CMMG Anvil 458 SOCOM Rifle Review

Published on September 2, 2018
Duration: 31:19

This review of the CMMG Anvil rifle focuses on its 458 SOCOM caliber and its design, which bridges the gap between AR-15 and AR-10 platforms. The presenter highlights the rifle's robust bolt carrier group, scaled down from AR-10 designs for increased durability, and discusses the historical development of large-bore AR cartridges. The CMMG Anvil is presented as a capable hunting rifle, particularly for medium game and feral hogs, with a discussion of its proprietary components and ammunition versatility.

Quick Summary

The CMMG Anvil rifle in 458 SOCOM caliber features a unique receiver size between AR-15 and AR-10 platforms, enhancing durability. Its bolt carrier group is derived from AR-10 designs for superior strength. Originally developed for Special Forces needing more stopping power, the 458 SOCOM is now considered an excellent hunting cartridge due to its effectiveness on medium game and feral hogs, despite its significant recoil.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction to CMMG Anvil 458 SOCOM
  2. 00:11458 SOCOM Caliber Overview
  3. 00:20Design Basis: MK47 Mutant
  4. 00:48Receiver Size Comparison (AR-15, AR-10)
  5. 01:13Bolt Carrier Group Design
  6. 01:42History of Large Bore AR Cartridges
  7. 02:2350 Beowulf Cartridge
  8. 03:24499 Lightner Weiss Cartridge
  9. 04:40499 Lightner Weiss Malfunctions
  10. 08:40458 SOCOM Cartridge Development
  11. 09:42458 SOCOM Reliability and Recoil
  12. 11:03458 SOCOM as Hunting Cartridge
  13. 11:21458 SOCOM Projectile Options
  14. 11:50450 Bushmaster Cartridge
  15. 13:36Success of Large Bore Cartridges
  16. 14:04CMMG Mutant/Anvil Receiver Size
  17. 14:15Receiver Size Comparison Visual
  18. 14:35Bolt Carrier Size Comparison
  19. 15:14458 SOCOM Magazine
  20. 15:48Proprietary CMMG Components
  21. 16:14Bolt Carrier Comparison (AR-15, AR-10, Anvil)
  22. 16:54Bolt Strength Comparison
  23. 18:12CMMG Anvil Bolt Carrier Group Details
  24. 19:17Anvil Bolt Features
  25. 20:42Charging Handle Proprietary Nature
  26. 21:05Anvil Upper Receiver Details
  27. 21:26Anvil Trigger and Magazine Well
  28. 21:49Buffer and Stock
  29. 22:11Billet Receiver Construction
  30. 22:28Trigger Performance
  31. 22:58Anvil Upper Receiver Feed Ramps
  32. 23:26Ejection Port and Forward Assist
  33. 23:37KeyMod Rail System
  34. 24:33Rail System Preferences (KeyMod vs M-LOK vs 1913)
  35. 25:22Optic Choice: Bushnell AR Optic
  36. 26:00Ammunition Tested
  37. 27:11Range Test: CMMG Anvil
  38. 28:06Target Analysis
  39. 29:28AR Platform Versatility
  40. 29:45Hunting Applications (Feral Hogs)
  41. 30:09Law Enforcement/Maritime Applications
  42. 30:56Conclusion: Hunting Cartridge
  43. 31:06Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the CMMG Anvil rifle's receiver unique?

The CMMG Anvil features a receiver size that is larger than a standard AR-15 but smaller than an AR-10. This intermediate size allows for increased dimensions, enhancing the rifle's durability and capability for larger calibers like the 458 SOCOM.

How does the CMMG Anvil address bolt strength issues?

Instead of scaling up AR-15 bolts, CMMG scaled down AR-10 (308) bolts for the Anvil and Mutant rifles. This approach results in a significantly stronger and more durable bolt, mitigating the breakage issues sometimes seen with 7.62x39 conversions.

What was the origin of the 458 SOCOM cartridge?

The 458 SOCOM cartridge was developed in response to a request from Special Forces units who needed greater stopping power than the 5.56mm round, particularly for engaging targets behind cover during operations like the Battle of Mogadishu.

Is the CMMG Anvil suitable for military use?

While the 458 SOCOM offers substantial power, its recoil is considered too excessive for effective use as a military assault rifle. The rifle is primarily viewed as an excellent hunting cartridge for medium game and feral hogs.

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