CMMG Banshee Rifles and Pistols (USA)
In 2002, brothers John and Jeff Overstreet, with the assistance of their wives, Gretchen and Stephanie founded a new armory a company called CMMG. Initially, the new enterprise, like other organizations in the industry, produced copies of existing weapons, as well as manufactured parts and accessories for them. However, later a family of businessmen mastered the design of new models of small arms. Using well-known platforms and developments, a number of interesting samples were built. In addition, the designers proposed their own ideas, which were soon implemented in a family of weapons called Banshee.
Unusual family
At the core of the Banshee family is the AR-15 self-loading rifle, one of the most popular types of weapons in its class. Moreover, it was proposed to make weapons for low-power small and medium caliber cartridges, as a result of which a serious restructuring of automation systems was needed. Nevertheless, the designers of the Overstreet family managed to find optimal solutions and create a line of weapons based on them. It included five models of rifles and the same number of products, called pistols.
It should be noted that the main features of the design of products Banshee seriously complicate their assignment to a particular class of weapon. The fact is that all the pistols of the line have a “rifle” layout with the shaft of the store outside the handle. At the same time, several rifles of the family use pistol cartridges. As a result, the developers have divided the family into pistols and rifles at their own discretion - there are no serious differences in the design field.
The construction of the "Banshee" makes it difficult to use the generally accepted classification of weapons. Only a few products of the family can be clearly attributed to the rifles. Others can be classified as PDW or the notorious “assault pistols”. You can also recall the almost forgotten term "pistol-carbine", recently receiving a chance for a second life.
Gate group of the Mk57 pistol chambered for mm 5,7x28
Finding the right definitions is also made more difficult by the fact that CMMG views its developments as universal systems for entertaining and sports shooting, self-defense and even hunting. The possibility of using Banshee in law enforcement agencies and security organizations is also not excluded.
New solutions
In the early years of its operations, CMMG only copied and slightly modified the existing AR-15 platform. To some extent, this was reflected in the Banshe family. However, only two Mk4 Banshee 300BLK products can be considered a full-fledged copy of an old rifle. This is a semi-automatic weapon chambered for .300 BLK (7,62х35 mm), which looks as close as possible to the base platform. Its design has taken measures aimed at improving ergonomics and basic characteristics.
Semi-free shutter in the work. Visible contact with beveled surfaces
From other products of the Banshee family, the Mk4 carbine under the .300 BLK differs by the type of automation. He kept the gas engine with a direct supply of powder gases to the corresponding part of the bolt carrier. Also used is a standard rotary bolt from AR-15. The only significant change in the basic design is to ease the bolt and install a new return spring in accordance with the power of the new cartridge.
All other samples of the family use less powerful cartridges with a different gas pressure, which excludes the use of automation with the removal of gases. Instead, pistol-rifles got a semi-free-shutter automatics built on the AR-15 units. The slide frame, in general, repeats the original design, but is distinguished by the presence of samples that reduce the mass. A similar shutter with a radial position of the lugs, rotating around its axis due to the guides inside the frame, is also used.
The semi-free shutter is braked using the patented Radial delayed blowback technology. Lugs, nominally located in the shank of the barrel, made not rectangular, but slightly oblique. In the same way framed and the back of the stops shutter. The barrel is locked in the same way as in the case of the AR-15, and the unlocking process is carried out by the pressure of the gases in the barrel. Under the pressure of gases, the sleeve pushes the bolt back, while the bevel stop lugs provide a relatively slow turn with unlocking before rolling back. "Excess" gas energy is spent on overcoming friction between the beveled lugs of the shank stem and bolt.
The Mk4 Banshee 300BLK rifle is a member of the family with automatic venting
Automatics based on AR-15 units are housed in a similar receiver. All rifles and pistols of the Banshe family have a composite receiver box divided into upper and lower receivers. These devices are forged from 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. The upper receiver retains the basic features of the base rifle, while the lower one is substantially refined. First of all, the size and shape of the store's receiving shaft change.
The Banshee line uses rifled barrels of various calibers and different lengths, made of steel grade 4140CM. They are rigidly fixed on the upper receiver. Replacement of the barrel by the user, especially in the field, is not provided.
