The CM15 22 ARC Varmint Rifle is Chattahoochee Munitions’ 20-inch semi-automatic configuration for shooters who want the velocity-oriented, supersonic performance of 22 ARC in an AR-15 platform. The rifle combines CM’s billet receiver set with a 20-inch straight-fluted 416R stainless steel barrel, Rifle +1 gas system, adjustable gas block, adjustable buffer system, TriggerTech AR15 Duty trigger, and CM-vetted 22 ARC AR15 magazine.
The 20-inch barrel makes this the longest-barreled configuration in the CM15 22 ARC family. For shooters considering a 22 ARC Varmint Rifle, the full-length configuration emphasizes the cartridge’s velocity-oriented characteristics while retaining the rapid follow-up capability and familiar controls of a semi-automatic AR-15.
This configuration is finished in FDE Metallic Cerakote with Coyote furniture and controls. Within Flight Deck 22, it provides a full-length CM15 option alongside shorter semi-automatic configurations and the manually operated CM7S bolt-action family.
Why Choose a 20-Inch 22 ARC Varmint Rifle?
A 22 ARC Varmint Rifle benefits from a configuration that emphasizes the cartridge’s velocity, trajectory, and ability to use .22-caliber projectiles in the AR-15 platform. The 20-inch CM15 provides the longest barrel offered in our semi-automatic 22 ARC family while maintaining the familiar AR-15 operating platform.
For varmint hunting across open fields and other situations where shots may extend beyond typical short-range distances, the full-length CM15 provides a practical balance of barrel length and semi-automatic follow-up capability. The 20-inch configuration prioritizes ballistic performance over maximum compactness.
The rifle is paired with a Rifle +1 gas system, Superlative Arms adjustable gas block, and ODIN Works adjustable heavy buffer. Together, these components provide multiple tuning points within the semi-automatic operating system.
For a deeper comparison between CM15 semi-automatic rifles and CM7S bolt actions, including barrel length, applications, and suppression considerations, read our 22 ARC Rifle Guide.
CM15 Billet Upper and Lower Receivers
The receiver set forms the foundation of the CM15 22 ARC Varmint Rifle. Both receivers are CNC machined from 7075-T6 billet aluminum and manufactured around standard AR-15 component dimensions.
The lower receiver incorporates an integral trigger guard, flared machined magazine well, ambidextrous controls, and lightweight machining features. This configuration is finished in FDE Metallic Cerakote.
CM15 Receiver Features
- Material: CNC-machined 7075-T6 billet aluminum
- Platform: AR-15
- Safety markings: Pictogram-style Fire/Safe engravings on both sides
- Trigger guard: Integral
- Magazine well: Machined with wide flare
- Controls: Ambidextrous safety, magazine release, and bolt release
- Lower receiver weight: Approximately 8.0 oz.
- Finish: FDE Metallic Cerakote
TriggerTech AR15 Duty Trigger
The CM15 is equipped with a TriggerTech AR15 Duty trigger with a 3.5-pound total pull weight. Customers can select a straight, curved, or two-stage straight configuration.
The TriggerTech Duty provides a crisp, consistent trigger interface suited to the CM15 platform and is the current trigger specification for these CM15 22 ARC rifles.
Lower Receiver Components
- Trigger: TriggerTech AR15 Duty, 3.5 lb. total pull weight
- Trigger options: Straight, curved, or two-stage straight
- Safety: CM ambidextrous safety
- Magazine release: CM ambidextrous magazine release
- Bolt release: CM15 ambidextrous bolt release
- Pivot and takedown pins: CM15
- Grip: B5 Systems, Coyote
Adjustable Receiver Extension System
The rear of the rifle uses a B5 Systems Bravo stock in Coyote with a CM buffer tube finished in FDE Metallic Cerakote. A QD end plate provides an additional sling attachment point.
An ODIN Works Adjustable Heavy Buffer provides another tuning point within the CM15 operating system. Combined with the adjustable gas block, it allows gas delivery and reciprocating mass to be balanced as part of the complete rifle system.
Receiver Extension Components
- Stock: B5 Systems Bravo, Coyote
- Buffer tube: CM, FDE Metallic Cerakote
- End plate: QD
- Buffer: ODIN Works Adjustable Heavy Buffer
CM15 Low-Mass Bolt Carrier Group
The 22 ARC Varmint Rifle uses the CM15 low-mass bolt carrier group. The bolt is manufactured from 9310 steel and is high-pressure tested and magnetic-particle inspected.
