What Are the CMMG AR15 and AR Pistol Platforms and Why Do They Matter?

If you’re not familiar with CMMG, or you are, but never quite understood what CMMG Platforms were then we’ve got you covered! Our platform names are our way of differentiating the different types of AR platforms that CMMG offers, with the biggest differentiators being the magazine they accept, which then dictates what caliber they come in.

Choosing the right platform is a complicated thing for some people. It really comes down to what caliber you are looking for, and then what magazines make the most sense for you. For example, if you own a Glock 9mm pistol, you would likely be best served by running your 9mm CMMG in an MkGs platform so that you’d have magazine interchangeability between the two firearms. 

 

Here’s the full rundown of each of our platforms.

Mk4

The Mk4 platform accepts standard AR15-style magazines. Originally chambered in the iconic 5.56 NATO, the Mk4 has grown to be one of the most versatile CMMG platforms, especially with the .22 LR, 5.7x28mm, 9mm and 4.6x30mm conversion mags and uppers. It’s what you would consider your traditional, mil-spec AR15 platform, but with more options.

Featured calibers .22 LR, 5.7x28mm, 5.56mm, 6mm ARC, 6.5 Grendel, 300 BLK, 9mm, 350 Legend, and the newest addition to our lineup, 4.6x30mm.

Mk3

The Mk3 platform is our AR10 line. The Mk3 is based on the Gen 1 DPMS LR308 high pattern profile, and is available in a couple different calibers. It accepts LR308 style magazines, it is designed with a longer action, and more robust components than the Mk4 in order to handle larger calibers. Available calibers are .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor.

Mk9

The Mk9 platform accepts Colt SMG-style 9mm magazines. It is the oldest of CMMGs 9mm platforms and was the first offering for 9mm. It started out as a Traditional (Straight) Blowback system but has since been redesigned to utilize our patented Radial Delayed Blowback operating system.

Mk47®

Built from the ground up to be a best of its own making, the Mk47 platform is chambered in 7.62x39 and accepts AK-pattern magazines and drums. The Mk47 is CMMGs first mid-sized platform and utilizes our POWERBOLT Technology. Chambering rounds larger on traditional bolt sizes, you mill material out of the bolt face, leaving thin fragile walls at the heart of your rifle. POWERBOLT Technology utilizes a larger bolt that’s more durable to eliminate this issue. Being a mid-sized platform, it falls between the Mk4 and Mk3 in size. Utilizing the more robust components of the Mk3, but sized down makes the mid-sized platform truly shine.

MkG™

The MkG platform, was the introduction of our Radial Delayed Blowback operating system to the world. Originally named the MkG-45, the MkG is chambered in .45 ACP and designed to only accept Glock-pattern .45 ACP magazines (we ship with SGM .45 mags). The MkG also introduced our patented last round hold open for fast, reliable magazine changes.

MkGs®

After the release of the MkG came the MkGs. The “s” stands for “small frame” referring to small frame Glocks like 9mm and .40S&W and is chambered in those two calibers respectively. The MkGs platform utilizes our same Radial Delayed Blowback operating system and last round hold open as the MkG. The MkGs accepts gen 3 or newer Glock-style magazines for their respective caliber and features a unique magazine release.

Mk57™

The Mk57 platform gets its name from the—you guessed it—the 5.7x28mm cartridge. Bringing this caliber to our Radial Delayed Blowback operating system was unexpected by a lot of people, but has proven to be a highly sought-after addition. Similar to the MkG and MkGs, the Mk57 also uses our last round hold open on FN®* Five-seveN®* pattern handgun magazines.

Mk10®

The Mk10 platform is our entry into the highly anticipated world of 10mm ARs. While almost identical to the MkG aesthetically, the Mk10 is designed solely for 10mm and cannot accept other components or rounds (this includes .45 ACP and .40 S&W). The Mk10 continues the tradition of pistol calibers using our Radial Delayed Blowback operating system and last round hold open. The Mk10 takes Glock pattern 10mm magazines and ships with SGM magazines.

Mk17®

The Mk17 platform is the cousin to the MkGs. While virtually identical to the MkG, the Mk17 takes all the queues and makes them work with Sig P320/M17 style magazines. Chambered in 9mm only, the Mk17 brings our Radial Delayed Blowback operating system and last round hold open to the world of Sig enthusiasts.

Assemble Your AR

 

CMMG Platform Graphic_6-28

 

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