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California Compliant Rifle - CMMG BR4

KaliCoolGuns
Published on December 27, 2024
Category: Reviews
Duration: 33:10

This review of the CMMG BR4 Ranch Rifle highlights its California-compliant, featureless design, making it accessible in heavily restricted states. The rifle features a non-reciprocating charging handle, a crossbolt safety reminiscent of shotguns, and a pinned and welded 14.5-inch barrel. While generally shooting flat with minimal recoil due to its muzzle brake and adjustable gas system, a notable issue was a light primer strike on the first round and a tendency for the bolt to not fully seat, potentially due to cerakote application or spring break-in. Despite this, the rifle demonstrates good accuracy and shootability, making it a viable option for those seeking a compliant AR-style platform.

Tags

CMMG BR4
Ranch Rifle
California Compliant
Featureless Build
5.56x45mm NATO
LPVO
Optic Zeroing
Recoil Mitigation
Adjustable Gas Block
Muzzle Brake
Semi-Automatic Rifle

Quick Summary

The CMMG BR4 Ranch Rifle is a California-compliant, featureless firearm designed to bypass strict state regulations. It features a non-reciprocating charging handle, a shotgun-style crossbolt safety, and a pinned and welded 14.5-inch barrel. While generally shooting flat with minimal recoil thanks to its muzzle brake and adjustable gas block, some users have noted potential issues like light primer strikes and bolt-not-seating problems, possibly related to cerakote or break-in periods.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Unboxing
  2. 00:33Manufacturer Outreach & Rifle Arrival
  3. 00:58Pickup at Local Gun Shop
  4. 01:08Heading to RJ's House for Setup
  5. 01:40Introducing RJ & Scope Mounting
  6. 02:11Introducing Peter & Rifle Identification
  7. 02:30CMMG BR4 5.56 Ranch Rifle Overview
  8. 03:09Optic Mounted & Zeroing Prep
  9. 03:13Heading to Range for Testing
  10. 03:25Rifle Aesthetics & Design
  11. 03:41Remington 870 Stock Comparison
  12. 04:03Modern AR-Style Ranch Rifle Twist
  13. 04:09Crossbolt Safety & Magazine Release
  14. 04:37Elongated Lower for Ban-Proof Design
  15. 04:44Non-Reciprocating Charging Handle
  16. 04:5314.5" Pinned & Welded Barrel
  17. 05:01California & State Compliance
  18. 05:13Reviewer's Disclosure (Free Rifle)
  19. 05:42Multiple Caliber Options
  20. 06:10Mark V Descent Upper Compatibility
  21. 06:26Initial Rounds Fired & Light Primer Strike
  22. 06:51The 'Unbannable' Rifle Concept
  23. 07:00Legal States Map & Optic Mount Choice
  24. 07:10LPVO Mount Considerations
  25. 07:36Leupold Mount Selection
  26. 07:49LPVO Performance & Testing
  27. 08:10Adjustable Gas System
  28. 08:15Superlative Arms Style Gas Block
  29. 08:33Gas Block Adjustment & Cycling
  30. 08:46Muzzle Brake & Featureless Build Compliance
  31. 09:06California Gun Laws & Magazine Freedom
  32. 09:34Thousand Round Test Begins
  33. 09:41Desert Shooting Location & Target Setup
  34. 09:53Pushing Distance & 100 Yard Shot
  35. 10:11Flat Shooting Observation
  36. 10:19Safety Manipulation & Grip
  37. 10:43Double Tap Test
  38. 11:02Recoil Observation
  39. 11:10Attempting Rapid Fire
  40. 11:37Trigger Discussion
  41. 11:42Trigger Mechanism & Feel
  42. 12:13Partnership with Rise Armament
  43. 12:18Proprietary Trigger Design
  44. 12:31Trigger Performance & Double Tap
  45. 12:36Muzzle Brake Effectiveness
  46. 12:43Recoil Mitigation & Weight Distribution
  47. 13:06Continued Shooting
  48. 13:14Positive Shooting Impressions
  49. 13:31Microwave Target Observation
  50. 14:05Target Practice & Accuracy
  51. 14:14Recoil Mitigation Demonstration
