Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ Review

First Thoughts on the Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″

The AR-15 platform is endlessly customizable, and the heart of any build is undoubtedly the barrel. Today, we’re diving deep into the Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″, a component promising to bring pistol-caliber carbine performance to the AR platform. Faxon Firearms has a reputation for quality barrels, and this 9mm offering is designed for shooters seeking accuracy and reliability in a lightweight package.

I’ve always been intrigued by the versatility of 9mm AR builds, particularly for range fun and home defense. My previous build suffered from inconsistent accuracy with its bargain-bin barrel. I needed a barrel that would tighten my groups and reliably cycle a variety of 9mm ammunition.

Upon unboxing, the Faxon barrel presents a clean, professional appearance. The melonite finish is evenly applied, and the light taper profile suggests a focus on weight reduction. It feels noticeably lighter than the stock barrel it’s replacing. This immediately gave me confidence in Faxon’s design philosophy.

Compared to a standard profile 5.56 barrel and a heavier bull barrel I’ve used, the Faxon 9mm strikes a nice balance. It’s lighter than the bull barrel, promising better maneuverability, and offers a different shooting experience than the 5.56. The Faxon barrel immediately felt like a substantial upgrade, promising enhanced accuracy and a lighter overall build.

I was initially excited about the potential for a more accurate and enjoyable 9mm AR shooting experience, and my first impression didn’t disappoint.

Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ at my local indoor shooting range. The range offered a controlled environment to assess accuracy and reliability. The initial range session included firing a variety of 9mm ammunition, from 115 grain FMJ to 147 grain hollow points.

Performance was impressive from the start. The barrel exhibited consistent cycling and noticeably improved accuracy compared to my previous setup. No issues were encountered with any of the ammunition types tested.

The Faxon barrel immediately felt more comfortable to shoot, with noticeably less felt recoil compared to 5.56 ARs. The lighter overall weight of the rifle with the Faxon barrel also made it easier to handle during rapid fire drills. There were no initial hiccups, just a smooth and improved shooting experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and hundreds of rounds, the Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ continues to perform flawlessly. There have been no malfunctions attributable to the barrel itself. The melonite finish shows no signs of wear, and the bore remains clean after regular cleaning.

Durability has proven to be excellent. The barrel has held its accuracy and reliability even after prolonged firing sessions. Maintenance is straightforward; standard cleaning procedures are sufficient to keep it in top condition.

Compared to my previous experiences with budget barrels, the Faxon barrel is in a different league. It consistently outperforms my expectations in terms of accuracy, reliability, and overall shooting experience. The Faxon barrel is a significant upgrade and investment in the AR-9 platform.

Breaking Down the Features of Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″

Specifications

• The Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ features a 9mm caliber. This allows for using readily available and relatively inexpensive ammunition.

• It boasts a 16-inch barrel length. The 16-inch length meets legal requirements for a rifle without the need for SBR paperwork.

• The barrel has a 1:10 twist rate. This twist rate is optimized for stabilizing a wide range of 9mm bullet weights.

• The barrel profile is a light taper. This reduces weight without sacrificing rigidity and accuracy.

• The finish is a black melonite treatment. Melonite provides excellent corrosion resistance and hardness.

These specifications are critical to the barrel’s performance. The 9mm caliber offers affordable and readily available ammunition. The 16-inch length provides adequate dwell time for consistent cycling and accuracy, while remaining maneuverable. The light taper profile contributes to a balanced feel, making the rifle easier to handle and shoot accurately. The melonite finish ensures longevity and protects against the elements.

Performance & Functionality

The Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ excels in its primary function: delivering accurate and reliable performance in a 9mm AR-15 build. Accuracy is significantly improved over budget barrels. It’s consistently delivering sub-2-inch groups at 50 yards with various ammunition types.

The barrel’s reliability is exceptional. It cycles a wide range of 9mm ammunition without issue, including both factory loads and reloads. The usability of the barrel is straightforward. Installation is simple for anyone familiar with AR-15 builds.

While the barrel is excellent overall, one minor area for potential improvement is the feed ramp design. Some users with finicky lower receivers might experience occasional feeding issues with certain bullet profiles, though this was not my experience. Despite this minor point, the Faxon barrel meets and exceeds expectations for a high-quality 9mm AR-15 barrel.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ is outstanding. The melonite finish is flawless, and the machining is precise. The light taper profile contributes to a well-balanced rifle.

The weight is comfortable and manageable, making it ideal for extended range sessions. The barrel is incredibly user-friendly; no special tools or modifications are required for installation or maintenance. The design reflects a thoughtful approach to balancing weight, durability, and performance.

Durability & Maintenance

The Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ is built to last. The melonite finish provides excellent protection against corrosion and wear. The barrel should provide many years of reliable service with proper care.

Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with standard gun cleaning supplies is all that is required to keep the barrel in optimal condition. The durability and ease of maintenance make this barrel a wise investment for any 9mm AR enthusiast.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ itself does not come with accessories. However, it’s fully compatible with standard AR-15 upper receivers, handguards, and muzzle devices. A wide range of customization options are available.

The barrel is also compatible with various 9mm bolt carriers designed for the AR-15 platform. Red dot sights, scopes, and other optics can be easily mounted on the upper receiver. The barrel’s compatibility with standard AR-15 components makes it highly versatile and customizable.

Pros and Cons of Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″

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Who Should Buy Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″?

The Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ is perfect for shooters seeking enhanced accuracy and reliability in their 9mm AR-15 builds. It’s ideal for recreational shooters, home defenders, and even competitive shooters who appreciate a lightweight and accurate platform. Those building a dedicated 9mm AR and prioritizing quality should strongly consider this barrel.

Those on an extremely tight budget or who only plan to shoot occasionally might consider a cheaper alternative. However, they will likely sacrifice accuracy and reliability. A quality bolt carrier is a must-have accessory to ensure optimal performance with the Faxon barrel.

Conclusion on Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″

The Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ is a high-quality component that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. Its enhanced accuracy and lightweight design make it a significant upgrade for any 9mm AR-15 build. The value proposition is strong; the price is justified by the barrel’s superior performance and durability.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Faxon barrel to anyone serious about building a reliable and accurate 9mm AR. If you’re ready to take your 9mm AR-15 to the next level, the Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ is a fantastic choice. Upgrade your build today and experience the Faxon difference!

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