Cabelas CMMG Mk4 feedback and build comparison
Apologies for the lengthy post/questions. I am new to the AR platform and wandered into my local Cabelas to see what they have. I went in to look at the new Ruger Harrier (and the cmmg .22lr conversion kit). While there I saw the cmmg mk4 in bronze (pictured below)- which I really like the color of and it felt good in hand and the upper seemed tight to the lower for the one I inspected.
I have searched this subreddit/google and am aware that this particular cmmg is perhaps a bargain bin version with "unpublished" material details and is clearly not the same as any of the rifles they have on their own website. I have also read that many folks are generally happy with this particular Cabelas version rifle, especially for the price point of $800. I don't need a high end rifle and this is right where I would like to be price wise (less than $1000 for something with iron sights and decent furniture).
My thoughts:
When I explore building a 5.56 AR that I could (in the future) put a dedicated 22 upper or the cmmg conversion kit, I come up with a higher cost. Trying to stay apples to apples for color - this assumes a PSA complete Sabre lower receiver with B5 stock; $299, plus my FFL fee and shipping; $50. That only leaves $600-$700 for a complete upper delivered to stay under $1k. cmmg has one on their website (PRODUCT #55BB40B-MB) for $600, but with no BCG or Charging handle. Could be cheaper elsewhere, but hard to find. Either way, reads like the same upper material as the Cabelas rifle.
I assume this complete Bass Pro cmmg rifle is superior to the Ruger Harrier, and I know I like the color a lot more.
My goal is to get a lot of use on the AR, but since .22lr ammo is so cheap I am really wanting to have something i can run .22lr in and not break the bank.
Looking into the future I want something I can put a suppressor on, and run a Super Safety/FRT trigger. These two "wants" add to my desire to have the ability to shoot cheap .22lr in large quantities.
I am aware the furniture on the Cabelas cmmg is not desirable and would need to be replaced. (The addition of B5 Sop-Mod Stock and B5 Grip would make the total cost of the cmmg rifle $925)
While I do consider myself handy, I don't have gunsmithing tools, and if I wanted a dedicated .22lr upper - i would most likely buy a complete upper (like this one: RTB Complete 16" .22LR Lightweight Upper Receiver - Bronze | A2 | 15" M-LOK | with BCG & CH). (RTB1622LR15LW-BB)
My Questions:
Is the PSA Sabre complete lower listed above a better lower, and does that even matter? Additionally, the cmmg Resolute 556 upper listed above seems to be the same material as the Cabela's rifle, but the bronze color is slightly different.
Is there something else I am missing to achieve what I'm trying to do? If the complete uppers were not seemingly always out of stock then it would perhaps be an easier endeavor to build what i want in the right color for my budget.
If i buy the Cabelas rifle i would have what assume is a decent 5.56 with the furniture i want for $925. Would I need anything beyond the RTB .22lr upper (w/ BCG and CH) to reliability train with .22lr?
Does anyone have experience with putting a FRT or Super safety in these cmmg rifles?
thanks
