Faxon FX7 Barreled Bolt Action Receiver – Matte DLC – 18″ .308 Winchester Gunner Profile Review

The Faxon FX7 Barreled Bolt Action Receiver – Matte DLC – 18″ .308 Winchester Gunner Profile Made a Bold First Impression

For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, and I’ve seen my fair share of bolt action receivers. Few, however, have immediately commanded my attention like the Faxon FX7 Barreled Bolt Action Receiver – Matte DLC – 18″ .308 Winchester Gunner Profile. This isn’t just another Remington 700 clone; it’s a meticulously engineered piece that promises enhanced performance and modern features, all while retaining compatibility with the vast aftermarket of R700 accessories.

My quest for the Faxon FX7 began with a desire to build a lightweight, accurate, and reliable .308 rifle for both hunting and long-range target shooting. I was tired of dealing with factory rifles that required extensive modifications to meet my specific needs. The promise of a pre-barreled action, ready to drop into my preferred chassis and accept a Remington 700 pattern trigger, was too enticing to ignore.

Unboxing the Faxon FX7 was an experience in itself. The matte DLC finish radiated quality. The weight felt reassuringly solid without being cumbersome. The action cycled smoothly, even before being properly lubed. I immediately appreciated the integrated 20-MOA Picatinny rail, ensuring I could mount my optic with ample elevation for those longer shots.

I considered the Seekins Precision Havak Element and the Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle action alongside the Faxon FX7. I opted for the Faxon due to its blend of value, features (like the DLC coating and integrated rail), and Faxon’s reputation for barrel quality. The Faxon seemed to offer the best balance of performance and cost, allowing me to invest more in the chassis and optic.

My initial impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Faxon FX7 felt like a premium piece of equipment, exceeding my expectations. It sparked a sense of excitement, knowing I was starting with a solid foundation for my custom rifle build.

Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon FX7 Barreled Bolt Action Receiver – Matte DLC – 18″ .308 Winchester Gunner Profile to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Faxon FX7 was at my local shooting range, nestled in the foothills of the Rockies. I mounted it in a KRG Bravo chassis with a Timney Elite Hunter trigger and a Vortex Razor HD Gen II optic. The weather was typical for early spring: a mix of sunshine and gusty winds.

From the get-go, the Faxon FX7 impressed. Cycling the bolt was smooth and effortless, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. I was dialing in my scope and finding the action to be very smooth. There was a slight learning curve to the 70-degree bolt throw, but it quickly became second nature.

The only initial “issue” was a slightly tight magazine fit with my Magpul AICS magazines. After a few cycles, and some light oiling, this disappeared completely.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Faxon FX7 has proven to be incredibly reliable. I’ve put hundreds of rounds downrange, from budget-friendly surplus ammo to match-grade handloads. It continues to perform flawlessly.

The matte DLC finish has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear or corrosion, even after exposure to rain and dirt during hunting trips. The action remains smooth and consistent, with no noticeable degradation in performance. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a basic solvent and some patches.

Compared to previous builds using standard Remington 700 actions, the Faxon FX7 is a significant upgrade. The enhanced features and precision engineering provide a noticeable improvement in accuracy and overall shooting experience. The Faxon FX7 exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Faxon FX7 Barreled Bolt Action Receiver – Matte DLC – 18″ .308 Winchester Gunner Profile

Specifications

The Faxon FX7 Barreled Bolt Action Receiver – Matte DLC – 18″ .308 Winchester Gunner Profile boasts a range of impressive specifications. It’s chambered in .308 Winchester, a versatile and widely available cartridge suitable for hunting and target shooting. The barreled action weighs approximately 4.5 lbs, contributing to a manageable overall rifle weight.

• Action Specifications:

  • Integrated 20-MOA Picatinny rail: This ensures ample elevation adjustment for long-range shooting.
  • Integrated recoil lug: Providing a rock-solid interface with the stock or chassis.
  • 70-degree bolt lift: This allows for faster cycling and improved scope clearance.
  • 6-Lug configuration arranged in 2 rings of 3: This provides a strong and reliable lockup.
  • Compatible with Remington® 700 Short action stocks and chassis systems: This allows for a wide range of customization options.
  • Compatible with Remington® 700 pattern triggers: This means a huge aftermarket selection of triggers.
  • Compatible with Faxon Firearms FX7 Prefit barrels & Similar: Offering flexibility in barrel selection in the future.
  • Compatible with AICS and AW Magazines: Providing a reliable feeding system.
  • 416 Stainless Steel Action Body: Ensuring durability and corrosion resistance.
  • 4340 Carbon Steel Bolt – Features Faxon’s Original Flame Fluting: This enhances the bolt’s strength and aesthetic appeal.
  • ArmorLube™ DLC coating: Enhancing durability and providing a low-glare finish.
  • Straight interchangeable bolt handle: Allowing for personalized customization.
  • M16 Style Extractor: Ensuring reliable extraction of spent casings.
  • Plunger Style Ejector: For consistent and forceful ejection.