Mk4 300BLK in gun configuration
All products of the family are equipped with a standardized trigger mechanism of the CMMG development. In general, it repeats the original AR-15 devices, and it also implements modern views on ergonomics. In particular, the safety lever is on both sides of the weapon.
A common feature of all "Banshee" is the octagonal shank with the upper and lower Picatinny rail. At the same time, the top bar smoothly mates with a similar device on the receiver, due to which a long guideline is formed to set any compatible sight at any convenient position.
Mk4 22LR carbine pistol
CMMG has introduced an original version of the coating of metal parts called Cerakote Finish, which uses ceramic components. This coating is very durable and can have one of the 11 colors. Buyers can choose from a variety of colors, from “Graphite Black” to “Snow White”. However, in some cases, for the choice of color will have to pay.
Representatives of the family
In general, the CMMG Banshee family can be divided into five conventional groups, each of which includes a pair of unified samples, namely a rifle and a pistol-carbine. Both samples of this group use the same cartridge and are most similar to each other, differing only in size and configuration.
So, the already mentioned "group" Mk4 Banshee 300BLK includes a rifle and a pistol, having minimal differences. So, both samples are equipped with a barrel length of 8 inches (203 mm) with the same protection in the form of a long forearm and standardized flame arresters. The supply is carried out from PMAG stores on 30 ammunition. When the butt is pushed forward, the total length of the carbine and rifle reaches 25 inches (635 mm). Weight unloaded - 5,2 pounds (2,36 kg).
9 mm MkGs carbine
The differences between the two Mk4 300BLK are exclusively in the configuration. The rifle is equipped with an L-shaped telescopic butt from the company RipStork, and also has a front vertical handle. The gun does not have a front handle, and instead of the butt, a pistol brace type Tailhook MOD 2 is installed.
Also under the designation Mk4 hides a pair of samples chambered for .22LR (5,56x15 mm R). A rifle and a pistol of this kind have an 4,5-inch (114 mm) barrel with a flame arrester and automation based on a semi-free shutter. The spring and bolt group are modified taking into account the low power of the cartridge. Both samples can use box magazines on 25 cartridges, resembling standard products for AR-15. Length with folded butt - 20,25 inch (514 mm), weight - 4,4 pounds (2 kg). From each other, the Mk4 .22LR differ in the same way as the Mk4 under the .300 BLK - butt type and the presence or absence of the front handle.
"Rifle" MkG 45ACP
The “group” of weapons with the designation MkGs Banshee 9 mm is a weapon chambered for 9x19 mm “Pair”. Its characteristic feature is a special bottom receiver with a narrow mine for shops. For compatibility with Glock pistol magazines and similar devices with a capacity of up to 33 cartridges, the shaft is tilted. The MkGs rifle and pistol have an 5-inch (127 mm) barrel with a threaded barrel. In this case, instead of a flame arrester, a simple protective sleeve is used. The minimum gun length is 20 inches (508 mm), the rifle with the butt pulled apart is exactly two inches longer. Weight - no more than 4,8 pounds (2,17 kg). Completion of two samples is similar to other weapons "Banshee".
Also created a pair of samples MkG Banshee 45ACP under the pistol cartridge, the designation of which is in the name of the weapon. They are as similar to the MkGs as Parabellum ammunition and have minimal differences. In particular, dimensions, weight and equipment remain the same. The only significant external difference between the two pairs of weapons is the use of different stores. Included with the MkG 45ACP is a Glock shop for 13 cartridges.
The newest gun Mk57 in bronze painting
Perhaps the greatest interest in the Banshee family is a pair of samples under the general designation Mk57, first introduced just a few weeks ago. The numbers in their names indicate the use of pistol cartridge 5,7х28 mm developed by the Belgian company FN. Such ammunition was used with several pistols and other samples of the compact self-defense weapon of the PDW class. With minimal dimensions and weight, such a cartridge is characterized by relatively high performance and is suitable for solving all major tasks.
Externally, in terms of size and mass, the Mk57 are similar to other CMMG weapons for pistol cartridges. In particular, the same narrow inclined receiving shaft of the store is used. Applies 5-inch barrel and automation with a semi-free shutter, adapted to the energy of the cartridge. In addition, two return springs with different characteristics are proposed for use with the Mk57. The first one is more rigid and is designed for shooting 40-gran bullet. 27 and 28 gran bullets can only be used with a less powerful spring. For the supply of ammunition used store ProMag capacity 20 cartridges.
