The fanboy debate on AR15 vs. AK47 has died down to an extent due to the former shifting the narrative away from a caliber specific matchup, to a comparison based purely on the merits of the operating system. A few companies have tried to blur the line by combining traits of the two platforms, creating a hybrid. Or dare I say a Mutant. A CMMG Mutant.
The CMMG Mutant MK47 is just such a beast. Combining “the accuracy and modularity of the AR15 with the reliability of the AK47”, the MK47 is a heavily-modified conglomeration. While much of the rifle is an AR, the receivers have been significantly changed, especially the mag well. Instead of modified mags trying to feed the ‘ol 7.62×39, the Mutant feeds from standard AK mags. Ergonomically, we’re in AR territory save for the mag release, which is vintage AK design. One more modern feature you won’t find here is the bolt-hold-open (BHO), as space limitations led the designers to prioritize features, that’s the one they chose to nix. I wrote more on the design features in my first look article.
For now, it’s on to range results. I took the MK47 out to my local blasting arena with a couple hundred rounds of 124 gr. FMJBT’s, made by Red Army Standard of Russia. I’d never heard of this brand before but figured it would be in-line accuracy wise with your usual box of Russian lead-core, steel cased ammo.
After mounting Lucid Optics’ 4x P7, I notched a quick zero. I warmed up the gun with a few double-taps and some 100-yard clay pigeon busting with ease. Recoil is very moderate and the gun operates smoothly. After that, I set up my “po-boy” benchrest, a boulder in front of me serving as the rifle rest with the rear bumper of my vehicle serving as my seat. I put a paper up at 100 yards, here are the results.
As you can see and read in the pics above, the best group was ~1.25″ and worst was ~2.5″ at 100 yards. Considering the ammo used (and that the poorly machined Lucid scope base kept coming loose), this is a much more accurate set-up than I had expected. I’ll take this back out with some match ammo (if I can track it down) and better glass, no doubt I expect it has more accuracy potential than I’ve got out of it so far. Reliability on the day was 100% and the included linear compensator/blast shield was very effective in directing the muzzle blast forward.
CMMG has a number of options in the Mutant line with varying barrel lengths, buttstocks, cerakote colors and handguard options. If the idea of an accurate AR that’s spun up around the 7.62 short cartridge floats your boat, CMMG’s MK47 Mutant is a very worthwhile option. Prices range from $1499 to $1899 depending on options selected. Check out the full line-up here!
