New for 2018: CMMG MkW Anvil XLR2 in 6.5 Grendel

For fans of AR-style rifles looking to reach out with more accuracy and a harder-hitting round, CMMG introduced its MkW Anvil XLR2 chambered in 6.5 Grendel, enabling shooters to reliably put rounds on target at distances up to 800 yards with a heavier round than standard .223 Rem. match loads.

"The 6.5 Grendel is a great round," said Chris Reinkemeyer, CEO of CMMG. "It has very minimal recoil. It is also flat shooting out to 500 yards and beyond. It's great for hunting medium-sized game such as deer and pigs, and best of all, you can find ammo for it that is relatively inexpensive. In building the Anvil XLR2 with a 22-inch barrel, along with some of our other finest components, we designed this rifle to help shooters achieve the best possible results with this caliber."

The CMMG MkW Anvil XLR2 is built using the company's mid-sized receiver design optimized to better withstand the added power produced from calibers like the 6.5 Grendel, which feature larger case diameters and higher bolt thrust. In particular, this receiver is equipped with CMMG's PowerBolt design, which fits an AR-10-size bolt into the bolt carrier to enhance the ruggedness and durability of the platform over traditional AR-15-size bolts.

One of the other benefits of the CMMG mid-size receiver design is that it shortens and lightens the platform over a traditional AR-10 receiver, providing a more compact and easily handled rifle. The shaved weight in the receiver helps reduce the added ounces found in the rifle's 22-inch medium-taper barrel, machined from 416 stainless steel and cut with a 1:8-inch twist rate to enhance long-range performance. The barrel is topped with a 5/8-24 threaded muzzle and the company's SV muzzle brake.

Surrounding the barrel is CMMG's RKM15 KeyMod handguard, and the company also enhances other elements of the rifle with its own designs, such as the ambidextrous charging handle and safety selector. The rifle's pistol grip and PRS stock come from Magpul.

The overall length of the CMMG MkW Anvil XLR2 is 43 inches, and the total weight is 10.5 pounds. Each rifle is equipped with a Geissele SSA two-stage trigger to further enhance the accuracy potential of the platform. The suggested retail price on the rifle is $2,299.95.