CMMG Barrel Sub-Assembly .300 Black (7.62X35mm) 8″ Nitrid Review

The CMMG Barrel Sub-Assembly .300 Black (7.62X35mm) 8″ Nitrid Made a Bold First Impression

The CMMG Barrel Sub-Assembly .300 Black (7.62X35mm) 8″ Nitrid immediately caught my attention with its promise of compact power and compatibility. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless barrels come and go, but the CMMG name carries a certain weight. I was eager to see if this short-barreled .300 Blackout option lived up to the hype.

I was looking for a barrel that could offer superior maneuverability for close-quarters scenarios, whether in a hunting blind or during tactical training exercises. My AR pistol build needed a compact, reliable, and accurate barrel, and the .300 Blackout chambering offered the ballistic versatility I desired for both subsonic and supersonic ammunition. The promise of nitride treatment for enhanced durability was also a major selling point.

The CMMG barrel arrived well-packaged. My first impression was of solid, no-nonsense construction. The nitride finish was smooth and even, hinting at the quality beneath. It felt like a serious piece of hardware. The barrel exudes robustness and reliability.

I considered barrels from Ballistic Advantage and Faxon Firearms, both known for quality, but the CMMG offering presented the best combination of price and features for my needs. Specifically, it was the nitride treatment coupled with the reputable CMMG name and competitive price that made the difference.

I was definitely excited upon unboxing the CMMG Barrel Sub-Assembly .300 Black (7.62X35mm) 8″ Nitrid. It felt like the perfect fit for my AR pistol build, offering the potential for both subsonic stealth and supersonic punch in a compact package.

Real-World Testing: Putting CMMG Barrel Sub-Assembly .300 Black (7.62X35mm) 8″ Nitrid to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the CMMG barrel at my local shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to gauge its accuracy and function with various .300 Blackout loads.

The barrel performed admirably in the dry, controlled environment of the range. I ran both subsonic and supersonic rounds through it, and experienced no feeding or extraction issues. The accuracy, even with the shorter barrel, was impressive.

Using standard iron sights initially, I noticed I needed to adjust to the shorter sight radius. The barrel settled in nicely after a couple of magazines.

There were no surprises during the first range session; the barrel performed as expected. It was a smooth and positive experience, instilling confidence in the CMMG barrel’s potential.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use and several hundred rounds downrange, the CMMG Barrel Sub-Assembly .300 Black (7.62X35mm) 8″ Nitrid continues to impress. Its reliability and accuracy have remained consistent.

There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the nitride finish. Cleaning has been straightforward, with carbon fouling easily removed.

This CMMG barrel outperforms previous budget-friendly barrels I’ve used in the past. The combination of accuracy and reliability is far superior. The consistency across various ammunition types is also a welcome advantage.

Breaking Down the Features of CMMG Barrel Sub-Assembly .300 Black (7.62X35mm) 8″ Nitrid

Specifications

The CMMG Barrel Sub-Assembly .300 Black (7.62X35mm) 8″ Nitrid is chambered in .300 AAC Blackout/Whisper (7.62x35mm). It features an 8-inch barrel length.

The shorter barrel length significantly enhances maneuverability, making it ideal for tight spaces or situations where a full-length rifle is impractical. The nitride finish provides exceptional corrosion resistance and hardness, contributing to longevity and reduced friction. The .300 Blackout chambering offers versatility, allowing the use of both subsonic rounds for suppressed shooting and supersonic rounds for greater range and energy.

Performance & Functionality

The CMMG Barrel Sub-Assembly .300 Black (7.62X35mm) 8″ Nitrid excels in its primary function: providing a reliable and accurate platform for the .300 Blackout cartridge. The short barrel does reduce velocity compared to longer barrels, but this is a known tradeoff for increased maneuverability.

Its strengths lie in its compact size, consistent accuracy, and dependable function. One area for potential improvement could be enhanced gas port tuning for optimal performance with a wider range of subsonic ammunition, though this has not been a significant issue.

The barrel meets and exceeds my expectations for a short-barreled .300 Blackout option. It balances size, performance, and reliability exceptionally well.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, with a smooth and durable nitride finish. The weight is well-balanced, contributing to comfortable handling.

The barrel is user-friendly. Installation is straightforward for anyone familiar with AR-15 platform assembly.

Durability & Maintenance

The nitride finish suggests excellent long-term durability. Cleaning is relatively easy.

Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and lubrication, should ensure a long service life. The nitride coating protects against rust.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CMMG Barrel Sub-Assembly .300 Black (7.62X35mm) 8″ Nitrid is designed to be compatible with standard AR-15 uppers and handguards. A wide range of muzzle devices can be attached via the threaded barrel.

It readily accepts standard AR-15 gas blocks, allowing for adjustable gas systems to be installed. The barrel is also compatible with most .30 caliber suppressors, greatly increasing its versatility for specialized applications.

Pros and Cons of CMMG Barrel Sub-Assembly .300 Black (7.62X35mm) 8″ Nitrid