f e at u r e s
A Passion For Innovation
T
CMMG draws on the past for inspiration
By Peter Suciu
hroughout history, the design of successful firearms has inspired others to create something new out of something old. Consider the Mauser K98’s influence on other bolt-action rifles, or the StG44’s DNA, which can be seen in the AK-47. The Missouri-based team at CMMG have followed this tradition of being inspired by the past to create bold, new designs of their own.
The company, founded a decade ago by John, Jeff, Gretchen, and Stephanie Overstreet, has been busy carving out a niche in the crowded AR-platform market. Not long ago it announced the release of the MkW ANVIL, an all-new mid-sized AR-rifle platform chambered in .458 SOCOM. The MkW ANVIL is built around CMMG’s Powerbolt design, which allows the rifle to utilize a modified AR 10-sized bolt for increased durability. It is small yet distinguishing
features such as this that help set CMMG apart from the crowd. “We have a passion for the product,” says CMMG coowner Jeff Overstreet. “We design products we love to own and carry. Being in this industry is a dream come true, and it’s what drives us to continue to innovate.” “One of the things that sets us apart is that we control our own manufacturing processes for our components,” says Tyson Bradshaw, CMMG’s engineering manager. “This
allows us the freedom to get creative with our designs. We try to be very forward thinking when we approach a new rifle project.” Doing so allows CMMG to look at development and production from a unique perspective. This, according to Bradshaw, “creates the desire to have all engineering and design done inhouse. In this ‘Nerd Room,’ we look to fill gaps we feel exist in the market.” This is especially important because consumers today have
plenty of options in the modern sporting rifle space. And given that crowded market, the less-experienced buyer may find it hard to see the advantages a particular firearm has over the competition. At the same time, being unique doesn’t mean much if the customer isn’t happy with the results. “It’s very important to stand out—but for the right reasons,” says Bradshaw. “We want to be known for having innovative products that work as advertised.”
The aptly named Mk47 MUTANT draws inspiration from a pair of legendary firearms designers— Eugene Stoner and Mikhail Kalashnikov.
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