The CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper Made a Bold First Impression
The CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper arrives as a unique offering in the crowded AR-pattern market. Marketed as a compact and adaptable platform, it piqued my interest with its promise of modularity and .22 ARC chambering. The CMMG name itself carries a reputation for innovative designs, further fueling my anticipation.
I’ve long been searching for a .22LR upper that offers both AR-15 familiarity and suppressed performance. The typical AR conversion kits often lack the reliability and dedicated feel I was seeking. The Dissent, with its bufferless design and dedicated .22 ARC chambering, seemed to address these very concerns.
My first impression upon unboxing was surprise at the compact nature of the upper. The Charcoal Green finish is aesthetically pleasing and seems durable, though I’ll need to assess that further in field use. The build quality feels solid, with no noticeable slop or excessive gaps between components.
I considered the CMMG .22LR AR Conversion Kit and the Tippmann Arms M4-22, but both felt like compromises. The CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper felt like a purpose-built solution, despite the higher price point. I was excited to see if it could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor range, providing a variety of distances. The CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper was mounted on a standard AR-15 lower receiver with a quality trigger. I fired approximately 500 rounds of various .22 ARC ammunition, including both high-velocity and standard-velocity options.
Despite a light drizzle and slightly muddy conditions, the upper functioned reliably. The charging handle, while ambidextrous, did feel a bit stiff initially, but smoothed out after a few uses. I experienced two failures to extract within the first hundred rounds, which I attributed to the ammunition.
The most surprising element was the minimal recoil and report. The .22 ARC cartridge is inherently mild, and the Dissent’s design further mitigates felt recoil. It made for an incredibly pleasant and controllable shooting experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve put well over 2000 rounds through it with minimal issues. I now primarily use CCI Mini-Mags and Federal AutoMatch.
There are minor wear marks on the charging handle and around the ejection port, but nothing excessive. The Charcoal Green finish has held up well, resisting scratches and blemishes. The maintenance is also straightforward.
Cleaning involves a standard AR-15 cleaning regimen, with particular attention paid to the bolt face and chamber. Compared to my previous .22LR experiences with AR-15 conversion kits, the CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper vastly outperforms them. The dedicated design translates to increased reliability and accuracy.
Breaking Down the Features of CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper
Specifications
The CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper boasts several key specifications that set it apart. The .22 ARC chambering offers a dedicated .22LR experience in an AR platform. The 16.1-inch barrel provides a good balance of maneuverability and ballistic performance.
The upper is finished in a durable Charcoal Green Cerakote. This offers excellent corrosion resistance and a pleasing aesthetic. It uses a direct blowback operating system, simplifying the design and enhancing reliability with .22LR ammunition.
The upper is designed to be compatible with most standard AR-15 lower receivers. Its bufferless design allows for folding stock adapters to be utilized for maximum compactness. It accepts CMMG’s proprietary .22 ARC magazines.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the upper’s reliability, accuracy, and overall usability. The dedicated .22 ARC chambering ensures optimal feeding and extraction, unlike some conversion kits. The bufferless design makes it ideal for compact builds.
Performance & Functionality
The CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper performs its job exceptionally well. Accuracy is impressive, allowing for tight groupings at 50 yards with quality ammunition. Reliability has been excellent after the initial break-in period.
The primary strength is its consistent performance. Its weakness is the proprietary magazines, which can be more expensive and harder to find than standard AR magazines. It definitely exceeds my expectations for a dedicated .22LR AR upper.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with high-quality materials used throughout. The weight is manageable, making it comfortable to handle for extended periods. Its user-friendly design requires minimal learning curve for experienced AR-15 users.
Durability & Maintenance
The CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper appears to be built to last. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s required to keep it running smoothly. The Cerakote finish adds an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper doesn’t come with many accessories, but is highly customizable. It features a standard Picatinny rail for optics and accessories. Its compatibility with AR-15 lowers opens up a world of customization options.
It’s compatible with most AR-15 triggers, grips, and stocks. The bufferless design allows for the use of folding stock adapters, such as those from Law Tactical. Aftermarket charging handles are also compatible, offering a personalized touch.
Pros and Cons of CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper
Pros
- Dedicated .22 ARC chambering for improved reliability and accuracy.
- Bufferless design allows for compact builds with folding stocks.
- Excellent accuracy, making it ideal for training and small game hunting.
- Durable Charcoal Green Cerakote finish protects against wear and corrosion.
- Compatible with most AR-15 lower receivers and accessories.
Cons
- Proprietary .22 ARC magazines can be expensive and harder to find.
- Higher price point compared to .22LR conversion kits.
Who Should Buy CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper?
The CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper is perfect for those seeking a reliable and accurate .22LR AR-15 platform. It’s ideal for shooters who prioritize training, small game hunting, or suppressed shooting. It’s also a great choice for those who want a compact AR-15 build with a folding stock.
Those on a very tight budget or who only occasionally shoot .22LR may find the price prohibitive. If you’re satisfied with the performance of a standard .22LR conversion kit, the Dissent might not be necessary. Must-have accessories include extra CMMG .22 ARC magazines and a quality optic.
Conclusion on CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper
The CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper is a well-engineered and reliable .22LR AR-15 upper receiver. While the price is higher than conversion kits, the performance justifies the cost. Its dedicated design, bufferless system, and excellent accuracy make it a standout product.
The value proposition is strong for those who demand the best performance from their .22LR AR. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a premium .22LR shooting experience. If you’re ready to step up your .22LR game, the CMMG Dissent 22 ARC 16.10″ – Charcoal Green – Upper is worth the investment.