Munitionworks has been making AR-15 rifles and receivers since 2020. While they are relatively new to the market, their JOE and Dissident rifles have left a mark. Now in 2023, Munitionworks has introduced the Dissident Mk2, a rifle that incorporates many of the upgrades many enthusiasts add to their off-the-shelf rifles.
- Model: Dissident Mk2
- Caliber: .223 Wylde or 5.56x45mm NATO
- Action: Fixed or adjustable direct-gas impingement
- Capacity: 30+1 standard capacity magazines
- Barrel Length: 13.9, 14.5, and 16 inches
- Weight: 6 lbs. 5 oz.
- Furniture: BCM, B5 Systems, or Magpul pistol grip and buttstock
- Receiver: 7075-series aluminum with Type III anodized coating
- Controls: Ambidextrous charging handle, bolt release, safety, and magazine release
The Dissident Mk 2 comes with a number of options from the factory, but at all levels, it is a direct-gas AR with a telescoping stock and an aluminum M-Lok handguard. There are two chamberings to choose from: a 5.56 NATO with a 1:7 twist when using a nitrided 4140 barrel or a stainless 416 barrel in .223 Wylde with a 1:8 twist. No matter how you slice it, either configuration will allow you to use 5.56 NATO ammunition or .223 Remington loads, including those heavier grain 77-80 grain match pills.
Barrel length will vary as you can select a standard carbine-length 16-inch barrel or a 13.9 or 14.5-inch barrel with a pinned and welded muzzle brake of your choice to meet legal length requirements. While the Mk2 uses a direct gas tube, the gas block can be fixed or adjustable, and the system can be tuned from the factory for use with suppressors. The Dissident uses a 4.5 lb. match trigger, which dispenses with the gritty and long triggers that sometimes show up on higher-end ARs.
The Dissident Mk2 uses a buttstock and pistol grip from BCM, B5 Systems, or Magpul. Likewise, the safety, magazine release, and bolt release can be had on both sides of the rifle for left and right-handed shooters. The Dissident also uses the proven Radium Raptor ambidextrous charging handle that can be worked from either side. The Dissident Mk2 can be had in any anodized color you like and has a starting MSRP of $1,599.
