CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black Review

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 statement. CMMG promises to let you build an AR that happens to be chambered in .22 LR, and that caught my attention. After years of tinkering with various AR platforms, the allure of a dedicated .22 LR upper that retained the familiar AR ergonomics was irresistible.

My primary need was a cost-effective training tool. Centerfire ammo prices have skyrocketed, making frequent range trips a painful expense. I wanted something that allowed me to maintain my AR proficiency without breaking the bank, and .22 LR seemed the logical solution.

The unboxing experience was positive. The upper assembly felt solid and well-made, with a noticeable heft that inspires confidence. The Cerakote finish was flawless, and the included ZEROED accessories – charging handle, flash hider, and dust cover – added value right out of the box.

I considered a few other .22 LR AR conversion kits. However, these often felt like afterthoughts, compromising on either reliability or the AR experience. The CMMG BANSHEE stood out due to its dedicated design, promising superior performance and a true AR feel. My first impression was overwhelmingly positive; I was eager to hit the range and see if it lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial range trip with the CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black was at my local outdoor range. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, ideal conditions for testing. I mated the upper to a standard AR-15 lower receiver and used CMMG’s .22 AR Conversion Mags as recommended.

The first few magazines ran flawlessly. The blowback action was smooth and consistent, and the trigger felt familiar. I quickly got used to the reduced recoil and report of the .22 LR round.

I did encounter a few failures to extract after about 200 rounds. This happened more frequently with cheaper bulk ammunition and less so with higher-quality .22 LR.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the CMMG BANSHEE has proven to be a reliable training tool. I’ve put several thousand rounds through it. It has primarily been used at the range and on some occasions while varmint hunting.

The Cerakote finish has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear even after being bumped around in gun cases and used in varied weather. I’ve made it a point to clean and lubricate the bolt carrier group after each range session. This has dramatically improved reliability.

Compared to my previous experiences with .22 LR conversion kits, the CMMG BANSHEE offers a significant performance upgrade. The dedicated upper design eliminates many of the reliability issues common with drop-in kits, making it a much more enjoyable and effective training tool. While it’s not a match-grade tack driver, it’s accurate enough for practical training and recreational shooting.

Breaking Down the Features of CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black

Specifications

• Caliber: .22 LR. This is ideal for affordable training and varmint control.

• Barrel Length: 4.5 inches. This compact length makes it incredibly maneuverable.

• Weight: 2.2 lbs. This lightweight design ensures comfortable handling.

• Barrel Twist: 1:16. The twist rate is optimized for stabilizing .22 LR rounds.

• Upper Receiver: Billet 6061 T6 Aluminum. It is robust and lightweight, providing a solid foundation for the upper.

• Hand Guard: CMMG EML4 M-LOK. This allows for easy attachment of accessories.

• Operating System: Traditional Blowback. Simple and reliable, it’s easy to maintain.

• Muzzle Device: CMMG ZEROED Flash Hider. Helps to reduce muzzle flash.

These specifications contribute to a lightweight, compact, and reliable .22 LR upper that closely mimics the AR-15 platform. The short barrel length makes it ideal for close-quarters scenarios, while the M-LOK handguard allows for customization with various accessories.

Performance & Functionality

The CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black excels as a training tool. It allows for cost-effective practice with familiar AR-15 ergonomics. The blowback system is generally reliable, though it can be sensitive to ammunition quality.

Its primary strengths are its compact size, lightweight design, and faithful AR-15 feel. The primary weakness is its occasional sensitivity to ammunition. It consistently works best with higher quality rounds.

The CMMG BANSHEE definitely meets my expectations as a dedicated .22 LR training upper. It provides a fun, affordable, and effective way to maintain my AR proficiency.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the CMMG BANSHEE is impressive. The billet aluminum receiver feels solid and well-machined. The 4.5-inch barrel keeps the overall package compact.

The BANSHEE is user-friendly. The standard AR-15 controls make it easy to pick up and use.

Durability & Maintenance

The CMMG BANSHEE appears to be built to last. The robust construction and Cerakote finish suggest it can withstand regular use and exposure to the elements.

Maintenance is relatively straightforward. Cleaning the bolt carrier group and barrel after each use is recommended to ensure smooth operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black comes with several ZEROED accessories. These include an ambi charging handle, polymer dust cover and flash hider. The EML4 M-LOK handguard provides ample space for mounting accessories such as lights, lasers, and grips.

The upper is designed to be compatible with any standard AR-15 lower receiver. It also works with CMMG’s .22 AR Conversion Mags.

Pros and Cons of CMMG BANSHEE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 4.5 Black