CMMG Dissent Br4 Empire Review: An AR Built for the Empire State
- Jared Sturtevant
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
If you’re in the market for a modern sporting rifle that blends traditional ergonomics with AR-style performance, the CMMG Dissent Br4 Empire is an option worth checking out — especially if you live in a state with restrictive firearm laws. Mud Lake Ranch’s in-depth review (below) puts this .350 Legend chambered rifle through its paces, and we’re breaking it all down for you here.
What Is the CMMG Dissent Br4 Empire?
CMMG’s Dissent Br4 Empire model is part of the Br4 family — a series of rifles designed to offer AR-pattern performance while complying with certain state regulations by featuring a non-threaded barrel, buffer-less compact action, and 870-style stock compatibility. The Empire version is specifically built around .350 Legend, a straight-walled hunting caliber that’s fast, effective, and compliant in many jurisdictions where traditional AR platforms can be problematic.
Mud Lake Ranch’s YouTube review spotlights this exact build in Midnight Bronze Cerakote, showcasing handling, ergonomics, and accuracy with .350 Legend loads.
Key Features of the .350 Legend Empire Build
Caliber: .350 Legend — popular for deer hunting and straight-walled compliance
Barrel: 16.1-inch Empire profile non-threaded barrel with a recessed crown
Action: Compact action with direct impingement (no buffer tube)
Trigger: ZEROED single-stage drop-in trigger
Stock: Magpul SGA-pattern RE870 stock (Remington 870 compatible)
Safety: Reversible cross-bolt safety
Magazines: Two 10-round magazines included
In Mud Lake Ranch’s hands-on testing, the rifle’s ergonomics, balance, and recoil impulse with .350 Legend came through as manageable and controllable, making it a compelling choice for hunters and shooters who need a feature-rich platform within compliance constraints.
Caliber Options Across the Br4 Line
While the Empire .350 Legend is the focus here, the Br4 platform is not limited to a single caliber. CMMG offers the Dissent Br4 in a wide range of chamberings, making it versatile for hunting, range use, and general shooting.
Available Br4 calibers include:
5.56×45mm NATO
.300 Blackout
9mm
.22 ARC
6mm ARC
6.5 Grendel
.350 Legend
Not every caliber is offered in every barrel configuration, but all are part of CMMG’s current Br4 lineup.
Color and Finish Options
CMMG provides extensive customization through factory Cerakote finishes. The Br4 series, including the Empire variant, is available in the following colors:
Armor Black
Sniper Grey
Charcoal Green
Coyote Tan
Midnight Bronze
Titanium
Tungsten
The Mud Lake Ranch review features the rifle in Midnight Bronze, demonstrating how a distinctive Cerakote finish can elevate the rifle’s overall appearance.
Final Thoughts
The CMMG Dissent Br4 Empire chambered in .350 Legend is designed as a compliance-friendly hunting and sporting rifle that does not sacrifice modern performance or features. With a thoughtful design, multiple caliber options, and a wide selection of finishes — combined with a detailed real-world review from Mud Lake Ranch — this rifle stands out as a strong option for shooters seeking adaptability without compromise.
Whether your goal is straight-walled hunting compliance, state-specific legality, or simply owning a refined modern rifle, the Br4 Empire is well worth consideration.
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