The bolt, carrier, and gas key receive a nitride finish. The carrier incorporates lightening cuts, while the gas key uses hardened Grade 8 fasteners that are properly staked.
CM15 Bolt Carrier Group Specifications
- Bolt: 9310 steel
- Bolt testing: HPT and MPI
- Bolt finish: Nitride
- Carrier finish: Nitride
- Gas key finish: Nitride
- Gas key: Hardened to USGI specifications
- Fasteners: Grade 8 hardened
- Gas-key staking: Staked to specification
- Extractor: Tool steel
- Carrier: Lightening cuts
20-Inch Straight-Fluted 22 ARC Barrel
The defining component of this 22 ARC Varmint Rifle is its 20-inch barrel. The barrel is manufactured from 416R stainless steel, uses a straight-fluted profile, and is finished in E100 Blackout Cerakote.
Chattahoochee Munitions specifies a 1:7 twist rate for our 22 ARC barrels. The barrel also uses a shouldered crown, .750-inch gas journal, 1/2×28 muzzle threads, and a Rifle +1 gas system.
For a 22 ARC Varmint Rifle, the 20-inch barrel represents the longest semi-automatic barrel configuration in Flight Deck 22. The emphasis is on retaining the supersonic, velocity-oriented characteristics of the cartridge rather than minimizing overall firearm length.
20-Inch Barrel Specifications
- Chambering: 22 ARC
- Length: 20″
- Material: 416R stainless steel
- Profile: Straight fluted
- Finish: E100 Blackout Cerakote
- Twist: 1:7
- Crown: Shouldered
- Muzzle threads: 1/2×28
- Gas journal: .750″
- Gas system: Rifle +1
Rifle +1 Adjustable Gas System
The CM15 uses a Superlative Arms .750 Adjustable Gas Block with the Rifle +1 gas system.
The adjustable gas block works with the ODIN Works adjustable heavy buffer to provide two points of operating-system adjustment. Changes in ammunition, muzzle devices, and suppressor configurations can alter the amount of gas and energy acting on a semi-automatic rifle, making this adjustability a useful part of the CM15 system.
Suppressing the 22 ARC Varmint Rifle
The CM15 22 ARC Varmint Rifle is suppressor ready with 1/2×28 muzzle threads. Unlike the manually operated CM7S, the CM15 relies on gas pressure to cycle its action, so suppressor backpressure becomes part of the operating-system equation.
For the semi-automatic CM15, Chattahoochee Munitions generally favors a flow-through suppressor. Reducing additional backpressure can make it easier to maintain a balanced gas system while limiting unnecessary gas returned through the action.
The Superlative Arms adjustable gas block, Rifle +1 gas system, and ODIN Works adjustable heavy buffer provide additional tuning capability when the rifle is operated suppressed.
Flight Deck 22 is built around supersonic 22 ARC performance. A suppressor can substantially reduce muzzle blast, but it cannot eliminate the ballistic crack generated by a projectile traveling above the speed of sound.
CM15 15-Inch M-LOK Handguard
A 15-inch CM15 lightweight handguard surrounds the barrel and gas system. The handguard is machined from 6061 aluminum and finished in FDE Metallic Cerakote.
The attachment system uses a steel barrel nut and dual-taper interface. A full-length Picatinny top rail provides optics and accessory mounting space, while M-LOK interfaces are positioned along the sides and bottom.
Handguard Features
- Length: 15″
- Material: 6061 aluminum
- Attachment: Dual-taper system
- Barrel nut: Steel
- Top rail: Full-length Picatinny
- Accessory interface: M-LOK
- QD sockets: 3 and 9 o’clock positions
- Finish: FDE Metallic Cerakote
- Rail covers: B5 Systems, Coyote
Ambidextrous Charging Handle and Controls
The upper receiver includes a CM15 ambidextrous charging handle manufactured from 7075 aluminum, along with a dust cover and forward assist.
The ambidextrous charging handle complements the ambidextrous safety, magazine release, and bolt release in the lower receiver, providing accessible controls from either side of the rifle.
22 ARC AR15 Magazine
Each complete 22 ARC Varmint Rifle includes one 10-round CM-vetted DURAMAG. The CM15 uses an AR-15 magazine architecture rather than the AICS-pattern magazine used by the CM7S bolt-action platform.
Additional magazines are available through the CM 22 ARC AR15 Magazine product page.
CM’s validation applies to the magazine as used with our CM15 22 ARC firearms. Function with every possible combination of third-party receivers, uppers, barrels, or other components is not guaranteed by Chattahoochee Munitions.
