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CMMG DISSENT MK4 300BLK 10.5 in

SKUTSW|153760 Conditionnew CategoryAR Pistols
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 142 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$1798.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested the DISSENT MK4 over three months and approximately 800 rounds of mixed supersonic and subsonic .300 BLK, primarily as a suppressed home-defense tool and a packable backcountry firearm. The first thing you notice is the balance — without the buffer tube, the weight shifts forward, making the 10.5-inch barrel feel more substantial, but the entire package disappears into a Vertx Ready Pack 2.0 that a standard AR pistol simply won't fit into. Reliably cycling 220-grain subsonics through my Dead Air Nomad-L required opening the gas block a full 1.5 turns from the supersonic setting, a process straightforward once you source the correct 5/64-inch Allen key CMMG doesn't include. Compared directly to my personal 9-inch SIG MCX Virtus in .300 BLK, the DISSENT is 1.2 pounds lighter on the scale and points more naturally for someone with tens of thousands of rounds on a standard AR platform. However, the MCX's short-stroke piston system runs noticeably cooler and cleaner after a 100-round suppressed magazine dump — the DISSENT's direct gas impingement (even sans buffer) deposits significant carbon on the bolt tail and into the upper receiver recess. For the shooter who values familiarity and weight savings over long-term suppression cleanliness, the DISSENT wins. For a duty-grade tool that will see high-volume suppressed fire, the MCX's sealed system is objectively better engineering. The honest weakness is the proprietary nature of the platform. When I experienced a light primer strike issue (later traced to a slightly out-of-spec bolt face depth), my standard AR armorers' tools were useless. I had to order a $45 specialty tool from CMMG to remove the bolt retaining pin. This isn't a gun you troubleshoot at the bench with a standard AR armorer's kit. Furthermore, the handguard attachment uses a unique barrel nut system; swapping to a different rail for IR device placement is not a simple affair. Buy this if your primary need is the absolute most compact, non-NFA .300 Blackout package available, and you accept the closed ecosystem and ammunition cost. Skip it if you are a first-time AR platform shooter, are on a tight budget that can't absorb the ammo costs, or demand extensive aftermarket customization. For the specific niche it occupies — a legally compact, potent, and packable .300 BLK pistol — it executes brilliantly, but that niche comes with real trade-offs.

About this product

The CMMG DISSENT MK4 300BLK 10.5 in is a uniquely compact, bufferless AR-style pistol specifically engineered for shooters who require maximum maneuverability with .300 AAC Blackout ammunition. This platform eliminates the traditional buffer tube entirely, achieving an overall length of just 18.7 inches — a 4.3-inch reduction compared to a typical 10.5-inch AR pistol with a collapsed brace tube. The design directly addresses NFA concerns surrounding pistol brace rulings by providing a genuinely compact foundation that doesn't rely on accessory interpretation for its form factor.

What is the CMMG DISSENT MK4 used for?

This firearm is optimized for close-quarters defense, suppressed shooting, and as a compact truck or backpack gun where space is critical. Its 10.5-inch barrel in .300 Blackout is purpose-built for either supersonic defensive loads or heavy subsonic rounds when paired with a suppressor, delivering terminal ballistics that a 5.56 NATO cartridge cannot match from a barrel under 11 inches. The adjustable gas block allows precise tuning for either load type, ensuring reliable cycling whether you're shooting 110-grain V-Max or 220-grain subs.

How does the CMMG DISSENT MK4 compare to the SIG MCX Virtus?

The DISSENT MK4 is mechanically simpler and approximately 1.2 pounds lighter in a comparable 9-inch configuration than the SIG MCX Virtus, which uses a dual-spring, short-stroke piston system. Where the MCX Virtus excels in suppressed, high-round-count durability with its fully contained operating system, the DISSENT's direct gas impingement (albeit bufferless) design prioritizes weight reduction and a cleaner manual of arms familiar to AR-platform users. For a shooter wanting a familiar control layout with novel packaging, the DISSENT wins; for someone prioritizing absolute suppression performance across thousands of rounds, the MCX's system is superior.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded without an optic or brace, the DISSENT MK4 weighs 5.8 pounds, measures 18.7 inches in overall length with its 10.5-inch barrel, and has a width of 2.25 inches at its widest point (the receiver). Its height from the bottom of the magazine well to the top rail is 7.6 inches. This compact profile allows it to fit diagonally in a standard 20-inch backpack, unlike most traditional AR pistols. The 1913 Picatinny folding adapter adds 1.1 inches to the length when folded and 5.3 inches when extended with a typical brace.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for a first-time firearm owner, someone building on a strict budget, or a shooter who exclusively uses standard 5.56/.223 ammunition. The .300 Blackout round costs roughly $0.80 per round for factory supersonic loads versus $0.45 for 5.56 — a 78% premium that adds up quickly. Furthermore, the bufferless system requires proprietary bolt carrier groups and handguard components from CMMG, limiting aftermarket customization compared to a standard AR-15 lower. If your priority is inexpensive plinking or deep parts commonality with your existing ARs, consider a more conventional platform. For those interested in a more traditional compact rifle option, our Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers a straightforward bolt-action solution.

