CM15 6.5 Grendel Lightweight Rifle 16″ – Black Tungsten Cerakote

Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM15 16-inch 6.5 Grendel lightweight rifle, an AR15-pattern semi-automatic that weighs 6 lb 6 oz with an unloaded magazine. This Black Tungsten configuration pairs a straight-fluted 416R stainless barrel, a mid-length gas system, and 7075-T6 billet receivers with a TriggerTech AR15 Duty trigger.

The 6.5 Grendel puts efficient 6.5mm bullets in an AR15-sized package. See every Chattahoochee Munitions 6.5 Grendel firearm at Grendel’s Lair, or start with the 6.5 Grendel guide.

Why a 6.5 Grendel Lightweight Rifle

At 6 lb 6 oz and 33.50 to 36.75 inches long, the 16-inch CM15 is the lightest and shortest rifle in the Chattahoochee Munitions 6.5 Grendel lineup. That makes this 6.5 Grendel lightweight rifle easy to carry on long walks, quick to handle from a stand or vehicle, and well balanced with a suppressor or optic mounted. The mid-length gas system suits the 16-inch barrel.

A shorter barrel gives up some velocity compared with the 18- and 20-inch CM15 rifles. The 6.5 Grendel barrel length comparison explains the tradeoff, and the 6.5 Grendel for coyotes and hogs guide shows where a light, handy rifle fits for predators and feral hogs.

Barrel and Gas System

The 16-inch 416R stainless steel barrel is straight-fluted, finished in E100 Blackout Cerakote, and cut with a 1:8 twist that stabilizes the common range of 6.5 Grendel bullets. It runs a mid-length gas system with a .750-inch gas journal, a Melonite gas tube, and a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block. A shouldered crown and 5/8×24 threads accept a muzzle device or suppressor. Because the CM15 is gas operated, Chattahoochee Munitions recommends a flow-through suppressor to limit back pressure, and the adjustable gas block and Odin adjustable buffer help tune the rifle for suppressed use.

Receivers, Bolt, and Trigger

CNC-machined 7075-T6 billet receivers carry an integral trigger guard, a flared magazine well, and ambidextrous safety, magazine release, and bolt release. The CM15 Low Mass bolt carrier group uses a 9310 steel bolt manufactured to the Grendel Type II specification, with nitride-coated bolt, carrier, and gas key. Fire control is a TriggerTech AR15 Duty trigger in single-stage straight, single-stage curved, or two-stage straight, each at 3.5 lb total pull.

Black Tungsten Cerakote Finish

This 6.5 Grendel Lightweight Rifle is finished in Black Tungsten Cerakote on the upper and lower receivers, buffer tube, and handguard, with a black B5 Systems Bravo stock, grip, and rail covers. Every CM15 16-inch 6.5 Grendel shares the same mechanical specifications; only the finish differs. One 10-round 6.5 Grendel AR15 magazine is included.

CM15 16-Inch 6.5 Grendel Specifications

• Manufacturer: Chattahoochee Munitions
• Platform: CM15 AR15-pattern semi-automatic rifle
• Chambering: 6.5 Grendel
• Barrel: 16-inch 416R stainless steel, straight-fluted, E100 Blackout Cerakote
• Twist rate: 1:8
• Muzzle: 5/8×24 threads, shouldered crown
• Gas system: Mid-length, .750-inch gas journal, Melonite gas tube
• Gas block: Superlative Arms adjustable
• Buffer: Odin adjustable AR15 buffer, CM mil-spec buffer tube, QD endplate
• Bolt carrier group: CM15 Low Mass BCG; 9310 steel bolt manufactured to the Grendel Type II specification, HPT/MPI tested; nitride bolt, carrier, and gas key; tool-steel extractor
• Receivers: CNC-machined 7075-T6 billet upper and lower, integral trigger guard, flared magazine well
• Controls: Ambidextrous safety, magazine release, and bolt release
• Charging handle: CM15 ambidextrous 7075 charging handle, made in collaboration with Breek Arms
• Trigger: TriggerTech AR15 Duty: single-stage straight, single-stage curved, or two-stage straight; 3.5 lb total pull
• Handguard: 15-inch CM15 LWS M-LOK, dual-taper attachment with steel barrel nut, M-LOK sides and bottom, full-length top Picatinny rail, QD sockets at 3 and 9 o’clock
• Stock and grip: B5 Systems Bravo stock, B5 grip and rail covers
• Finish: Black Tungsten Cerakote on the upper and lower receivers, buffer tube, and handguard, with a black B5 Systems stock, grip, and rail covers
• Magazine: One 10-round DURAMAG 6.5 Grendel AR15-pattern magazine
• Weight: 6 lb 6 oz with unloaded magazine, no accessories (listing weight is for shipping)
• Overall length: 33.50–36.75 inches
• Length of pull: 11.00–14.25 inches

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes a 6.5 Grendel lightweight rifle?

Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM15 16-inch 6.5 Grendel lightweight rifle, which weighs 6 lb 6 oz with an unloaded magazine and uses a mid-length gas system, a 1:8 twist 416R stainless barrel, and a TriggerTech AR15 Duty trigger.

What twist rate does the CM15 16-inch 6.5 Grendel use?

A 1:8 twist, which stabilizes the common range of 6.5 Grendel bullets from lighter predator loads to heavier hunting bullets.

What gas system does it use?

A mid-length gas system with a .750-inch gas journal and a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block.

What magazine does the CM15 6.5 Grendel use?

A 6.5 Grendel AR15-pattern magazine. One 10-round 6.5 Grendel AR15 magazine is included. CM15 and CM7S magazines are not interchangeable.

What suppressor does Chattahoochee Munitions recommend for the CM15?

A flow-through suppressor. The CM15 is gas operated, and a flow-through design limits back pressure so the rifle is easier to tune. Confirm the suppressor is rated for 6.5 Grendel and the barrel length.

What bolt does it use?

A CM15 Low Mass bolt carrier group with a bolt manufactured to the Grendel Type II specification. It is not interchangeable with the CM7S bolt-action bolt.

Does the finish change performance?

No. All CM15 16-inch 6.5 Grendel rifles share the same mechanical specifications; Black Tungsten Cerakote, Cobalt Kinetics Green Cerakote, and FDE Metallic Cerakote differ only in color.

How much does it weigh?

6 lb 6 oz with an unloaded magazine and no accessories. Any heavier listing weight is the shipping weight.