

My initial excitement stemmed from the potential for affordable training and the seamless integration with my existing AR platform. I hoped it would live up to the CMMG reputation for quality and provide a fun, reliable, and accurate .22 LR shooting experience. It seemed like a perfect way to turn my AR into a dual-purpose platform.

Real-World Testing: Putting CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black primarily at an outdoor shooting range. I wanted to evaluate its accuracy and reliability with different types of .22 LR ammunition. The weather conditions were sunny with a slight breeze, ideal for shooting.

The upper performed admirably in these conditions. After a quick zeroing process, I was hitting targets consistently at 50 yards. The blowback action cycled reliably with high-velocity ammunition. I experienced a few failures to feed with some bulk-pack .22 LR ammo, but these were easily cleared.

The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black was incredibly easy to use. Swapping it onto my existing AR lower was a simple process, taking only a few seconds. The charging handle was smooth and easy to manipulate, and the overall ergonomics were familiar and comfortable. The AR pistol grip I had on my lower receiver worked perfectly.

The only initial surprise was the relatively loud report of the .22 LR ammunition through the ZEROED Muzzle Brake. It wasn’t excessive, but more noticeable than I anticipated.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black has proven to be a reliable and enjoyable addition to my AR platform. It has become my go-to setup for inexpensive training. I have used it in multiple range sessions.

The Cerakote finish has held up well, showing only minor signs of wear around the ejection port. The bore remains clean and bright with regular cleaning. Maintenance is straightforward.

Cleaning involves a simple bore brush and solvent. Disassembly is easy, just like any AR-15. Compared to my experience with a dedicated .22 LR pistol, the CMMG upper is far more reliable and accurate, and the parts are more robust.

Breaking Down the Features of CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black

Specifications

The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black is chambered in .22 LR and designed to function with any standard AR-15 lower receiver. It utilizes a traditional blowback operating system and features a 17-inch barrel with a 1:16 twist rate. The barrel contour is MT (Modified Tactical) and is constructed from 4140CM steel with a SBN (Salt Bath Nitride) finish for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance.

The upper receiver is machined from billet 6061 T6 aluminum and features a CMMG EML15 M-LOK handguard for accessory attachment. The included CMMG ZEROED Muzzle Brake has 1/2 x 28 threads, and the CMMG ZEROED Ambi Charging Handle provides easy operation for both left- and right-handed shooters. The complete upper weighs approximately 4.0 lbs and has an overall length of 25 inches. These specifications combine to create a well-balanced, durable, and accurate .22 LR upper receiver.

These specs mean that you have good options for mounting accessories. The longer barrel helps with accuracy. Also, the charging handle is great for left-handed shooters.

Performance & Functionality

The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a .22 LR training and small-game hunting platform. Accuracy is excellent, consistently delivering tight groupings at 50 yards with quality ammunition. The blowback action is reliable.

The strengths of this upper lie in its accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. It is easy to convert a centerfire AR. The only real weakness is occasional failures to feed with certain bulk-pack ammunition.

The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black exceeded my expectations. It provides a cost-effective and enjoyable way to practice shooting fundamentals and engage in small-game hunting without breaking the bank on ammunition. The accuracy is great.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black is excellent. The materials used are high-quality, and the overall construction feels solid and durable. The weight of 4.0 lbs is well-balanced, making the rifle comfortable to handle and shoot.

The upper is incredibly user-friendly and requires minimal adjustment. The familiar AR-15 ergonomics make it easy to transition to and from centerfire AR platforms. The M-Lok slots are also user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black is built to last, with high-quality materials and a durable Cerakote finish. With proper care and maintenance, this upper should provide years of reliable service. The salt bath nitride finish enhances durability.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning and lubrication. The simple blowback design minimizes the number of parts that need to be maintained or replaced. The AR platform is famous for easy maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black comes with a ZEROED AR15 Polymer Dust Cover, a ZEROED 22LR Ambi Charging Handle, and a ZEROED Muzzle Brake 5.56mm. The M-LOK handguard provides ample space for mounting accessories such as lights, lasers, and grips. It would have been even better if it came with more rail space.

The upper is compatible with a wide range of AR-15 accessories, including optics, triggers, and stocks. The user can really customize their rig. The .22 LR conversion magazines from CMMG are essential for proper function and are readily available.

Pros and Cons of CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black

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Who Should Buy CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black?

The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black is perfect for AR-15 enthusiasts looking for a cost-effective and reliable .22 LR training platform. It is also well-suited for small-game hunters seeking a lightweight and accurate rimfire rifle. This is also great for someone who already has an AR lower.

This product is not ideal for those seeking a dedicated competition .22 LR rifle, as its accuracy and features are geared more towards training and recreational shooting. Also, if you don’t already own an AR lower, you are better off just buying a whole .22 AR. If you need ultimate reliability with all types of ammo, consider a dedicated .22 AR instead of an upper conversion.

A must-have accessory for this upper is a set of CMMG .22 LR conversion magazines. Also, a quality red dot sight or scope can enhance accuracy.

Conclusion on CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black

The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black is a well-designed and executed .22 LR conversion upper that delivers excellent accuracy, reliable performance, and easy integration with existing AR-15 platforms. Its strengths in accuracy and ease of use make it a great purchase. It is a must-have for budget-conscious AR-15 owners.

At $635.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials, the accuracy, and the versatility it brings to the AR platform. This really allows the owner to practice more often. I would highly recommend the CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black to anyone looking for an affordable and enjoyable way to train with their AR-15 or engage in small-game hunting. It’s a great way to expand the functionality of your existing AR-15.

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