By: Ron Calderone
My Impressions
This is a tiny AR-15. Under 6 pounds stripped and just over 24 inches collapsed, this gun will fit under my truck’s front seat easily. Yet when I deploy it, the Banshee comes alive.
The short nature of the Banshee makes it handy for stowing in a truck or backpack.
Controls are the same as on my AR-15 rifle, and the pistol grip fills my hand nicely. The fully extended stock, though short, steadies my aim much more solidly than a pistol. With a red dot sight mounted, I can swing easily and cover ground quickly.
CMMG calls its control systems “Zeroed.” The magazine release, bolt stop, safety selector, charging handle, pistol grip, and trigger are precision-engineered and manufactured by CMMG to high standards. They are not outsourced. This is felt more than seen – when I run my hands over the controls, everything is exactly where it should be.
CMMG’s Zeroed controls feel great and function well.
My favorite two features of the Banshee are the drop-in trigger and Fastback collapsible stock. The CMMG Zeroed drop-in trigger is a joy to squeeze. It is nearly straight, with a minor tapered curve. I can feel the serrations as I gently press the single-stage trigger. There is zero creep with an ultra-short reset. This is crucial to accuracy, I feel.
CMMG’s Fastback stock is easily collapsed or extended.
There’s no release lever; instead, simply pull it back to extend it to one of three set positions.
The Banshee’s Fastback stock is unusual. There is no release lever to extend the stock; simply pull it back to one of three positions and start shooting. This is the fastest stock I have seen. When exiting my truck or other concealment, this is a huge tactical advantage when seconds seem like minutes.
More Features
Other important features that contribute to reliability of the Banshee are the Radial Delayed Blowback system and the fixed receiver-mounted ejector. Although it resembles an AR-15 platform, the Banshee differs in its internal operation. Examination of the bolt carrier assembly reveals that there is no gas key and no gas tube.
The bolt carrier assembly does not contain a gas key or a gas tube.
Instead, the bolt rotates before cycling, which drops chamber pressure. This leads to less recoil and better accuracy. Blowback-operated guns like the STEN and Thompson submachine guns can be hard-kicking and inaccurate.
The aforementioned two submachine guns have reliable ejection of spent cases due to their fixed receiver-mounted ejectors. CMMG is wise to use this same system in the Banshee, as it is simple and reliable. The normal AR-15 bolt has a spring-loaded plunger-style ejector mounted into the face of the bolt. If the spring loses tension or the plunger becomes fouled, it can fail to eject.
Not so with the Banshee’s fixed ejector. Little can go wrong with such a simple, time-tested design.
The charging handle is great for lefties…
…and the safety is easy to actuate, with only a 60-degree throw to change settings.
If you are left-handed, the charging handle and safety selector are made for you. The safety requires only a 60-degree throw to engage the fire control, and the extended charging handle is easily gripped from the rear. Both put the carbine into action quickly.
Accessories
Since the Mk17 Banshee is configured to accept SIG magazines, it is fitting that I attach my SIG Romeo 4XT-PRO red dot sight for testing. I have used this optic on other AR-15 platforms. Its clear optics and highly visible red dot make sight acquisition easy. Mounted on the Banshee’s generous 13.5-inch Pic rail, I can use peripheral vision to pick up fast-moving targets quickly. It is a high-rise optic with a seethrough base.
A SIG Sauer Romeo 4XTPRO red dot paired nicely with the Banshee.
The ultralight Banish 9K suppressor is barely noticeable on the end of the barrel.
The Banish 9K is a 3D-printed titanium suppressor that weighs less than 3 ounces and is a tad over 4 inches in length. It is the ideal companion to the Banshee Mk17 9mm platform. It requires no recoil piston and easily attaches to the Banshee’s 1/2×28 threaded muzzle. I do not notice it in place, but my ears appreciate the lack of muzzle bark.
Specifications
Range Time
The famous Tucson Rifle club Southwest of Tucson, Arizona, was again the setting for our test. With steel “milk bottle” targets set at distances between 20 and 45 yards, slow fire and rapid magazine dumps tested the Banshee’s reliability and accuracy. Ammunition was PMC Bronze 9mm 124-grain FMJ; it is high quality, fullpowered, and reliable.
The Banshee moves quickly and is easy to get on target.
To test its small size, rapid deployment, and accuracy, I drove my truck onto the range, opened the door, and begin firing through the open window. The Banshee cooperated by clearing the space from the passenger seat easily and coming to bear quickly. Accurate shots from the window were no problem and quite steady, while recoil was minor. The Banish 9K suppressor did not impede my exit, and the low sound report was pleasant.
The CMMG Zeroed pistol grip provided great control, and the Banshee is a fast, natural pointer. Shots at 20 yards on steel grouped well but printed a bit low, probably due to the high-mount SIG red dot. I like the high mount because it allows me to keep my head up off the stock, which helps with accurate offhand shooting.
There’s plenty of Pic rail space…
…and M-LOK slots on the handguard.
Longer shots at 45 yards offhand were also possible, thanks in part to the Zeroed trigger. It breaks cleanly every time, allowing for accurate hits. For a small, light carbine, the Banshee inspires confidence. A Vortex Switchback Carbon tripod also helped keep the gun stable. Though light, its gimbal-mounted rifle cradle can be tightened on the forearm to make those 45-yard shots seem easy.
Everything functioned well. Magazines drop clear, and replacements lock into place solidly. The safety selector is a bit stiff but manageable. Empty brass flies out of the ejection port in a stream due to the fixed-mount ejector. Even with a magazine dump, I had no failures to feed or eject.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Final Thoughts
The CMMG Banshee combines versatility with lightness and accuracy. Its compact size and high-capacity magazines make it an ideal truck gun or home defender firearm. Its accurate trigger and fast deployment stock are my favorite features.
Magazine compatibility with my SIG P320 is another plus. Just like John Wayne, my carbine and pistol should use the same ammo. The CMMG Banshee Mk17 meets that goal and more.
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