The urge to capitalize on AR modularity, firepower, ergonomics, and accuracy potential has constantly appealed to the shooting community. CMMG was an early soothsayer who tapped into this sentiment. Models and configurations have grown significantly since 2002, with 15 different calibers currently offered across four product lines. The latest CMMG introduction—the Dissent—is sure to attract attention via the diminutive size/firepower ratio offered in a large format pistol configuration.
The CMMG Dissent
The CMMG Dissent is not just another chopped AR platform. The lack of receiver extension and buffer tube are big indicators of this. Correspondingly, the rear receiver features a 1913 Picatinny rail that accommodates a pistol brace, which is not provided by CMMG.
Something New
The Dissent is available in 5.56mm (tested herein), 300 BLK, and 5.7×28. The Dissent utilizes CMMG’s patent pending Compact Action, eliminating the typical AR buffer tube arrangement. CMMG’s Compact Action uses a set of dual guide rods and springs contained within the upper receiver to cycle the action.
This configuration is compatible with both direct impingement for 300 BLK and 5.56mm chamberings. However, the 5.7×28 model uses CMMG’s patented Radial Delayed Blowback operating system. Thanks to the design, Dissent measurables are impressive with a length of 14.7 inches and a weight of 4.8 pounds.
All Dissent models arrive with a 6.5-inch, free-floated barrel surrounded by a 5.5-inch M-Lok handguard. Six different Cerakote finishes are offered. In addition, AR-like ambidextrous magazine release and safety will be instantly familiar to any AR user. Likewise, a flat top upper allows for any AR-type sighting system.
This AR-centric theme is reinforced by using an AR-compatible type fire control system. CMMG equips the Dissent with TriggerTech’s AR-D two-stage trigger, offering a 4-pound pull. The companies collaborated on this trigger specifically with the Dissent in mind.
The pistol breaks from the typical AR charging handle with a left side, non-reciprocating side charging handle out on its compact forend. This offers the user better leverage to manually function the action as well as the ability to stay focused downrange while manipulating. For left-handed shooters, a right-side configured side charger is available.
The Dissent Redefines the PDW
CCMG labels the Dissent as their “most stowable PDW,” and honors this by offering 5.7×28 as an option as well as more typical AR cartridges. PDWs were created during a time when NATO had images of body armor-wearing Soviet Spetsnaz troops running amok in rear-echelon areas. So, the weapons relied on their specialized cartridges to be effective in terms of platform size and terminal performance.
The 5.7×28 chambering was the poster child for this new cartridge type. The CMMG Dissent expands beyond PDW specialized caliber limitations with 5.56mm and 300 BLK chamberings. In short (pun intended), the CMMG Dissent offers end users caliber options to suit their needs and mission requirements. The PDW Dissent’s raison d’être is a CQB weapon while still offering the capability to reach out past 100 yards.
The ability to mount a folding-style brace on the Dissent will attract many takers. Along these same lines, the expansion of states issuing concealed carry permits combined with other states honoring these permits is another reason why braced large-format pistols are so popular currently.
The ability to maintain handgun status with a semblance of SBR performance cannot be resisted. The legal classification of the Dissent as a handgun offers CCW holders flexibility compared to rifles or NFA SBR-classified weapons.
Trial By Fire
It is only natural that a groundbreaking weapon such as the CMMG Dissent is met with wariness. This stems from the skepticism of how something can be made so compact yet maintain reliability. Not to mention tweaking of the AR design away from typical buffer arrangement.
With that said, if the Dissent makes good on the firepower potential offered and establishes a track record for reliability, end users will not be able to refrain from it.
Multiple sessions at Echo Valley Training Center involving firing from and around vehicles, the 360 Range, and Hesco Shoot House instilled confidence in the Dissent.
A ZeroTech Thrive HD reflex sight was mounted to the CMMG Dissent. Additionally, a Sightmark 3x magnifier was also used, especially during initial sight-in, just to see how far the Dissent could be pushed downrange.
The Zerotech Thrive HD reflex and Sightmark 3x magnifier proved an ideal combination, getting the most out of the gun.
Running and Gunning with the Dissent
Ammunition tested was a combination of multiple 5.56mm/.223 Rem loads from Ammo Inc, Sig Sauer, Speer, and Federal. No load tested produced groups greater than 1.25 inches at 50 yards with the optic combo. Several magazines worth of ammunition were spent engaging plate racks and man-sized steel targets.
Drills quickly moved past stand-and-deliver drills to more dynamic shooting involving movement, magazine reloads, and firing from behind cover. One nuance noticed during magazine changes was the lack of a typical AR charging handle. Reaching out for the left-side charging handle will be new for AR owners.
The Dissent lived up to the task of being a lightweight, fast-handling weapon. Drills moving around barricades and training evolutions involving firing and evacuating from vehicles clearly bore this out. Dissent is what individuals will choose to work with in such environments.
The CMMG Linear Compensator threaded onto the 6.5-inch barrel did its job of reducing muzzle climb and directing blast downrange along with producing an occasional fireball. Over 300 rounds were fired for this T&E. It just seemed there was one more drill that needed doing. The Dissent proved utterly reliable.
A Magpul PMAG D-60 drum magazine was utilized during T&E along with metal 20-rounder and Magpul PMAG 30-rounders that arrived with the Dissent. The Dissent Magpul PMAG D-60 drum combo nestled nicely inside an Elite Survival SUMMIT backpack, all ready to go. The thought being the best reload is no reload.
The SUMMIT backpack offers “hide in plain” site utility with enhancements to accommodate the weapon and ancillary gear. Aesthetically, the SUMMIT is designed to look like an inconspicuous hiking pack.
Never Outgunned
I challenge potential users to view the CMMG Dissent AR pistol not as a cool novelty but rather as a serious contender for personal protection.
The Dissent is an ideal candidate with its firepower while still allowing for a modicum of discrete off-body carry. This is combined with accuracy and terminal ballistics far superior to any “normal” handgun. All the while offering the benefit of being classified as a handgun for CCW permit holders.
For more information, please visit CMMGInc.com, EliteSurvival.com, Magpul.com, Sightmark.com, and ZeroTechOptics.com.
CMMG Dissent Specs
| Caliber | 5.56mm (also in 300 BLK and 5.7x28mm) |
| Barrel | 6.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 14.7 inches |
| Weight | 4.8 pounds (empty) |
| Action | Semi-auto |
| Finish | Cerakote |
| Capacity | 30+1 |
| MSRP | $2,000 |
Performance
| LOAD | VELOCITY | ACCURACY |
| Ammo Inc. 55 FMJ | 2,028 | 1.0 |
| Sig Sauer 77 OTM | 1,983 | .66 |
| Speer 64 Gold Dot | 2,069 | .75 |
| Federal M855 62 FMJ | 2,111 | 1.3 |
This article was originally published in the Combat Handguns January/February 2023 issue. Purchase this issue in print or digital at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
