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 magazinesbut 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.

ManufacturerCMMG
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

Red Dot Revolvers 1
Red Dot Revolvers 1

Putting Red-Dot Optics On Revolvers

The red-dot trend is so pervasive that consumers can choose from a range of semi-automatic handguns that are cut to accept optics. But what about adding red-dots to revolvers?

Quiet Trend Defies Retail Challenges

The business of protecting shooters' hearing is booming—quietly, of course.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Model 36 Lipsey’s Exclusive Revolver

Lipsey’s and Smith & Wesson offer a Field Ethos-themed revolver.

I Have This Old Gun: Medieval Hand Cannon

It all had to start somewhere, and for handheld firearms in Europe, Genesis is what we call the "handgonne" or hand cannon, a simple metal tube lashed to a wooden tiller.

New for 2026: Heckler & Koch VPA1 X and VP9A1 Tactical Pistols

Heckler & Koch release two new versions of its popular VP9 striker-fired 9 mm handgun.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional Rifle

Blaser released a modern take on the iconic straight-pull bolt-action rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.