CMMG has come out with a unique take on a rifle chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge. The company has attempted to blend the best of both the AK and AR in creating its MUTANT rifle.
As sure as Uncle Ivan drinks vodka, the 7.62x39mm cartridge is a heck of a round.
The Soviet-developed intermediate rifle cartridge delivers plenty of energy on target. It’s tapered case makes for smooth, worry-free feeding in semi-automatic rifles. And, being one of the most produced rounds in the world, it’s economical to thumb off.
The one hitch in the nifty cartridge’s giddyap is the limited choices to fire it off. Sure, AK-47 style rifles are as dependable as daybreak, but the platform leaves something to be desired when it comes to tack-tapping accuracy, not to mention customizability.
CMMG, however, is aiming to shoot down these issues with the introduction of the Mk47 MUTANT. The rifle takes the reliability and ballistic advantages of the 7.62×39 cartridge and mates it to the accuracy and versatility of the AR platform.
Perhaps the MUTANT’s most dramatic adoptions from the American rifle’s system are the AR’s free-floating barrel and ample rail space. The former, however, could have the potential to be controversial in some corners of the shooting world.
The Missouri Manufacturer uses a carbine-length direct-impingement gas system to cycle the rifle, thus achieving sound barrel harmonics on its 16.1-inch 1:10 twist rate barrel. This, of course, might draw sneers from those who live for the steadfastness of the AK’s long-stroke piston system.
The rail space, on the other hand, should win praise, even among purists. CMMG has included a full-length Picatinny rail that runs atop the Mk47, making it easy add sights or optics. The rifle also boasts the company’s RKM KeyMod hand guard, which has slots found in the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions. For accessories that are not yet KeyMod compatible, CMMG offers 5-slot accessory rails.
The MUTANT’s upper and lower receivers are built from 7075-T6 billet aluminum and feature a unique design to manage the dimensions and pressures of the 7.62×39's tapered cartridge. At the same tick, CMMG has kept the weight of the rifle manageable, with the Mk47 tipping the scales just over seven pounds.
The lower receiver has been engineered to accept existing AK magazines and ships with one Magpul PMAG 30-round AK/AKM MOE Magazine. The rifle is outfitted with an ambidextrous magazine release, a paddle similar to the AK47 system. But the safety, trigger group and pistol grip are all off the AR system.
The Mk47 utilizes a unique bolt carrier group derived from the massive one found in the AR10. The group has been shortened to a length of 8 inches and retains all of the material on the bolt face for added durability and strength.
The Mk47 MUTANT comes in three different configurations and has a MSRP between around $1,500 and $1,900. The new rifles will be available January 2015.
Mk47 MUTANT Specs
CMMG Mk47 MUTANT T:
Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Barrel: 16.1″ medium taper profile
Muzzle: A2 compensator
Hand Guard: CMMG RKM15 KeyMod
Upper Receiver: 7075-T6
Lower Receiver: 7075-T6
Trigger: CMMG Single Stage
Furniture: A4 6-Position Collapsible Stock, A2 Pistol Grip
Weight: 7 pounds (unloaded)
Length: 32.75 inches (stock collapsed)
Magazine: Magpul PMAG® 30 AK/AKM MOE®
MSRP: $1,499.95
CMMG Mk47 MUTANT AKM:
Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Barrel: 16.1″ medium taper profile
Muzzle: CMMG SV Brake
Hand Guard: CMMG RKM15 KeyMod
Upper Receiver: 7075-T6
Lower Receiver: 7075-T6
Trigger: CMMG Single Stage
Furniture: Magpul CTR® Butt Stock, MOE® Pistol Grip
Weight: 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
Length: 33.5 inches (stock collapsed)
Magazine: Magpul PMAG® 30 AK/AKM MOE®
MSRP: $1,649.95
CMMG Mk47 MUTANT AKM2:
Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Barrel: 16.1″ medium taper profile
Muzzle: CMMG SV Brake
Hand Guard: CMMG RKM15 KeyMod
Upper Receiver: 7075-T6
Lower Receiver: 7075-T6
Trigger: Geissele SSA® Two-Stage Trigger
Furniture: Magpul CTR® Butt Stock, MOE® Pistol Grip
Weight: 7.2 pounds (unloaded)
Length: 33.5 inches (stock collapsed)
Magazine: Magpul PMAG® 30 AK/AKM MOE®
MSRP: $1,849.95
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But I thought th only drawback to the AR was the “carbine-length direct-impingement gas system”? It still sheets where it eats. The strenght of the AK was the long-stroke piston system which eliminated the dirt and heat in the chamber area……..
Be worth considering if it cost about $1,000 less. I’d rather have one of Century’s C-39 AKs for a little over $600.