  52. 14:29Testament to Recoil Mitigation
  53. 14:38Bump Fire Limitations
  54. 14:44Recoil Reduction Benefits
  55. 14:59Bump Fire vs. Accuracy Trade-off
  56. 15:11Ammunition Sponsor Plug
  57. 15:31Humorous Sponsor Segment
  58. 15:41Music Break
  59. 15:45Sponsor Clarification (Jelly Sauce)
  60. 15:57Community & Extracurricular Activities
  61. 16:05Scientific Testing Environment
  62. 16:10Decibel Reduction Test Setup
  63. 16:17Hearing Protection Test (No Protection)
  64. 16:30Surprise at Decibel Levels
  65. 16:39Press Check Functionality
  66. 16:41No Forward Assist Observation
  67. 16:46Press Check Technique
  68. 16:55Round Count Update & Bolt Seating Issue
  69. 17:02Realization of Bolt Seating Issue
  70. 17:10Wish for G36/SCAR Style Bolt Slam
  71. 17:20Overall Rifle Impression
  72. 17:39Pushing Distance to Top of Hill
  73. 17:42Target Distance Estimation
  74. 18:00First Malfunction: Loose Stock
  75. 18:06Stock Looseness Issue
  76. 18:11Stock Tightness Check
  77. 18:14Stock Came Loose from Factory
  78. 18:17Stock Wiggle & Impact on Accuracy
  79. 18:25Importance of Checking Screws
  80. 18:43Stripping Rifle for Proper Setup
  81. 18:52General Firearm Maintenance Advice
  82. 19:00NRA Instructor Shirt Mention
  83. 19:08Merchandise Availability
  84. 19:18Instagram Handle Plug
  85. 19:22Other Instagram Handles
  86. 19:34Fast & Furious Reference
  87. 19:39Returning to Shooting
  88. 19:42Minivan Diesel Antonio
  89. 19:52Preparing for 400 Yard Shot
  90. 19:55200 Yard Distance Setup
  91. 19:59RJ Takes First Shots at 200 Yards
  92. 20:14Applause
  93. 20:17200 Yard Accuracy & Flat Shooting
  94. 20:25Holding Center Mass
  95. 20:29200 Yard Check Mark
  96. 20:35200 Yard Standing Still Target
  97. 20:41Burrito Target
  98. 20:50Muzzle Brake Aggression
  99. 21:00200 Yard Shooting Success
  100. 21:04Pushing to 300-400 Yards
  101. 21:14400 Yard Distance Setup
  102. 21:20RJ Takes Shots at 400 Yards
  103. 21:29400 Yard Hits Observed
  104. 21:38Malfunction at 400 Yards
  105. 21:40Malfunction Cause Investigation
  106. 21:44Rifle Shoved into Yuca Tree
  107. 21:49Malfunction Attributed to User Error
  108. 21:52Lack of Tripod
  109. 21:56400 Yard Performance Recap
  110. 22:10Shooting Down into Valley
  111. 22:20Another 400 Yard Hit
  112. 22:25No Movement Observation
  113. 22:31Reloads and Shot Timer Test
  114. 22:38Bill Drill Attempt
  115. 22:43100 Yard C-Zone Steel Reload Drill
  116. 22:54Bill Drill Time: 5.48 seconds
  117. 23:01Second Reload Drill at 100 Yards
  118. 23:16Second Bill Drill Time: 8.42 seconds
  119. 23:21Final Thoughts & Hiccups
  120. 23:26What Liked About the Rifle
  121. 23:28Trigger Comfort and Feel
  122. 23:34Flat and Soft Recoil
  123. 23:375.56 Recoil Characteristics
  124. 23:47Recoil Negation by Muzzle Brake
  125. 23:51Upper Shooting Flat
  126. 23:53Stock Comfort
  127. 24:01Comparison to Standard ARs
  128. 24:07Initial Skepticism of Stock
  129. 24:11Stock Did Not Bother Reviewer
  130. 24:16Observed Issue: Bolt Not Fully Seating
  131. 24:22Aggressive Hook on Lever
  132. 24:37Lever Getting Caught
  133. 24:43Bolt Not Fully Seating Consequence
  134. 24:59Hammer Dropping Without Full Battery
  135. 25:08Safety Concern: Bolt Not in Battery
  136. 25:14Frustration During Reloads
  137. 25:18Bolt Catching During Charging
  138. 25:28Self-Polishing Question
  139. 25:34Break-in Period & Wear Marks
  140. 25:44Wear Marks on Cerakote
  141. 25:50Shooting Rifle Performance vs. Issue
  142. 25:56Primary Issue: Failing to Seat Properly
  143. 26:04Issue During Reloads & Charging
  144. 26:13Potential Causes: Spring, Cerakote
