Is the CMMG Banshee the BEST AR 9 Ever Made? Full Review

Published on April 22, 2018
Duration: 15:55

The CMMG Banshee is a highly recommended, compact AR-9 platform firearm, praised for its innovative Radial Delayed Blowback system which significantly reduces recoil compared to traditional direct blowback designs. Its compact 19.5-inch overall length makes it ideal for personal defense, and it offers excellent reliability and controllability even during rapid fire. While it performs well out of the box, potential upgrades like a better trigger and red dot sight are noted.

Quick Summary

The CMMG Banshee AR-9 features a Radial Delayed Blowback system, a significant advancement over direct blowback. This system uses a rotating, spring-loaded bolt to delay cycling, drastically reducing recoil and improving reliability. Its compact 19.5-inch overall length makes it ideal for personal defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: CMMG Banshee AR-9
  2. 01:22External Features & Components
  3. 03:40Radial Delayed Blowback System Explained
  4. 06:45Range Performance & Recoil Mitigation
  5. 07:52Customization & Brace Comparison
  6. 09:33Final Verdict: Is it the BEST AR-9?

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the CMMG Banshee's operating system unique?

The CMMG Banshee utilizes a Radial Delayed Blowback system. Unlike traditional direct blowback, its bolt head rotates and is spring-loaded, delaying cycling until chamber pressure drops. This significantly reduces felt recoil and enhances reliability, setting it apart from many other AR-9 platforms.

How compact is the CMMG Banshee AR-9?

The CMMG Banshee AR-9 is exceptionally compact, boasting an overall length of just 19.5 inches. This makes it highly maneuverable and an excellent choice for applications like home defense or situations where a smaller firearm is advantageous.

What are the advantages of the Radial Delayed Blowback system?

The primary advantages are significantly reduced recoil and improved reliability. By delaying the bolt's rearward movement until chamber pressure is lower, it allows the bullet to exit the barrel before cycling, leading to a smoother shooting experience and better control, especially during rapid fire.

Can the CMMG Banshee be customized?

Yes, CMMG offers the Banshee in ten different Cerakote colors at no additional cost. Common upgrades include replacing the mil-spec trigger for a better feel and adding accessories like red dot sights and handstops for enhanced ergonomics and performance.

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