Since all the rage right now in airsoft is about sporting rifles, SBRs and AR Pistols, it would be nice to have a new one added to the mix. Whilst airsoft manufacturers are releasing SBRs and AR Pistols that use the 9mm-style magazines, such as Classic Army and G&G, we would welcome any airsoft manufacturer which decides to make an airsoft versions of the CMMG MK57 AR Pistol and SBR Series.
Announced last week, the MK57 series may look like the 9mm and 5.56. SBRs in the market, but if you look closely, it has something in common with two unique firearms made by FN Herstal --- the FN P90 and the FN FiveSeven pistol. The MK57 series use the FN 5.7x28mm.
In a press release from CMMG, CEO Chris Reinkemeyer said, “The 5.7 is an intriguing round that is perhaps best known for its relatively lightweight bullet design and impressive velocities. From an engineering perspective, we were excited to pair the 5.7 with our Radial Delayed Blowback system. I think it’s safe to say that this combination makes the Mk57 one of the lightest recoiling pistol caliber carbines on the market.”
The FN 5.7X28mm round was designed to replace the 9mm round used in the military and law enforcement organisations.
CMMG’s Radial Delayed Blowback operating system is the heart of the Mk57 that is designed to minimize felt recoil. It features rotating bolt that requires the recoil impulse of a round being fired in order to unlock. When a round is fired, a portion of the rearward force is exhausted in unlocking this bolt prior to driving the carrier rearward and cycling the action. With less rearward force to compensate for, the company is able to utilise a lighter carrier and buffer, reducing the overall reciprocating mass.
The models that are available at the CMMG website are the Banshee MK57 in both AR Pistol and SBR configurations, MK47 PSB and Pistols. The Banshee comes with CMMG RipStock, a revolutionary, retractable buttstock that the company say is engineered for lightning-fast deployment based on the personal setting of the shooter. With the Fastback Technology, one has to simply pull straight back to extend the stock with No locking tabs to bind. The P3 Technology (Personal Position Preset) allows users to adjust the indexing screw and to set your own preset.
Now, if there is an airsoft manufacturer’s representative reading this, they can find a market of airsoft players who prefer other types of magazines apart from the usual ARs, 9mm, ACP, and AK magazines. The more choices in SBRs and AR pistols, the better, airsoft players love variety.