The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black Made a Bold First Impression
As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless AR-15 platforms come and go. However, the CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black immediately caught my eye with its promise of affordable .22 LR plinking and training on the familiar AR platform. I needed a dedicated .22 LR upper receiver to train new shooters without breaking the bank on ammunition costs.
Upon unboxing the CMMG upper, I was impressed by the fit and finish. The black Cerakote coating looked durable and evenly applied. The weight felt balanced, and the overall build quality appeared solid.
I considered a dedicated .22 LR AR-15 build or a .22 conversion kit. Ultimately, I chose the CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black because it offered the best of both worlds. It provides the accuracy of a dedicated upper with the flexibility of using my existing AR-15 lower.
My initial impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could a .22 LR upper truly deliver the performance and reliability I expected from CMMG? Only time and testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black was at my local outdoor range. I wanted to test its reliability with various types of .22 LR ammunition. The weather was sunny and mild, ideal for shooting.
The upper receiver mated seamlessly to my standard AR-15 lower receiver. I used CMMG‘s .22 LR conversion magazines loaded with CCI Mini-Mags. The initial experience was positive, with only a few minor hiccups in the first few magazines.
I noticed that some cheaper bulk ammunition caused more frequent malfunctions. The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black definitely preferred higher-quality, higher-velocity rounds for optimal performance. The accuracy was surprisingly good at 50 yards, easily hitting steel targets and paper groupings within an inch.
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 training tool. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it. The durability has held up well, with minimal wear on the Cerakote finish.
Cleaning the CMMG upper is straightforward. The blowback action means it gets dirtier than a standard AR-15, so more frequent cleaning is necessary. A quick scrub of the bolt and barrel keeps it running smoothly.
Compared to my previous .22 LR experiences, the CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black significantly outperforms cheaper conversion kits. It provides better accuracy and improved reliability, making it worth the investment.
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 boasts several key specifications. Its caliber is .22 LR, making it an affordable and versatile training platform. The 17-inch barrel provides a good balance of accuracy and maneuverability.
The upper features a 1:16 barrel twist rate. This stabilizes a wide range of .22 LR ammunition. The barrel is made from 4140CM SBN steel. This material ensures durability and resistance to wear.
It features a CMMG ZEROED Muzzle Brake with 1/2 x 28 threads. The muzzle brake helps reduce recoil. The upper receiver is constructed from billet 6061 T6 Aluminum. This provides a strong and lightweight platform.
The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black comes equipped with a CMMG EML15 M-LOK handguard. This allows for easy attachment of accessories. The weight is 4.0 lbs and the overall length is 25 inches. This ensures a balanced and manageable package.
Performance & Functionality
The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black performs exceptionally well as a training tool. The accuracy is commendable. The reliability, especially with quality ammunition, is impressive.
The primary strength is its ability to replicate the AR-15 platform with affordable ammunition. This allows for high-volume training without the high cost of centerfire cartridges. The biggest weakness is its sensitivity to ammunition type.
It meets expectations for a dedicated .22 LR upper receiver. It delivers accuracy, reliability, and affordability for training purposes.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black is excellent. The materials used are high-quality. The weight is balanced. The ergonomics are similar to a standard AR-15, making it easy to transition between calibers.
The design is user-friendly. There is no significant learning curve for experienced AR-15 users.
Durability & Maintenance
The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black is built to last. The materials and construction suggest a long lifespan with proper care. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the bolt and barrel, is essential.
Cleaning is straightforward. Replacement parts, if needed, are readily available from CMMG.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black comes with several ZEROED accessories. These include a Polymer Dust Cover, a 22LR Ambi Charging Handle, and a Muzzle Brake 5.56mm. The M-LOK handguard allows for the attachment of lights, lasers, and grips.
The upper is compatible with any standard AR-15 lower receiver and CMMG .22 LR conversion magazines. Optics can be easily mounted on the Picatinny rail. The modular design allows for further customization.
Pros and Cons of CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black
Pros
- Affordable training: Allows for high-volume practice without the high cost of centerfire ammunition.
- Excellent accuracy: Delivers impressive accuracy at 50 yards and beyond, making it suitable for target practice and small game hunting.
- Reliable performance: Operates reliably with quality .22 LR ammunition, minimizing malfunctions and ensuring consistent shooting.
- Easy integration: Seamlessly integrates with any standard AR-15 lower receiver, providing a familiar and comfortable shooting experience.
- CMMG ZEROED accessories: Comes with high-quality ZEROED components, including a charging handle and muzzle brake.
Cons
- Ammunition sensitivity: Requires high-quality, high-velocity .22 LR ammunition for optimal performance.
- Cleaning frequency: Blowback operation requires more frequent cleaning compared to standard AR-15 uppers.
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 who want to train affordably. It is ideal for new shooters who want to learn the fundamentals of marksmanship. It also works well for small game hunters who need a lightweight and accurate .22 LR platform.
Those who prioritize extreme long-range accuracy or are looking for a dedicated competition .22 LR rifle might want to skip this product. A must-have accessory is a reliable supply of high-quality .22 LR ammunition and a good cleaning kit.
Conclusion on CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black
The CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black is a well-built and reliable .22 LR upper receiver. It provides an affordable way to train with the familiar AR-15 platform. The price is justified by its accuracy, reliability, and quality components.
I would personally recommend the CMMG RESOLUTE MK4 UPPER GROUP .22 LR 17 Black to anyone looking for a cost-effective training solution. It’s a solid investment that will pay for itself in ammunition savings. Grab yours today and start enjoying affordable and effective training!