Faxon Firearms Gunner Duty Series 5.56 NATO 13.9″ Black Nitride 4150 CMV Review

The Faxon Firearms Gunner Duty Series 5.56 NATO 13.9″ Black Nitride 4150 CMV Made a Bold First Impression

In a market saturated with AR-15 barrels, the Faxon Firearms Gunner Duty Series 5.56 NATO 13.9″ Black Nitride 4150 CMV stands out as a meticulously crafted component designed for both performance and durability. Faxon Firearms has a reputation for quality, and this barrel aims to deliver on that promise with its unique Gunner profile and durable Black Nitride finish. I was searching for a barrel that offered a balance between weight savings and accuracy, and this seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

My quest for a new AR barrel stemmed from a desire to build a lightweight yet reliable rifle for both training and potential defensive use. I needed something shorter than the standard 16-inch barrel, offering better maneuverability, but without sacrificing too much in terms of ballistic performance. The 13.9″ length, when paired with a muzzle device, would allow me to reach the legal 16″ minimum, making it an attractive option.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed about the Faxon Firearms Gunner Duty Series 5.56 NATO 13.9″ Black Nitride 4150 CMV was the sleek Black Nitride finish. The barrel felt substantial yet surprisingly light, hinting at the Gunner profile’s weight reduction. The machining appeared clean and precise, reflecting Faxon’s commitment to quality craftsmanship.

I was also considering a Ballistic Advantage Hanson profile barrel and a Daniel Defense CHF barrel. The Faxon appealed to me because of the price point and the claimed benefits of the Gunner profile. I was particularly curious to see if the weight savings translated to a noticeable difference in handling without compromising accuracy.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see how this barrel would perform on the range, but also aware that not all barrels live up to their marketing hype. Only real-world testing would reveal the truth.

Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Firearms Gunner Duty Series 5.56 NATO 13.9″ Black Nitride 4150 CMV to the Test

First Use Experience

The first range trip with the Faxon Firearms Gunner Duty Series 5.56 NATO 13.9″ Black Nitride 4150 CMV installed was on a crisp autumn day. I zeroed the rifle at 50 yards and proceeded to test its accuracy with various types of ammunition.

I tested the Faxon Firearms barrel with 55 grain, 62 grain, and 77 grain ammunition. The Faxon barrel performed respectably across all ammunition types. I experienced no failures to feed or extract, a testament to the barrel’s proper gas port size and smooth chamber.

The rifle felt noticeably lighter and more balanced than with my previous 16-inch barrel. The shorter length made maneuvering in and out of shooting positions much easier. There were no immediate issues after the first 200 rounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and approximately 1000 rounds, the Faxon Firearms Gunner Duty Series 5.56 NATO 13.9″ Black Nitride 4150 CMV continues to impress. The barrel has held up exceptionally well.

There are no visible signs of wear and tear beyond the usual carbon buildup. The Black Nitride finish remains intact, resisting scratches and corrosion.

Cleaning is relatively straightforward. Standard bore solvents and brushes easily remove carbon fouling. The smooth Black Nitride finish helps prevent excessive carbon adhesion. Compared to my previous experience with a chrome-lined barrel, the Faxon barrel cleans up slightly faster.

Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Firearms Gunner Duty Series 5.56 NATO 13.9″ Black Nitride 4150 CMV

Specifications

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO. This ensures compatibility with standard AR-15 ammunition.

• Weight: 1.29 lbs. This contributes to a lightweight build, enhancing maneuverability.

• Contour: Gunner. The Gunner profile reduces weight without sacrificing rigidity and accuracy.

• Finish: Black Nitride. The Black Nitride finish provides excellent corrosion resistance and hardness.

• Gas System Length: Mid-Length. The mid-length gas system offers a smoother recoil impulse compared to a carbine-length system.

• Length: 13.9″. This length allows for a shorter overall rifle length while maintaining reasonable ballistic performance and easy attainment of a legal 16″ overall length with a muzzle device.

These specifications contribute to a barrel that is both lightweight and durable, making it suitable for a variety of applications. The mid-length gas system also improves the shooting experience by reducing recoil.

Performance & Functionality

The Faxon Firearms Gunner Duty Series 5.56 NATO 13.9″ Black Nitride 4150 CMV performs admirably in terms of accuracy and reliability. Groupings at 100 yards with match-grade ammunition are consistently around 1.5 MOA.

The barrel’s performance is excellent. It meets and slightly exceeds my expectations for a lightweight barrel in this price range.

There are no significant weaknesses. Its accuracy is exceptional for its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The Gunner contour strikes a great balance between weight and rigidity. The barrel feels well-balanced and comfortable to handle.

There is virtually no learning curve. It installs just like any standard AR-15 barrel.

Durability & Maintenance

The Black Nitride finish is a significant advantage in terms of durability and corrosion resistance. With proper care, the barrel should last for many thousands of rounds.

Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with quality solvents is all that’s required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faxon Firearms Gunner Duty Series 5.56 NATO 13.9″ Black Nitride 4150 CMV is compatible with any standard AR-15 upper receiver and handguard. I paired it with a lightweight free-float handguard for optimal performance.

The barrel is compatible with a wide range of muzzle devices. A muzzle device is needed to achieve the legal 16″ barrel length. There are no proprietary features that limit accessory options.

Pros and Cons of Faxon Firearms Gunner Duty Series 5.56 NATO 13.9″ Black Nitride 4150 CMV