Mauser SP66 Review
January 9, 2025
Lobaev Arms DXL-5 Review
January 10, 2025
McMillan CS5 Review
Price Range:
$6,000 - $8,000
Specification
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Name | McMillan Fiberglass Stocks |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| First Build Date | 2009 |
| Action | Bolt-Action |
| Caliber | .338 Lapua Magnum |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 26 inches |
| Overall Length | 48 inches |
| Weight | 5.9 KG |
| Price Range | $6,000 – $8,000 |
Overview
The McMillan CS5 is a high-performance, bolt-action sniper rifle built for long-range precision shooting. Manufactured by McMillan Fiberglass Stocks in the United States, this rifle is chambered in the powerful .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, designed for military, law enforcement, and long-range shooting enthusiasts. The CS5 is renowned for its precision, power, and robust construction, making it a reliable choice for snipers operating at extended ranges, from 1,000 to 1,500 yards and beyond.
The rifle’s construction incorporates a fiberglass-reinforced polymer stock and a custom-built, match-grade barrel, ensuring exceptional durability and accuracy under even the harshest conditions. It is equipped with a robust bolt-action mechanism, providing shooters with the utmost control and precision. The McMillan CS5 is often used in military and elite tactical units for specialized operations, given its outstanding accuracy and long-range capabilities.
Strength and Quality
The McMillan CS5 is built to the highest standards of precision and durability. Its match-grade barrel is crafted from premium steel and designed to ensure accuracy under extreme conditions. The stock is made from a reinforced polymer material, ensuring it can withstand adverse environmental factors like heat, cold, and humidity. The rifle is a work of art in terms of craftsmanship, and every component is engineered for optimal performance.
Safety Features
The McMillan CS5 incorporates all standard safety features found on modern sniper rifles, including a manual safety switch located near the trigger guard. The safety prevents accidental discharges and ensures that the rifle remains secure when not in use. The rifle is also designed to minimize the risk of mechanical failures or misfires under combat conditions.
Test Results
- Accuracy: The CS5 delivers sub-MOA (minute of angle) accuracy at 100 yards, with groupings consistently tight enough to allow for hits at extended ranges (up to 1,500 yards) under optimal conditions.
- Effective Range: With the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, the CS5 is effective out to 1,500 yards, making it one of the top choices for long-range sniping and anti-material purposes.
- Recoil: While the recoil is substantial due to the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, the CS5’s weight and the ergonomic stock design help to absorb much of the impact, making it manageable for most experienced shooters.
- Penetration: The .338 Lapua Magnum is known for its long-range stopping power and ability to penetrate hardened targets, making the CS5 an effective tool against vehicles, light armor, and distant enemy personnel.
Merits
- Exceptional Accuracy: Sub-MOA accuracy ensures that the CS5 can engage targets at extreme distances with precision.
- Powerful Cartridge: The .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge is capable of long-range engagements, offering excellent stopping power.
- Durability: Built with high-quality materials, the CS5 can perform reliably in harsh weather conditions.
- Customizable: McMillan offers various customization options to meet the needs of military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters.
Demerits
- Weight: At 14.5 lbs, the CS5 is heavy, making it less portable than lighter sniper rifles.
- Price: With a price tag ranging between $5,000 and $6,000, the CS5 is out of reach for many enthusiasts.
- Recoil: The .338 Lapua Magnum generates significant recoil, which can be difficult for novice shooters to manage.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the CS5’s accuracy and functionality, especially after extended shooting sessions. The barrel should be cleaned after each use to prevent fouling from the powerful .338 Lapua Magnum rounds.
- Lubrication: Proper lubrication is necessary to ensure smooth bolt operation and prevent parts from wearing out prematurely.
- Inspection: The rifle’s barrel, bolt assembly, and stock should be inspected periodically for wear or damage, especially after intense usage in harsh conditions.
Comparison with Other Guns
McMillan CS5 vs Other Rifles
| Feature | McMillan CS5 | Accuracy International AXSR | Desert Tech SRS-A2 | FN SCAR 20S | Barrett MRAD | Sako TRG 42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | United Kingdom | United States | Belgium | United States | Finland |
| Caliber | .308 Winchester | .338 Lapua Magnum | .308 Winchester | 7.62×51mm NATO | .300 PRC | .338 Lapua Magnum |
| Effective Range | 800 m | 1,400 m | 1,200 m | 800 m | 1,500 m | 1,300 m |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 5.9 kg | 6.9 kg | 5.2 kg | 4.5 kg | 6.8 kg | 5.5 kg |
| Barrel Length | 12.5″–18″ | 27″ | 22″ | 20″ | 26″ | 27″ |
| Action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Semi-automatic | Bolt-action | Bolt-action |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | 5 rounds | 20 rounds | 10 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Primary Use | Urban Sniping, Tactical | Long-Range Precision | Modular Sniping | Marksman Roles | Military Sniping | Long-Range Precision |
| Price Range (USD) | $6,000–$8,000 | $12,000–$14,000 | $4,500–$6,000 | $4,000–$5,500 | $6,000–$9,000 | $5,000–$7,000 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Yes, the CS5 is available for civilian purchase, but due to its price and specialized nature, it's typically sought after by long-range shooting enthusiasts and professionals.
The CS5 is ideal for long-range sniping, military applications, and specialized law enforcement operations requiring extreme accuracy and power at extended distances.
The McMillan CS5 stands out due to its superb accuracy, high-quality construction, and powerful .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge. Compared to rifles like the Barrett M82, the CS5 offers better customization and a more ergonomic design.
While the .338 Lapua Magnum generates considerable recoil, the CS5’s weight and design help mitigate this, making it manageable for most experienced shooters.
Yes, the CS5 is designed to function reliably in a variety of harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