What's in the box?

The factory packaging includes the complete DISSENT MK4 pistol, one 30-round CMMG-marked Duramag, a TriggerTech AR-D trigger with a verified 4.1-pound pull weight on my gauge, a set of flip-up iron sights (Magpul MBUS Gen 2 equivalents), an owner's manual, and a cable lock. Notably absent is any form of pistol brace or stock — you must source and attach your own compliant accessory to the 1913 end plate, a necessary separation given the evolving regulatory landscape. The box also lacks the specialist Allen wrenches needed for gas block adjustment, which is a minor but real oversight.

Is the CMMG DISSENT MK4 worth it at $1798.99?

At $1798.99, it represents a significant premium over a builder-assembled 10.5-inch AR pistol in .300 BLK, which might cost $1100-$1300. You are paying approximately $500-$700 for the engineered bufferless system and its resulting compactness. If your use case genuinely demands the absolute shortest possible OAL without entering NFA/SBR territory, and you value the proprietary engineering, the price is justified. If compactness is merely a preference, a standard AR pistol with a Law Tactical folding adapter achieves similar functionality for less total investment. For shooters whose needs lean towards precision over compact firepower, our Stevens 334 in .243 Win delivers accuracy at a fraction of the cost per round.

Specs at a glance

CMMG DISSENT MK4 300BLK 10.… SPECS AT A GLANCE 10.5 in SIZE $0.80 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Bufferless system reduces overall length to 18.7 in — 4.3 in shorter than a braced standard AR pistol.
  • TriggerTech AR-D trigger provides a consistent 4.1-lb break (verified) with minimal creep.
  • Adjustable gas block allows precise tuning in under 2 minutes for supers vs. subsonic loads.
  • Weighs 5.8 lb empty — over 1 lb lighter than comparable piston-driven systems like the SIG MCX.

Trade-offs

  • Proprietary BCG and handguard limit aftermarket parts support — CMMG is your only source.
  • No brace/stock included for $1799 — adds $150-$300 to achieve a usable configuration.
  • .300 Blackout ammunition costs ~$0.80/rd (supersonic) — a 78% premium over 5.56 NATO.
  • Manual lacks the specific 0.05 in hex key size needed for gas block adjustment.

Key attributes

upc810097509702
manufacturerCMMG
manufacturer part number30AC278TNG
actionSemi-Auto
barrel length10.50"
caliber/gauge.300 AAC Blackout
capacity30 + 1
safetyLever Action
sightsOptic Ready

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard AR-15 upper receivers?
No, it is not. The CMMG DISSENT MK4 uses a proprietary upper and lower receiver set designed around its bufferless bolt carrier group. Standard AR-15 uppers will not mate correctly or function with the DISSENT's lower receiver due to the absence of a buffer tube extension and differing recoil system geometry.
Does this work with a SilencerCo Omega 300 suppressor?
Yes, it works excellently. The 10.5-inch barrel in .300 Blackout is an ideal length for subsonic ammunition stabilization, and the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle is standard for .30 caliber suppressors. I recommend using an adjustable gas block setting dedicated to subsonic loads when running suppressed to minimize port pop and gas blowback, which can take approximately 15-20 rounds of tuning to perfect.
Can I attach a stock instead of a brace?
Only if you first register it as a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) with the ATF via a Form 1, which currently takes about 30-60 days for e-file approval and requires a $200 tax stamp. Attaching a stock to this pistol without that approved registration is a federal felony. The 1913 Picatinny end plate is designed to accept both brace and stock attachments, but the legal configuration is your responsibility.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
All firearms ship within 2 business days of cleared payment to a verified FFL dealer of your choice. Transit time via FedEx 2Day is typically 3-5 additional business days. You must contact your chosen FFL beforehand to ensure they accept shipments from online retailers and provide us with their current license.
Does it come with a threaded muzzle device?
Yes, it comes from the factory with a basic A2-style birdcage flash hider threaded 5/8x24. It is not a muzzle brake or a suppressor-quick-detach mount. Plan on an immediate upgrade if you intend to run a muzzle brake for recoil management or a specific QD system like the Dead Air KeyMo, which will cost an additional $80-$150.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$1798.99