The CMMG Banshee line includes 10 samples of small arms based on common ideas and solutions. In this case, the company-developer offers customers not only ready-made rifles and carbine pistols, but also their individual elements. So, in the catalog there are units in the form of an upper or lower receiver with all the necessary additional devices. In particular, it allows you to combine the elements of "Banshee" with other products, and also facilitates the repair.
Mk57 rifle chambered by FN
Products of the Banshee family have a different cost. Individual weapon components range from 600 to 800 US dollars. For a full sample will have to pay from 1100 to 1600 dollars. At the same time, the company-developer offers a whole line of unified samples with similar capabilities and various features.
Family vs. Competitors
The American market of civilian and service weapons is literally packed with offers from various manufacturing companies, and a potential buyer can easily select the products most interesting to him. Naturally, manufacturers face tough competition and therefore are forced to look for certain ways to attract customers. The overstreet family, which owns CMMG, has found several ways to interest buyers.
Suggested weapon paint options
In an effort to expand the list of products, CMMG implemented a curious concept of compact weapons for low-power cartridges, having a “rifle” layout. Such a weapon, showing high performance, can be used in the civil and official sphere - for entertainment, participation in competitions, self-defense, etc. The solution of such problems contributes to the successful combination of small size and sufficient firepower.
The choice of cartridges that do not differ in special power, imposed certain restrictions that led to the use of new design solutions. Because of the impossibility of using gas automatics on most samples, a semi-free valve with self-developed braking is used. This shows that CMMG is able not only to copy other people's work, but also to create its own. For the rest, the Banshee line of weapons seriously resembles many other modern developments that use the "modular" principle of modularity.
The state of the American market for civilian weapons makes numerous manufacturers constantly update their catalogs and present more and more interesting models of weapons. Often, to solve such problems, gunsmiths have to seriously refine existing structures or even create completely new ones. CMMG has long understood these industry principles and takes them into account in its work. Thanks to them, a curious family of Banshee rifles and pistols has already appeared, and it is not necessary to exclude that a new similar line will be developed in the future.
On the materials of the sites:
https://cmmginc.com/
https://all4shooters.com/
http://thetruthaboutguns.com/
https://shootingillustrated.com/
https://tactical-life.com/
Unusual family
At the core of the Banshee family is the AR-15 self-loading rifle, one of the most popular types of weapons in its class. Moreover, it was proposed to make weapons for low-power small and medium caliber cartridges, as a result of which a serious restructuring of automation systems was needed. Nevertheless, the designers of the Overstreet family managed to find optimal solutions and create a line of weapons based on them. It included five models of rifles and the same number of products, called pistols.
It should be noted that the main features of the design of products Banshee seriously complicate their assignment to a particular class of weapon. The fact is that all the pistols of the line have a “rifle” layout with the shaft of the store outside the handle. At the same time, several rifles of the family use pistol cartridges. As a result, the developers have divided the family into pistols and rifles at their own discretion - there are no serious differences in the design field.
The construction of the "Banshee" makes it difficult to use the generally accepted classification of weapons. Only a few products of the family can be clearly attributed to the rifles. Others can be classified as PDW or the notorious “assault pistols”. You can also recall the almost forgotten term "pistol-carbine", recently receiving a chance for a second life.
Gate group of the Mk57 pistol chambered for mm 5,7x28
Finding the right definitions is also made more difficult by the fact that CMMG views its developments as universal systems for entertaining and sports shooting, self-defense and even hunting. The possibility of using Banshee in law enforcement agencies and security organizations is also not excluded.
New solutions
In the early years of its operations, CMMG only copied and slightly modified the existing AR-15 platform. To some extent, this was reflected in the Banshe family. However, only two Mk4 Banshee 300BLK products can be considered a full-fledged copy of an old rifle. This is a semi-automatic weapon chambered for .300 BLK (7,62х35 mm), which looks as close as possible to the base platform. Its design has taken measures aimed at improving ergonomics and basic characteristics.