  145. 26:18Rifle Not Cleaned During Test
  146. 26:25Ammunition Used (PMC 55 Grain)
  147. 26:33Internal Systems & Dirt Tolerance
  148. 26:42Inability to Press Check Reliably
  149. 26:56Issue Not a Catastrophe, But Noteworthy
  150. 27:10Wasting Rounds During Charging
  151. 27:14Hope for Self-Correction
  152. 27:24Break-in Period & Wear Marks
  153. 27:35Lack of Forward Assist
  154. 27:48Not a Catastrophic Flaw
  155. 27:50Potential Fixes: Dremel, Polishing
  156. 27:59Polishing the Lever Hook
  157. 28:08Rounding Out the Aggressive Hook
  158. 28:21Final Thoughts on CMMG BR4
  159. 28:24Impressed with Shooting Performance
  160. 28:30Enjoyed the Rifle
  161. 28:34Would Buy the Rifle
  162. 28:36BR3 Mention (Large Frame)
  163. 28:44BR3 Calibers (308, 6.5 Creedmoor)
  164. 28:55Request for BR3 Review
  165. 29:04Contact with CMMG Representative (Mike)
  166. 29:07CMMG's Commitment to Feedback
  167. 29:17Company Doing It for the People
  168. 29:20Use for Home Defense
  169. 29:35Perfect for 47 States
  170. 29:37Comparison to Other CA Compliant Options
  171. 29:54Made a Believer Out of Reviewer
  172. 30:00Initial Skepticism of Ranch Rifle Concept
  173. 30:07Fun Rifle to Shoot
  174. 30:10Preference Over Other CA Options
  175. 30:16Ideal in a Free State
  176. 30:21Would Still Buy in a Free State
  177. 30:26Adding Accessories (Red Dot, Laser)
  178. 30:36Night Operations Potential
  179. 30:41Ranch Night Ops
  180. 30:44Price Category Comparison
  181. 30:57Knock Out of the Park
  182. 31:00Questions & Comments Section
  183. 31:04Instagram DM for Questions
  184. 31:07Video Wrap-up
  185. 31:09Guest Appearances Recap
  186. 31:15Peter West Tactical Behind Camera
  187. 31:19Wind Conditions Affecting Shooting
  188. 31:24Peter West Tactical Instagram/YouTube
  189. 31:33Call for Multiple People in Videos
  190. 31:38Self-Deprecating Humor on Shooting Skill
  191. 31:45NRA Instructor Experience
  192. 31:48Missed First Shots Anecdote
  193. 31:55Call to Action: Subscribe, Like, Comment
  194. 32:06Next Video Tease (Sig Sauer)
  195. 32:08VIP Membership Promotion
  196. 32:14YouTube Membership Details
  197. 32:22Membership Goals: Community Engagement
  198. 32:30Random VIP Member Filming Opportunity
  199. 32:44Behind-the-Scenes Content Access
  200. 33:00How to Join Membership
  201. 33:06Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the CMMG BR4 Ranch Rifle California compliant?

The CMMG BR4 is designed as a featureless rifle, avoiding features like pistol grips and adjustable stocks that are restricted in California. It also has a pinned and welded 14.5-inch barrel, meeting legal length requirements, and allows for standard capacity magazines.

What are the key design features of the CMMG BR4 Ranch Rifle?

Key features include a non-reciprocating charging handle, a crossbolt safety similar to shotguns, an adjustable gas block for tuning performance, and a proprietary, slightly elongated lower receiver for compliance. It also comes with a muzzle brake designed to reduce recoil.

What issues were observed during the CMMG BR4 review?

A light primer strike was noted on the first round, and the bolt occasionally failed to fully seat, potentially due to cerakote application or the need for spring break-in. A loose stock was also observed, highlighting the importance of checking firearm screws.

How does the CMMG BR4 handle recoil?

The rifle shoots very flat with minimal recoil, largely due to its effective muzzle brake and adjustable gas system. This allows for quick follow-up shots and keeps the rifle stable on target, even during rapid fire.

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