NRA Gun of the Week: CMMG MkW-15 XBE Anvil Rifle

by
posted on June 3, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

CMMG Inc. is known for its 22 Long Rifle AR-conversion kits and its Mutant rifle—a 7.62x39 mm-chambered rifle that accepts AK-47 magazines—but is built on the design principals of the AR-15. That rifle led to the company’s latest thumper, the Anvil. CMMG’s MkW-15 XBE Anvil is chambered for the heavy-hitting .458 SOCOM—a cartridge designed for use in CQB environments by U.S. Special Forces. Inevitably, the cartridge found its way into the civilian market, and its capability covers myriad purposes—from defending ones home to hunting big game and vermin such as wild hogs. 

Check out this week’s NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman's Kelly Young.

Manufacturer: CMMG
Model: MkW-15 XBE Anvil
Action: gas-impingement-operated, semi-automatic center-fire rifle
Chambering: .458 SOCOM
Receivers: 7075-T6 aluminum
Barrel: 16.10” 416 stainless steel; 1:14” RH twist rifling, SV muzzle brake
Hand Guard: CMMG 15" RKM15 KeyMod
Shoulder Stock: Magpul CTR 6-Position
Trigger: single-stage; 5-lb., 15-oz. pull
Sights: none; Picatinny rail for optics
Weight: 7 lbs., 8 ozs.
Magazine:10-round-capacity, detachable box
MSRP: $1,950

Additional Reading:
Tested: CMMG MkW-15 XBE Anvil
Big-Bore AR Cartridges

Latest

Ithaca Model 66  Super Single Shotgun
Ithaca Model 66  Super Single Shotgun

I Have This Old Gun: Ithaca Model 66 Super Single Shotgun

There was a time when a lever-action, single-shot scattergun was all the rage. Today, it still has some value and practical utility.

Cold-Weather Carry: 5 Great Items for Winter CCW

Don’t let the cold stop you from being prepared should things get hot.

Sighted Fire vs. Point-Shooting

A long-standing argument among handgunners revolves around the concept of sighted fire versus point-shooting. A more productive approach is to understand the problem each is trying to solve.

Derya Expands TM22 Family with Timekeeper & Pump Models

Derya continues the expansion of its rimfire line with two new models for 2026, an update of the original semi-auto TM22 and a new pump-action version.

Gun of the Week: Taurus RPC

The Taurus RPC is a welcome addition to the growing marketplace of PDWs, or personal defense weapons, a concept that pairs pistol-caliber cartridges with larger-format firearms.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.