- The Dissent does not use standard buffer tubes
- The Dissent comes in a wide variety of calibers
- The Dissent has multiple barrel lengths
- The Dissent uses a Compact Action-Direct Impingement system
CMMG is known for its mystique, but they also produce cutting-edge designs for modern audiences. One of these designs in the Dissent’s side charging upper. But what is the Dissent upper? How does this side charging affect the gun? And which one should you choose?
This will be covered in addition to a handful of CMMG’s uppers that Wing Tactical has tried, tested, and determined are reliable enough to trust your safety to. The rest of CMMG’s upper variants will be mentioned, but are not currently carried by Wing.
What is the CMMG Dissent Side Charging Upper?
The CMMG Dissent is a new twist on the classic AR-15 system. Instead of a traditional buffer tube, CMMG developed the Compact Action-Direct Impingement. This means the bolt and recoil system are completely housed within the receiver of the firearm.
Additionally, there is no rear charging handle but a non-reciprocating side charging handle on the left side of the gun. This allows for the gun to be charged without coming off of it, which makes better Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) builds or better pistol configurations.
It shares vague similarities to the AR-18/180 but lacks the piston-driven system and reciprocating charging handle. These differences make the Dissent more user-friendly and feature new accessory options.
What Are Some Features of the CMMG Dissent Upper?
The Dissent generally features a proprietary handguard in multiple lengths, which are directly matched to the caliber and barrel-length varieties. These handguards use the M-LOK mounting system in addition to a Picatinny top rail.
The receivers are made of 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum, and the barrels are made from 4140 Chrome Moly Steel. Each material choice is geared towards long-term durability, as well as greater resistance to breakage under heavy use.
These all combine to allow for the Dissent upper to be easily integrated into the modern sight and light support infrastructure of modern AR-15s without needing a proprietary mount. Here are the calibers and barrel lengths for the Dissent upper line:
| Dissent Features | Feature Ranges |
| Calibers |
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| Barrel Lengths |
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Currently, Wing Tactical carries four of these upper styles*.
*These upper receiver assemblies have a barrel that is shorter than 16". These uppers are only for use on AR pistol lower receivers and NFA-registered Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) lower receivers. All NFA laws apply!
CMMG Dissent 9mm Side Charging Upper
The CMMG Dissent 9mm Upper comes with either a 10.5 inch or 6.5 inch barrel. This allows for a very compact pistol caliber carbine (PCC) or a lighter-braced pistol. Unlike rifle-caliber options, the CMMG 9mm is more cost-effective because it narrows your logistics to a single caliber.
On top of this, the uppers have a free-float barrel and a proprietary handguard that offer numerous mounting points for modern sights and flashlights, improving overall utility. This places it above other PCCs in terms of customizability and potential accuracy.
This is a good option for those who want a lightweight, compact firearm that avoids the drawbacks of a handgun, even when space is still at a premium.
Includes:
- 1913 Picatinny Rail End Plate
- Dissent Side Charging Bolt
- 9mm 10.5” or 6.5” barrel
- 9.6-inch or 5.5-inch handguard
- Free float handguards
- CMMG Zeroed 9mm linear compensator
|
Weight |
3.9lbs (10.5” upper), 3.26lbs (6.5” upper) |
|
Length |
~19” (10.5” upper), ~15” (6.5” upper) |
|
Compatibility |
AR-15 lowers with CMMG 9AR conversion magazine |
CMMG Dissent 300 Blackout Side Charging Upper
If there’s a need for better-than-pistol caliber performance, the CMMG Dissent 300blk upper provides a good basis to build off of. The use of 300Blk is very niche, but it allows for better performance in shorter barrels and with a suppressor.
This variant is ideal for those who want to build a compact hog gun or a good suppressed PDW that can handle intermediate barriers better than 5.56. The linear compensator helps push the muzzle blast forward if you are not in the market for a suppressor, allowing for “out of the box” use.
It is recommended that you mark any of your dedicated 300blk magazines for the best performance to help prevent cross-contamination with any 5.56 magazines and firearms.
Includes:
- 1913 Picatinny Rail End Plate
- Dissent Side Charging Bolt
- 10.5” barrel
- 9.6-inch proprietary handguard
- Free float handguard
- CMMG Zeroed .308 linear compensator
| Weight | ~3.91lbs |
| Length | ~19.1” |
| Compatibility | AR-15 lower |
CMMG Dissent 5.56 NATO Side Charging Upper
For the individual who wants to keep their rifle ammunition consistent, the CMMG Dissent 5.56 NATO upper provides a way to maintain 5.56 performance while cutting down the overall length of the gun.
While normal AR Pistols and SBRs are restricted by the use of a buffer tube to ensure reliable cycling, Dissent’s Compact Action does away with the buffer tube in exchange for a smaller direct impingement system.
This means a wider variety of braces and stocks is available for use with this upper receiver. That expands the upper’s customizability when paired with the appropriate lower to meet your needs as the end user.
Includes:
- 1913 Picatinny Rail End Plate
- Dissent Side Charging Bolt
- 10.5” barrel
- 9.6-inch proprietary handguard
- Free Float Handguard
- CMMG Zeroed 5.56 linear compensator
| Weight | ~4.08lbs |
| Length | ~19.1” |
| Compatibility | AR-15 Lower |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dissent an NFA item?
Only Dissent uppers with barrel lengths below 16 inches (ATF Chapter 2, page 6) are subject to NFA and other ATF restrictions. If the barrel is longer than that, it does not count as an NFA item or Braced Pistol. *Disclaimer* Always check and comply with current laws regarding barrel lengths and new classifications.