• Barrel Specifications:

  • Barrel Material: 416-R Stainless Steel: This offers excellent accuracy and durability.
  • Rifling Type: 5R Button Rifled: This reduces bullet deformation and improves accuracy.
  • Honed & Lapped: This enhances bore finish and consistency.
  • Barrel Caliber: .308 Winchester: A tried and true caliber for many uses.
  • Barrel Twist: 1:10: This stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights.
  • Barrel Length: 18″: This strikes a good balance between maneuverability and velocity.
  • Barrel Profile: Gunner: This profile is designed for optimal weight and heat dissipation.
  • Barrel Finish: Salt Bath Nitride: This enhances corrosion resistance and hardness.
  • Muzzle Thread: 5/8×24: This allows for easy attachment of muzzle devices.
  • Magnetic Particle Inspected: Ensuring material integrity and quality control.
  • Recessed Target Crown: Protecting the muzzle and enhancing accuracy.

These specifications translate into a barreled action that is accurate, reliable, and durable. The compatibility with Remington 700 components allows for extensive customization, making it a versatile platform for building a custom rifle.

Performance & Functionality

The Faxon FX7 performs exceptionally well. The 6-lug bolt design ensures a solid lockup, resulting in consistent accuracy. I’ve achieved sub-MOA groups with match-grade ammunition, proving its potential for precision shooting.

The 70-degree bolt lift allows for faster cycling and minimizes interference with the scope. The M16-style extractor and plunger ejector provide reliable extraction and ejection, even under rapid firing.

A minor weakness is the initial stiffness of the bolt, which requires a break-in period to smooth out completely. However, this is a common characteristic of new bolt actions and improves with use. Overall, the Faxon FX7 meets and exceeds expectations in terms of performance and functionality.

Design & Ergonomics

The Faxon FX7 features a well-thought-out design and comfortable ergonomics. The 416 stainless steel action and 4340 carbon steel bolt provide a solid and durable foundation. The matte DLC finish not only enhances durability but also gives the action a sleek and professional appearance.

The integrated 20-MOA Picatinny rail simplifies optic mounting and provides a stable platform for accessories. The 70-degree bolt lift contributes to a more comfortable and efficient shooting experience.

The interchangeability of the bolt handle is a plus. The Faxon FX7 is user-friendly, even for those new to building custom rifles. The compatibility with Remington 700 components ensures a straightforward assembly process.

Durability & Maintenance

The Faxon FX7 is built to last. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure long-term durability. The matte DLC finish provides excellent corrosion resistance, protecting the action from the elements.

Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that is required to keep the action functioning smoothly. The bolt is easily disassembled for thorough cleaning and inspection. The durability and ease of maintenance of the Faxon FX7 make it a reliable choice for demanding shooters.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faxon FX7 is highly customizable. It is compatible with a vast array of Remington 700 short action stocks and chassis systems, allowing for personalized ergonomics and aesthetics. The compatibility with Remington 700 pattern triggers provides a wide range of options for tuning the trigger pull to your preference.

The 5/8×24 muzzle threads allow for the attachment of various muzzle devices, such as suppressors and muzzle brakes. The interchangeable bolt handle allows for further customization of the action. The Faxon FX7’s greatest strength lies in its compatibility with the massive Remington 700 aftermarket.

Pros and Cons of Faxon FX7 Barreled Bolt Action Receiver – Matte DLC – 18″ .308 Winchester Gunner Profile

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Who Should Buy Faxon FX7 Barreled Bolt Action Receiver – Matte DLC – 18″ .308 Winchester Gunner Profile?

The Faxon FX7 Barreled Bolt Action Receiver – Matte DLC – 18″ .308 Winchester Gunner Profile is perfect for experienced shooters, hunters, and long-range enthusiasts who demand high performance and customization options. It’s ideal for those looking to build a custom rifle on a reliable and accurate platform.

This product may not be the best choice for beginners who are unfamiliar with building custom rifles. It requires some technical knowledge and the ability to assemble components properly.

A must-have accessory would be a high-quality chassis system that fits your specific needs and preferences. A premium trigger, such as a Timney or TriggerTech, is also highly recommended for optimal performance.

Conclusion on Faxon FX7 Barreled Bolt Action Receiver – Matte DLC – 18″ .308 Winchester Gunner Profile

The Faxon FX7 Barreled Bolt Action Receiver – Matte DLC – 18″ .308 Winchester Gunner Profile is an outstanding product that delivers exceptional performance, durability, and customization options. The price is justified by the quality of materials, precision engineering, and enhanced features.

I would highly recommend the Faxon FX7 to anyone looking to build a custom .308 rifle. It provides a solid foundation for a rifle that is accurate, reliable, and tailored to your specific needs. If you are serious about building a custom rifle, the Faxon FX7 is an investment that will pay off in performance and satisfaction. Don’t hesitate; build your dream rifle today!

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