Semi-free shutter in the work. Visible contact with beveled surfaces
From other products of the Banshee family, the Mk4 carbine under the .300 BLK differs by the type of automation. He kept the gas engine with a direct supply of powder gases to the corresponding part of the bolt carrier. Also used is a standard rotary bolt from AR-15. The only significant change in the basic design is to ease the bolt and install a new return spring in accordance with the power of the new cartridge.
All other samples of the family use less powerful cartridges with a different gas pressure, which excludes the use of automation with the removal of gases. Instead, pistol-rifles got a semi-free-shutter automatics built on the AR-15 units. The slide frame, in general, repeats the original design, but is distinguished by the presence of samples that reduce the mass. A similar shutter with a radial position of the lugs, rotating around its axis due to the guides inside the frame, is also used.
The semi-free shutter is braked using the patented Radial delayed blowback technology. Lugs, nominally located in the shank of the barrel, made not rectangular, but slightly oblique. In the same way framed and the back of the stops shutter. The barrel is locked in the same way as in the case of the AR-15, and the unlocking process is carried out by the pressure of the gases in the barrel. Under the pressure of gases, the sleeve pushes the bolt back, while the bevel stop lugs provide a relatively slow turn with unlocking before rolling back. "Excess" gas energy is spent on overcoming friction between the beveled lugs of the shank stem and bolt.
The Mk4 Banshee 300BLK rifle is a member of the family with automatic venting
Automatics based on AR-15 units are housed in a similar receiver. All rifles and pistols of the Banshe family have a composite receiver box divided into upper and lower receivers. These devices are forged from 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. The upper receiver retains the basic features of the base rifle, while the lower one is substantially refined. First of all, the size and shape of the store's receiving shaft change.
The Banshee line uses rifled barrels of various calibers and different lengths, made of steel grade 4140CM. They are rigidly fixed on the upper receiver. Replacement of the barrel by the user, especially in the field, is not provided.
Mk4 300BLK in gun configuration
All products of the family are equipped with a standardized trigger mechanism of the CMMG development. In general, it repeats the original AR-15 devices, and it also implements modern views on ergonomics. In particular, the safety lever is on both sides of the weapon.
A common feature of all "Banshee" is the octagonal shank with the upper and lower Picatinny rail. At the same time, the top bar smoothly mates with a similar device on the receiver, due to which a long guideline is formed to set any compatible sight at any convenient position.
Mk4 22LR carbine pistol
CMMG has introduced an original version of the coating of metal parts called Cerakote Finish, which uses ceramic components. This coating is very durable and can have one of the 11 colors. Buyers can choose from a variety of colors, from “Graphite Black” to “Snow White”. However, in some cases, for the choice of color will have to pay.
Representatives of the family
In general, the CMMG Banshee family can be divided into five conventional groups, each of which includes a pair of unified samples, namely a rifle and a pistol-carbine. Both samples of this group use the same cartridge and are most similar to each other, differing only in size and configuration.
So, the already mentioned "group" Mk4 Banshee 300BLK includes a rifle and a pistol, having minimal differences. So, both samples are equipped with a barrel length of 8 inches (203 mm) with the same protection in the form of a long forearm and standardized flame arresters. The supply is carried out from PMAG stores on 30 ammunition. When the butt is pushed forward, the total length of the carbine and rifle reaches 25 inches (635 mm). Weight unloaded - 5,2 pounds (2,36 kg).
9 mm MkGs carbine
The differences between the two Mk4 300BLK are exclusively in the configuration. The rifle is equipped with an L-shaped telescopic butt from the company RipStork, and also has a front vertical handle. The gun does not have a front handle, and instead of the butt, a pistol brace type Tailhook MOD 2 is installed.
Also under the designation Mk4 hides a pair of samples chambered for .22LR (5,56x15 mm R). A rifle and a pistol of this kind have an 4,5-inch (114 mm) barrel with a flame arrester and automation based on a semi-free shutter. The spring and bolt group are modified taking into account the low power of the cartridge. Both samples can use box magazines on 25 cartridges, resembling standard products for AR-15. Length with folded butt - 20,25 inch (514 mm), weight - 4,4 pounds (2 kg). From each other, the Mk4 .22LR differ in the same way as the Mk4 under the .300 BLK - butt type and the presence or absence of the front handle.