Muzzle Device Options
Product photography may show the rifle with a Yankee Hill three-port brake configured as a suppressor host. Available muzzle-device configurations can vary and may include an A2-style device or compatible suppressor-mount options.
Customers requiring a different muzzle device can contact Chattahoochee Munitions regarding availability and any applicable price adjustment.
Complete CM15 20-Inch Varmint Configuration
- Chambering: 22 ARC
- Platform: CM15 AR-15
- Operating system: Semi-automatic
- Receivers: 7075-T6 billet aluminum
- Receiver finish: FDE Metallic Cerakote
- Barrel: 20″ straight-fluted 416R stainless steel
- Barrel finish: E100 Blackout Cerakote
- Twist: 1:7
- Muzzle threads: 1/2×28
- Gas journal: .750″
- Gas system: Rifle +1
- Gas block: Superlative Arms .750 Adjustable
- Buffer: ODIN Works Adjustable Heavy Buffer
- Bolt: 9310 steel, HPT/MPI
- Trigger: TriggerTech AR15 Duty, 3.5 lb. total pull weight
- Trigger options: Straight, curved, or two-stage straight
- Handguard: CM15 15″ M-LOK
- Stock: B5 Systems Bravo, Coyote
- Grip: B5 Systems, Coyote
- Magazine: One 10-round CM-vetted 22 ARC AR15 DURAMAG
- Overall length: 37.50″–40.75″
- Weight: 6 lb. 14 oz. with unloaded magazine and no accessories
- Length of pull: 11″–14.25″
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
Part of the Flight Deck 22 Ecosystem
The 20-inch 22 ARC Varmint Rifle provides a full-length semi-automatic option within Flight Deck 22. Its 20-inch barrel emphasizes the velocity-oriented side of the cartridge for customers who prioritize ballistic performance over minimum overall firearm length.
Flight Deck 22 also includes shorter CM15 rifles, the manually operated CM7S family, CM7S barreled actions, a CM15 upper, and dedicated CM-vetted magazines for both operating platforms.
For help comparing CM15 and CM7S configurations, visit the 22 ARC Rifle Guide.
22 ARC Varmint Rifle FAQ
Why choose a 20-inch barrel for a 22 ARC varmint rifle?
The 20-inch configuration is the longest-barreled CM15 in Flight Deck 22. It provides a full-length option for varmint hunters who prioritize the velocity-oriented characteristics of 22 ARC while retaining a semi-automatic AR-15 platform.
What barrel does the 20-inch CM15 use?
This 22 ARC Varmint Rifle uses a 20-inch straight-fluted 416R stainless steel barrel finished in E100 Blackout Cerakote. It has a 1:7 twist, shouldered crown, .750-inch gas journal, 1/2×28 muzzle threads, and a Rifle +1 gas system.
What trigger is installed in the CM15?
The rifle uses a TriggerTech AR15 Duty trigger with a 3.5-pound total pull weight. Customers can select a straight, curved, or two-stage straight configuration.
What steel is used for the CM15 bolt?
The CM15 bolt is manufactured from 9310 steel and is high-pressure tested and magnetic-particle inspected.
What gas system does the 20-inch CM15 use?
The 20-inch CM15 uses a Rifle +1 gas system with a Superlative Arms .750 adjustable gas block. The adjustable gas block works with the ODIN Works adjustable heavy buffer to provide multiple points of operating-system tuning.
Is the 20-inch CM15 suppressor ready?
Yes. The barrel is threaded 1/2×28. Chattahoochee Munitions generally favors a flow-through suppressor for the semi-automatic CM15 to help manage additional gas and backpressure.
Will a suppressor eliminate the supersonic crack?
No. Flight Deck 22 is built around supersonic 22 ARC performance. A suppressor reduces muzzle blast but does not eliminate the ballistic crack produced by a supersonic projectile.
What magazine does the CM15 use?
The CM15 uses the CM-vetted 22 ARC AR15 Magazine. One 10-round DURAMAG is included with the complete firearm.
How does the CM15 differ from the CM7S?
The CM15 is CM’s semi-automatic AR-15 platform, while the CM7S is a manually operated bolt action. The different operating systems require different magazine architectures and lead to different approaches to suppressor selection and system tuning.
Where can I compare CM 22 ARC configurations?
Visit Flight Deck 22 for the complete product family or read the 22 ARC Rifle Guide for a deeper platform comparison.
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