First Thoughts on the Faxon Ascent 22 ARC 16″ Gunner BBL Complete Upper Receiver Black
The Faxon Ascent 22 ARC 16″ Gunner BBL Complete Upper Receiver Black promises a revolutionary shooting experience, and as a seasoned tactical gear specialist, I was eager to see if it lives up to the hype. Faxon Firearms is known for quality, but the 22 ARC cartridge itself is a relatively new concept. This combination piqued my interest, promising high-BC bullet performance from an AR-15 platform.
I was searching for an upper receiver that could deliver precision accuracy at longer ranges without requiring a complete rifle overhaul. The Faxon Ascent 22 ARC seemed to fit the bill perfectly, promising a balance of power and compactness.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the sleek, black finish and the solid feel of the components. The Faxon Enhanced Forged Upper Receiver feels robust, and the handguard provides a comfortable and secure grip. Compared to my existing 5.56 and .300 Blackout uppers, this one feels like a step up in terms of overall construction. I was excited to get this upper on a lower and put some rounds down range.
The market offers several other upper receivers in different calibers, but I specifically chose the Faxon Ascent 22 ARC due to the cartridge’s potential for accuracy and ballistic performance. I was initially excited but also cautiously optimistic. It’s one thing to look good, but another to perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Ascent 22 ARC 16″ Gunner BBL Complete Upper Receiver Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Faxon Ascent 22 ARC was at my local shooting range, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The weather was clear but with a slight crosswind, providing a good testing environment. Setting it up was straightforward: slap it on a standard AR-15 lower.
The ease of use was immediately apparent, and the gun fired flawlessly through the first few magazines. The recoil was manageable, even with the high-velocity rounds. I didn’t expect any issues right out of the box, and there weren’t any!
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Faxon Ascent 22 ARC has proven to be a reliable performer. I’ve taken it through various conditions, from sunny days at the range to a damp hunting trip. The finish has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear.
Cleaning and maintenance are simple, with standard AR-15 cleaning procedures sufficing. Compared to some of my other uppers, the Faxon is incredibly easy to keep in top condition. It outperformed my expectations for a relatively new cartridge system.
Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Ascent 22 ARC 16″ Gunner BBL Complete Upper Receiver Black
Specifications
The Faxon Ascent 22 ARC 16″ Gunner BBL Complete Upper Receiver Black boasts the following specifications:
Caliber: 22 ARC. This is the heart of the system, designed for high-BC bullets and excellent long-range performance.
Barrel Length: 16 inches. A good balance between maneuverability and velocity.
Gas System: Rifle Length. Ensures smooth cycling and reduced recoil.
Upper Receiver: Faxon Enhanced Forged Upper Receiver. Offers improved strength and rigidity.
Handguard: Faxon 15″ Aluminum Handguard. Provides ample space for accessories and a comfortable grip.
Bolt Carrier Group: Faxon 6.5 Grendel Nitrided Bolt Carrier Group. Proven reliability and durability.
Flash Hider: A2 Birdcage Flash Hider. A standard, effective flash suppression device.
These specifications translate into a complete, ready-to-go upper receiver that prioritizes accuracy and reliability. The choice of the 6.5 Grendel BCG is a smart move. The rifle length gas system really helps to tame the recoil of the 22 ARC.
Performance & Functionality
The Faxon Ascent 22 ARC performs exceptionally well. Accuracy is impressive, consistently delivering sub-MOA groups with match-grade ammunition. The rifle length gas system ensures reliable cycling, even with different bullet weights and loads.
The only minor weakness I’ve found is that it can be slightly picky with certain magazine brands. It met and, in many ways, exceeded my expectations for long-range performance in an AR-15 platform.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is top-notch. The Faxon Enhanced Forged Upper Receiver and Faxon handguard feel incredibly solid. It doesn’t feel cheap in any way.
The handguard is comfortable to hold, even for extended periods, and the overall weight is well-balanced, making it easy to maneuver. The design is simple and effective, with no unnecessary frills. It takes almost no time to get proficient with this upper.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the quality of the components, I expect the Faxon Ascent 22 ARC to last for many years with proper care. The nitrided bolt carrier group and barrel should provide excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only regular cleaning and lubrication.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Faxon Ascent 22 ARC is highly customizable. The 15″ handguard offers ample space for mounting optics, lights, and other accessories. It’s compatible with any standard AR-15 lower receiver.
You can easily swap out the A2 flash hider for a suppressor or muzzle brake. Aftermarket triggers designed for the AR-15 platform will also work.
Pros and Cons of Faxon Ascent 22 ARC 16″ Gunner BBL Complete Upper Receiver Black
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy, capable of sub-MOA groups.
- Reliable cycling, thanks to the rifle-length gas system and 6.5 Grendel BCG.
- High-quality construction with durable components.
- Comfortable and ergonomic design.
- Excellent long-range performance in an AR-15 platform.
Cons
- Can be slightly picky with certain magazine brands.
- The 22 ARC cartridge is not as widely available as other AR-15 calibers (5.56, .223, .300 blk).
Who Should Buy Faxon Ascent 22 ARC 16″ Gunner BBL Complete Upper Receiver Black?
The Faxon Ascent 22 ARC 16″ Gunner BBL Complete Upper Receiver Black is perfect for competitive shooters, varmint hunters, and anyone looking for a flat-shooting, accurate AR-15 platform. It’s also a great option for shooters who want to extend their effective range without switching to a larger, heavier rifle.
Those who should skip this product might include individuals on a tight budget or those who prefer more common and readily available calibers like 5.56/.223. Someone new to AR15s may also want to start with a more common caliber.
Must-have accessories include a quality optic (scope or red dot), a bipod for prone shooting, and a reliable supply of 22 ARC ammunition.
Conclusion on Faxon Ascent 22 ARC 16″ Gunner BBL Complete Upper Receiver Black
In summary, the Faxon Ascent 22 ARC 16″ Gunner BBL Complete Upper Receiver Black is a well-built, accurate, and reliable upper receiver that delivers excellent long-range performance in an AR-15 platform. The price is justified, given the quality of the components and the performance of the 22 ARC cartridge.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their AR-15 for precision shooting or varmint hunting. If you are looking for excellent performance out of your AR15 platform, look no further than the Faxon Ascent 22 ARC.