There’s something about pistol-caliber carbines that just feels right. Sure, I get why some folks turn their noses up at them. They’re not rifles in the traditional sense, they lack the long-range punch of a proper .308 or 5.56, and some see them as redundant. But me? I can’t get enough of them. They’re fun, affordable to shoot, and way easier on the shoulder and wallet than my centerfire rifles. Plus, they’re easy to suppress, work in most indoor ranges, and let me get closer to steel targets without worrying about ricochets sending me to the ER.
Of all the PCCs I’ve shot, one stands above the rest: the CMMG MkGs Resolute.
Now, before I start waxing poetic about this rifle, let’s break down the name. The “MkGs” means it takes Glock magazines. The “Resolute” part tells you it’s a full-sized rifle—none of that braced AR pistol nonsense, but a true AR platform chambered in 9mm. If that seems silly to you, well, you’re probably not running Steel Challenge or Action Steel matches. For me, it’s the perfect competition rifle, and after putting it through its paces, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.
The CMMG MkGs Resolute Up Close
What sets the MkGs apart is CMMG’s radial delayed blowback system, a feature that makes their PCCs and braced pistols stand out from the crowd. Most AR-pattern 9mm carbines rely on a straight blowback design, which means the breech isn’t locked and is kept closed solely by the weight of the bolt, buffer, and spring. That works fine, but it also results in unnecessary recoil—more than a 9mm rifle should ever have.
The MkGs Resolute, on the other hand, uses a locked breech system. The bolt is shaped like a standard 5.56 AR bolt but with teeth that are trimmed at an angle. When you fire, the bolt rotates and unlocks, allowing the rifle to cycle without the need for a massive, heavy bolt and buffer. The result? A smooth, barely-there recoil impulse that feels like cheating compared to traditional blowback PCCs.
The rifle itself is a thing of beauty. A lightweight free-floating M-LOK handguard gives it a sleek, streamlined look. At the business end, CMMG’s Zeroed Muzzle Brake helps tame what little recoil the rifle has. The controls are fully ambidextrous, including a short-throw safety and a massive charging handle that would make any Texan proud. The magazine release is positioned to work with Glock mags and, thankfully, the rifle includes a last-round bolt hold open—a feature that’s frustratingly absent on many PCCs.
CMMG also throws in their RipStock, a retractable stock that deploys instantly with a simple pull. It’s a clever feature, though I have one gripe: it yanks on my beard like a vengeful ex every time I shoot. Also, no sling points? Come on, CMMG.
The MkGs Resolute in Competition
My first match with the Resolute was a trial by fire, and despite my inexperience, I managed to place third. Not bad for a guy who, at the time, didn’t even know what the red boundary lines meant. I chalk up my success less to my shooting skills and more to how effortlessly this rifle handles and performs under pressure.
The first thing that stands out is the lack of recoil. Compared to blowback PCCs, the Resolute might as well be shooting .22s. It’s lightning fast, allowing me to transition from target to target without any wasted motion. The radial delayed system works wonders, and the muzzle brake certainly doesn’t hurt either. It’s the kind of rifle that makes you feel like a better shooter than you really are.
Accuracy is another high point. I topped the rifle with a ZeroTech red dot, which complements the Resolute’s speed-focused design perfectly. At 50 yards, I can consistently print 1.6-inch groups from a bench. No, it’s not 1 MOA, but let’s be real—this is a 9mm rifle, not a sniper setup. For its intended purpose, the accuracy is exactly where it needs to be.
The trigger isn’t anything to write home about. It’s your standard MIL-SPEC affair—not overly light, but at least it’s clean with no grit or take-up. More importantly, it allows for quick, repeatable shots, which is all I really care about in competition.
Reloading and Reliability
One of the perks of shooting a PCC in competition is that you don’t have to reload all that often. A 33-round Glock mag is usually plenty, but when I do need to swap mags, the process is effortless.
The beveled magwell makes reloads smooth and fast, and the oversized bolt release is easy to smack when sending the bolt home. Unlike some PCCs that use Glock mags, the MkGs actually locks open on the last round, which is a nice touch. The only mag that gives me trouble is the Magpul D50 drum—it fits, but seating it on a closed bolt takes a bit more force than I’d like.
Reliability has been rock solid. I’ve put well over a thousand rounds through the Resolute, and aside from a couple of ammo-related hiccups (thanks, Winchester White Box), I haven’t had a single malfunction. I clean it occasionally—emphasis on “occasionally”—and it just keeps running like a champ.
Final Thoughts: A Resolute Revolution
The CMMG MkGs Resolute is, without a doubt, one of the best PCCs on the market. It’s smooth-shooting, lightweight, and reliable, making it an absolute blast for competition shooting. Even my wife and kids love it, thanks to its soft recoil and easy handling.
Ballistically, PCCs aren’t my first choice for home defense, but ergonomically, they make a lot of sense—especially for newer or smaller shooters. The Resolute’s handling is so intuitive that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it as a defensive option for someone who prefers the AR platform but doesn’t want to deal with rifle recoil or overpenetration concerns.
My only real complaints? The stock could use some sling attachment points, and I’d appreciate it if it stopped trying to rip my beard out. Otherwise, this rifle is about as close to perfect as a 9mm AR can get.
I’ll be keeping this one for a long time, at least until I start losing more matches and need something to blame other than myself.