The CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black Made a Bold First Impression
The CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black isn’t just another .22 conversion; it’s a dedicated, purpose-built rimfire upper designed to drop onto your existing AR-15 lower. This upper group promises to deliver all the fun of an AR platform with the affordable and readily available .22 LR cartridge. Its compact 4.5-inch barrel and CMMG‘s reputation for quality immediately piqued my interest, setting high expectations from the start.
I was looking for a dedicated .22 LR upper to train with my AR platform without breaking the bank on ammo. I wanted something more than just a conversion kit; a dedicated upper promised better reliability and accuracy. The allure of a short-barreled rifle (SBR) without the NFA paperwork, thanks to the CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black‘s pistol configuration, was also a significant draw.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the fit and finish. The Cerakote finish felt smooth and durable, while the overall weight of 2.2 lbs gave it a robust, yet manageable feel. It looked and felt like a premium AR component, not a cheap conversion.
Compared to a standard .22 conversion kit, the CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black stood out due to its dedicated design and short barrel. I considered the Sig Sauer P322 pistol, but preferred the AR platform for training consistency. I also looked at building a dedicated .22 AR from scratch, but the CMMG upper offered a convenient and potentially more reliable option.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black felt like a high-quality piece of equipment, promising both fun and practical training benefits. I was excited to get it to the range and see how it performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was dry and sunny, ideal conditions for a first run. I mounted it on my standard AR-15 lower and paired it with a CMMG .22 AR Conversion Magazine.
The initial setup was straightforward, and the upper dropped onto my lower receiver with a snug, reassuring fit. I experienced a few initial failures to feed during the first magazine, but after a quick cleaning and lubrication, the BANSHEE ran reliably. The short barrel made it incredibly maneuverable, and the recoil was virtually non-existent, allowing for rapid follow-up shots.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve run hundreds of rounds of various .22 LR ammunition through it, with only occasional hiccups. The Cerakote finish is holding up well, showing no signs of wear despite regular use.
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward. The blowback system is relatively simple, and disassembly is easy. I’ve found that keeping the bolt and chamber clean is essential for maintaining optimal performance.
Compared to my previous experiences with .22 conversion kits, the CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black is a significant step up. The accuracy is noticeably better, and the reliability is far more consistent. It has truly enhanced my ability to train effectively and affordably with my AR platform.
Breaking Down the Features of CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black
Specifications
The CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black boasts impressive specifications designed for both performance and reliability. Its caliber is .22 LR, offering affordable and accessible ammunition. The 4.5-inch barrel provides exceptional maneuverability, while maintaining reasonable accuracy.
The upper receiver is crafted from billet 6061 T6 Aluminum, ensuring strength and durability without adding excessive weight. The barrel is made from 4140CM SBN, offering enhanced corrosion resistance and longevity. A 1:16 barrel twist rate is optimized for stabilizing .22 LR ammunition. The included CMMG ZEROED Flash Hider helps to reduce muzzle flash. The complete upper weighs in at a lightweight 2.2 lbs. Its overall length is 12.8 inches.
These specifications translate to a lightweight, durable, and accurate .22 LR upper that is compatible with any standard AR-15 lower. The short barrel makes it ideal for close-quarters shooting and training scenarios. The high-quality materials ensure that it can withstand the rigors of regular use.
Performance & Functionality
The CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black performs exceptionally well for its intended purpose. Accuracy is more than adequate for training and plinking, easily hitting targets at 25-50 yards. Reliability is generally excellent, with minimal malfunctions when using quality ammunition and properly maintained magazines.
One of the main strengths is the short barrel which provides superior maneuverability. A potential weakness is ammo sensitivity; some cheaper bulk .22 LR ammunition may cause more frequent malfunctions. Overall, the CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black exceeds expectations as a dedicated .22 LR AR upper.
Design & Ergonomics
The CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black is designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. The billet aluminum upper receiver feels solid and well-made. The EML4 M-LOK handguard provides ample space for attaching accessories while maintaining a comfortable grip.
The weight of the upper is well-balanced, making it easy to handle and control. The ZEROED Ambi Charging Handle is a welcome addition, making it easy to charge the rifle from either side. There is minimal learning curve; any experienced AR shooter will feel right at home.
Durability & Maintenance
The materials and construction of the CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black suggest excellent long-term durability. The Cerakote finish is resistant to scratches and corrosion, and the 4140CM SBN barrel should provide a long service life. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the bolt and chamber are essential.
Disassembly is relatively straightforward, making maintenance easy to perform. Replacement parts are readily available from CMMG and other aftermarket suppliers. With proper care, the CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black comes standard with several useful accessories. These include the ZEROED AR15 Polymer Dust Cover, the ZEROED .22LR Ambi Charging Handle, and the ZEROED .22LR Flash Hider.
The upper is compatible with any standard AR-15 lower receiver, allowing for a wide range of customization options. The M-LOK handguard provides ample space for attaching lights, lasers, and other accessories. Red dot sights or other optics can be easily mounted on the upper receiver. It requires the use of CMMG .22 AR Conversion Magazines for reliable feeding.
Pros and Cons of CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black
Pros
- Reliable Performance: The CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black offers consistent cycling with a variety of .22 LR ammo (especially when using quality magazines and keeping the bolt clean).
- AR Platform Training: It allows for inexpensive practice with your existing AR-15 lower, maintaining manual of arms familiarity.
- Compact Size: The 4.5-inch barrel makes it extremely maneuverable and ideal for close-quarters scenarios.
- Quality Construction: The billet aluminum upper receiver and durable barrel ensure longevity.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple blowback design and straightforward disassembly make cleaning and maintenance a breeze.
Cons
- Ammo Sensitivity: It can be finicky with certain brands of cheap .22 LR ammunition.
- Magazine Dependent: Reliable function relies heavily on using quality CMMG .22 AR Conversion Magazines.
Who Should Buy CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black?
The CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black is perfect for AR-15 enthusiasts looking for a cost-effective training tool. It’s also excellent for those seeking a fun and compact .22 LR plinker. This upper is especially appealing to shooters who want to practice their AR platform skills without the expense of centerfire ammunition.
Those who should skip this product might include individuals primarily focused on extreme long-range .22 LR accuracy. It would not be ideal for individuals seeking a .22 upper for serious hunting.
Must-have accessories include several CMMG .22 AR Conversion Magazines and a quality red dot sight. Consider purchasing a dedicated .22 LR cleaning kit for optimal maintenance.
Conclusion on CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black
The CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black is a well-designed and executed .22 LR upper that offers a fantastic training and plinking experience. The price is justified by the quality of materials, reliable performance, and AR platform compatibility.
I would personally recommend the CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black to anyone looking for a dedicated .22 LR AR upper. It’s a fun, affordable, and effective way to train and enjoy the AR platform. Upgrade your range days and your training regimen – grab a CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black and start having more fun with your AR!