"Rifle" MkG 45ACP
The “group” of weapons with the designation MkGs Banshee 9 mm is a weapon chambered for 9x19 mm “Pair”. Its characteristic feature is a special bottom receiver with a narrow mine for shops. For compatibility with Glock pistol magazines and similar devices with a capacity of up to 33 cartridges, the shaft is tilted. The MkGs rifle and pistol have an 5-inch (127 mm) barrel with a threaded barrel. In this case, instead of a flame arrester, a simple protective sleeve is used. The minimum gun length is 20 inches (508 mm), the rifle with the butt pulled apart is exactly two inches longer. Weight - no more than 4,8 pounds (2,17 kg). Completion of two samples is similar to other weapons "Banshee".
Also created a pair of samples MkG Banshee 45ACP under the pistol cartridge, the designation of which is in the name of the weapon. They are as similar to the MkGs as Parabellum ammunition and have minimal differences. In particular, dimensions, weight and equipment remain the same. The only significant external difference between the two pairs of weapons is the use of different stores. Included with the MkG 45ACP is a Glock shop for 13 cartridges.
The newest gun Mk57 in bronze painting
Perhaps the greatest interest in the Banshee family is a pair of samples under the general designation Mk57, first introduced just a few weeks ago. The numbers in their names indicate the use of pistol cartridge 5,7х28 mm developed by the Belgian company FN. Such ammunition was used with several pistols and other samples of the compact self-defense weapon of the PDW class. With minimal dimensions and weight, such a cartridge is characterized by relatively high performance and is suitable for solving all major tasks.
Externally, in terms of size and mass, the Mk57 are similar to other CMMG weapons for pistol cartridges. In particular, the same narrow inclined receiving shaft of the store is used. Applies 5-inch barrel and automation with a semi-free shutter, adapted to the energy of the cartridge. In addition, two return springs with different characteristics are proposed for use with the Mk57. The first one is more rigid and is designed for shooting 40-gran bullet. 27 and 28 gran bullets can only be used with a less powerful spring. For the supply of ammunition used store ProMag capacity 20 cartridges.
The CMMG Banshee line includes 10 samples of small arms based on common ideas and solutions. In this case, the company-developer offers customers not only ready-made rifles and carbine pistols, but also their individual elements. So, in the catalog there are units in the form of an upper or lower receiver with all the necessary additional devices. In particular, it allows you to combine the elements of "Banshee" with other products, and also facilitates the repair.
Mk57 rifle chambered by FN
Products of the Banshee family have a different cost. Individual weapon components range from 600 to 800 US dollars. For a full sample will have to pay from 1100 to 1600 dollars. At the same time, the company-developer offers a whole line of unified samples with similar capabilities and various features.
Family vs. Competitors
The American market of civilian and service weapons is literally packed with offers from various manufacturing companies, and a potential buyer can easily select the products most interesting to him. Naturally, manufacturers face tough competition and therefore are forced to look for certain ways to attract customers. The overstreet family, which owns CMMG, has found several ways to interest buyers.
Suggested weapon paint options
In an effort to expand the list of products, CMMG implemented a curious concept of compact weapons for low-power cartridges, having a “rifle” layout. Such a weapon, showing high performance, can be used in the civil and official sphere - for entertainment, participation in competitions, self-defense, etc. The solution of such problems contributes to the successful combination of small size and sufficient firepower.
The choice of cartridges that do not differ in special power, imposed certain restrictions that led to the use of new design solutions. Because of the impossibility of using gas automatics on most samples, a semi-free valve with self-developed braking is used. This shows that CMMG is able not only to copy other people's work, but also to create its own. For the rest, the Banshee line of weapons seriously resembles many other modern developments that use the "modular" principle of modularity.
The state of the American market for civilian weapons makes numerous manufacturers constantly update their catalogs and present more and more interesting models of weapons. Often, to solve such problems, gunsmiths have to seriously refine existing structures or even create completely new ones. CMMG has long understood these industry principles and takes them into account in its work. Thanks to them, a curious family of Banshee rifles and pistols has already appeared, and it is not necessary to exclude that a new similar line will be developed in the future.
On the materials of the sites:
https://cmmginc.com/
https://all4shooters.com/
http://thetruthaboutguns.com/
https://shootingillustrated.com/
https://tactical-life.com/
- Ryabov Kirill
- CMMG / cmmginc.com. Thetruthaboutguns.com
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