CMMG is now offering a .458 SOCOM AR with its new, appropriately named MkW ANVIL.
For as long as the AR-15 platform has been around, 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington has been the most popular and widespread chambering for AR-style rifles. However, research and experimentation over the years has led to some other fantastic cartrides designed to be fired through the AR, and gun makers have followed suit by introducing complete rifles, as well as uppers and lowers to accommodate these other rounds.
One prominent AR manufacturer offering rifles chambered in a variety of calibers is CMMG, a Missouri-based company that first opened its doors in 2002. The gun maker has announced today that is adding to its already-diverse stable of products with a new rifle chambered in the potent .458 SOCOM, which was originally designed and developed to meet the needs of Special Forces operators who wanted a cartridge that would offer more power, fit in an M4 Carbine platform with a proper barrel, fit in standard 5.56 NATO magazines and be capable of firing at subsonic velocities for suppressed use.
The new MkW ANVIL, as it's being called, is a mid-size AR platform that has been comprehensively engineered to more easily handle large casing diameters such as the .458 SOCOM. One of the central features of this new rifle is CMMG's unique POWERBOLT design, which permits the rifle to utilize a larger, modified AR-10 size bolt for improved durability and ruggedness. Typically, to allow for proper functioning in an AR-15 with a large-diameter casing, material would have to be milled out of a standard-sized AR-15 bolt, resulting in a thinner and more fragile bolt face.
For similar durability reasons, the new CMMG MkW ANVIL is also built on an AR-10 frame. However, the frame is shortened by 3/4 inch to minimize weight and increase ergonomics, and the magwell on the lower receiver is designed to accept standard AR-15 magazines. This all allows the rifle to use the hardier AR-10 size bolt face with big-bore calibers such as the .458 SOCOM.
“Our experiences with .458 SOCOM have been extremely positive in terms of accuracy and lethality on large sized game. With the new MkW ANVIL, we’re offering our customers a rifle that’s been engineered to maximize the performance of this exciting caliber,” said Chris Reinkemeyer, CEO of CMMG.
The new rifle comes equipped with a carbine-length gas system with an SLR Rifleworks Sentry 7 adjustable gas block, which uses click adjustments to meter the flow of gas. This helps users more effectively operate the gun with different .458 SOCOM ammo, which can vary from lighter, supersonic loads in the 140- to 400-grain weight range at 1,600 to 3,000 feet per second (fps) to heavier, subsonic loads in the 500- to 600-grain range at 980 to 1,300 fps. The lighter, faster loads are quite accurate out to 150-200 yards and can be used for big game hunting, while the heavier, slower loads are ideal for use with suppressors.
Mounting options also abound on the MkW ANVIL. A full-length Picatinny rail runs along the top for optics and sights, while CMMG's lightweight RKM15 KeyMod handguard offers KeyMod slots in the 3,6 and 9 o'clock positions. CMMG also has five-slot accessory rails available for accessories that aren't KeyMod compatible.
Each rifle ships with one modified Lancer L5 magazine optimized for use with the .458 SOCOM cartridge, and additional magazines can be purchased from CMMG. The new MkW ANVIL is available in three different configurations and ranges in price from $1,849.95 to $2,149.95.
For more information on CMMG's MkW ANVIL in .458 SOCOM, check out the specifications for each model below, or visit the CMMG website.
CMMG MkW ANVIL T
Caliber: .458 SOCOM
Barrel: 16.1″, 1:14 Twist, Medium Taper, 416SS, SBN
Muzzle: CMMG SV muzzle brake, Threaded 5/8-32
Handguard: CMMG RKM15 KeyMod
Upper Receiver: Billet 7075-T6 AL Mid-Size
Lower Receiver: Billet 7075-T6 AL Mid-Size
Trigger: Single-Stage Mil-Spec Style Trigger
Furniture: Mil Spec Grip and Butt Stock
Weight: 7.5 lbs. (Unloaded)
Length: 33.5″ (Stock Collapsed)
MSRP: $1,849.95
CMMG MkW ANVIL XBE
Caliber: .458 SOCOM
Barrel: 16.1″, 1:14 Twist, Medium Taper, 416SS, SBN
Muzzle: CMMG SV muzzle brake, Threaded 5/8-32
Handguard: CMMG RKM15 KeyMod
Upper Receiver: Billet 7075-T6 AL Mid-Size
Lower Receiver: Billet 7075-T6 AL Mid-Size
Trigger: Single-Stage Mil-Spec Style Trigger
Furniture: Magpul MOE Pistol Grip & CTR Carbine Stock with six-position receiver extension
Weight: 7.5 lbs. (Unloaded)
Length: 33.5″ (Stock Collapsed)
MSRP: $1,949.95
CMMG MkW ANVIL XBE2
Caliber: .458 SOCOM
Barrel: 16.1″, 1:14 Twist, Medium Taper, 416SS, SBN
Muzzle: CMMG SV muzzle brake, Threaded 5/8-32
Handguard: CMMG RKM15 KeyMod
Upper Receiver: Billet 7075-T6 AL Mid-Size
Lower Receiver: Billet 7075-T6 AL Mid-Size
Trigger: Geissele SSA Two-Stage Trigger
Furniture: Magpul MOE Pistol Grip & CTR Carbine Stock with six-position receiver extension
Weight: 7.5 lbs. (Unloaded)
Length: 33.5″ (Stock Collapsed)
MSRP: $2,149.95
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