09-06-2017, 06:21 PM
Once you use a larger barrel extension, you just killed AR15 parts commonality with one of the most important parts for the AR15 frame.
6.5 Grendel used the .50 Beowulf bolt, which was engineered on the coat tails of the Colt 7.62x39 bolt (something the after-market still has not researched and followed other than Bill A. and Beowulf).
The other issue is pushing pressure from such a small frame, which increases recoil, muzzle blast, sights coming off target, and slower recovery. The thoughts behind it all were, if you push more and make the COL longer, you need a new lower, new upper, new extension, etc. Might as well just go to the larger AR10 frame at that point.
One of the main pivotal pillars of Grendel's success is that you can drop it on an existing lower and go, or build it up on any of the AR15 uppers on the market. That is huge for gaining acceptance from the market.
CMMG has a mid-sized platform meant to handle larger case head dims, starting with 7.62x39, that would also take AK mags on the Mutant lower. They then introduced a .458 SOCOM.
Because the market is so wide, with everyone and their brother competing for shares, I think it made a lot of sense for CMMG to try to expand sales of the Anvil series by going this direction. Some people will be happy with it, while others will want to stick with AR15 compatibility. We'll see how those numbers play out as time goes on.
Either way, one thing is certain, and that is that popularity of 6.5 Grendel is driven by its performance, and a grassroots movement of demand is being fed by response from the ammunition makers.
The Wolf steel case has been a large force in driving this due to the affordability of ammunition.
6.5 Grendel used the .50 Beowulf bolt, which was engineered on the coat tails of the Colt 7.62x39 bolt (something the after-market still has not researched and followed other than Bill A. and Beowulf).
The other issue is pushing pressure from such a small frame, which increases recoil, muzzle blast, sights coming off target, and slower recovery. The thoughts behind it all were, if you push more and make the COL longer, you need a new lower, new upper, new extension, etc. Might as well just go to the larger AR10 frame at that point.
One of the main pivotal pillars of Grendel's success is that you can drop it on an existing lower and go, or build it up on any of the AR15 uppers on the market. That is huge for gaining acceptance from the market.
CMMG has a mid-sized platform meant to handle larger case head dims, starting with 7.62x39, that would also take AK mags on the Mutant lower. They then introduced a .458 SOCOM.
Because the market is so wide, with everyone and their brother competing for shares, I think it made a lot of sense for CMMG to try to expand sales of the Anvil series by going this direction. Some people will be happy with it, while others will want to stick with AR15 compatibility. We'll see how those numbers play out as time goes on.
Either way, one thing is certain, and that is that popularity of 6.5 Grendel is driven by its performance, and a grassroots movement of demand is being fed by response from the ammunition makers.
The Wolf steel case has been a large force in driving this due to the affordability of ammunition.
NRA Basic, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, RSO
CCW, CQM, DM, Long Range Rifle Instructor
6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbooks & chamber brushes can be found here:
www.AR15buildbox.com
CCW, CQM, DM, Long Range Rifle Instructor
6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbooks & chamber brushes can be found here:
www.AR15buildbox.com