The Ultimate Firearms Destination for the Gun Lifestyle

CMMG Introduces the MkW ANVIL in .458 SOCOM



At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More

We got us a new bullet here. Here's the info they sent us.

CMMG Introduces the MkW ANVIL in .458 SOCOM

The most defining feature of the new MkW ANVIL is that the rifle utilizes CMMG's unique POWERBOLT design, which allows the rifle to utilize a modified AR10-sized bolt for increased durability.  This is important because a large-diameter caliber such as .458 SOCOM would require material to be milled out of a standard AR15-sized bolt in order to function – resulting in a thin, fragile bolt face.  The POWERBOLT design allows the MkW ANVIL to take this caliber to its full potential.

cmmg mkw anvil aiming

The rifle is also built on an AR10-sized frame with the upper receiver shortened by three quarters of an inch to minimize weight and increase ergonomics.  Although the frame is based on the AR10 platform, the magwell on the lower receiver has been uniquely designed to accept standard AR15 magazines. This allows the rifle to utilize the durable AR10-sized bolt face with the large case diameter of big bore calibers such as .458 SOCOM, in which approximately 10 cartridges fit single stack in an AR15 magazine.

CMMG's MkW ANVIL title

“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 MkW ANVIL is built with a carbine-length gas system and utilizes an SLR Rifleworks Sentry 7 adjustable gas block. This allows users to easily adjust the gas metering in click-adjustments to work with varying loads of .458 SOCOM ammunition. Each rifle comes standard with one modified Lancer L5 magazine that has been optimized for reliability with the cartridge.  Additional magazines can be purchased from the CMMG website.

cmmg mkw anvil action

A full-length Picatinny rail runs atop the MkW ANVIL, making it easy to mount your preferred sights or optics. CMMG's RKM15 KeyMod™ hand guard is exceptionally light and ergonomic.  It also gives users the freedom to mount a wide array of accessories using the KeyMod slots found in the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions.  For accessories that are not yet KeyMod compatible, CMMG offers 5-slot accessory rails.

The MkW ANVIL is available in 3 different configurations:

1) CMMG MkW ANVIL T

2) CMMG MkW ANVIL XBE

3) CMMG MkW ANVIL XBE2

CMMG ammot

Uses .458 SOCOM cartridge, which accommodates 3 goals before its creation 1) The cartridge had to fit in an M4 Carbine Platform with a proper barrel; 2) The cartridge had to fit in standard 5.56mm magazines and 3) It needed to be capable of firing at subsonic levels using suppressors. With lighter bullets (140-400 grains), it was seen that the cartridge was shown to achieve velocities of 1600-3000 ft/s, extremely accurate out to 150-200 yards. Heavier bullets (500-600 grains), velocities will be about 980-1300 ft/s – ideal for suppressors.

Thankfully, CMMG's MkW ANVIL solves the issue by offering the durability of an AR10-sized bolt face to stand up to this potent caliber, throughout the wide range of bullet weights and muzzle velocities currently available on the market today.  The CMMG MkW ANVIL was developed to be the new standard for rounds with case diameters exceeding the dimensions of the 5.56x45mm cartridge.

For more information on the individual configurations please visit their website, Facebook, and YouTube.

Why you can trust RECOIL


Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. 

Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. 

At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. 

Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products.


Enter Your E-Mail to Receieve a Free 50-Target Pack from RECOIL!

NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOIL

For years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included).

Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.

You want this. Trust Us.

Add a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to the Free
Newsletter
×