Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete Review

First Impressions of Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete

The Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete promises to be a game-changer for AR-15 enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance without sacrificing reliability. Faxon Firearms, known for their innovative barrel designs, extends their expertise to this lightweight bolt carrier group (BCG), aiming for an optimal balance of speed, durability, and functionality. The key features that immediately caught my attention were the lightweight design (8.5 ounces), the use of 9310 tool steel for the bolt, and the Salt Bath Nitride finish on all components.

I was in the market for a BCG upgrade that would reduce felt recoil and improve the cycling rate of my competition rifle. I was particularly interested in reducing the overall weight of the rifle, as I participate in long-duration shooting events. A lighter BCG seemed like a promising avenue.

Upon receiving the Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete, I was immediately impressed by the visual appeal and the tactile feel of the components. The Chameleon PVD finish on the carrier and gas key is striking, and the smoothness of the nitride-coated surfaces was immediately noticeable. Compared to my previous mil-spec BCG, this felt like a significant upgrade in terms of finish and perceived quality. I also considered BCGs from Brownells and Toolcraft, but the Faxon‘s combination of lightweight design, premium materials, and attractive finish ultimately won me over.

My initial impression was one of excitement and cautious optimism. The Faxon BCG certainly looked the part of a high-performance upgrade, but the true test would be how it performed under real-world conditions. I couldn’t wait to hit the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete at an outdoor shooting range, under relatively mild conditions (70°F, clear skies). I ran approximately 300 rounds of mixed ammunition, including both .223 and 5.56 NATO loads. The Faxon BCG cycled smoothly and reliably from the very first round.

The reduced weight of the BCG was immediately noticeable, resulting in a slightly softer recoil impulse. There were no malfunctions or failures to extract during the initial testing. I was able to maintain a faster rate of fire with improved accuracy.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including multiple range trips and a three-day carbine course, the Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete has continued to perform flawlessly. There are minimal signs of wear and tear on the bolt or carrier. The Salt Bath Nitride finish appears to be holding up extremely well.

Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward. Carbon buildup wipes off easily, thanks to the slickness of the nitride coating. Compared to my previous mil-spec BCG, the Faxon requires less frequent cleaning and seems to tolerate fouling better. It has outperformed my expectations in terms of both reliability and ease of maintenance.

Breaking Down the Features of Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete

Specifications

• Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO, .300 AAC Blackout – This versatility makes it compatible with a wide range of AR-15 builds.
• Weight: 8.5 oz – The lightweight design enhances maneuverability and reduces felt recoil.
• Bolt Material: 9310 Tool Steel Bolt – 9310 steel offers exceptional strength and resistance to wear, ensuring a long service life.
• Carrier Material: 8620 Steel – Provides a durable and reliable platform for the bolt.
• Finish: Nitride – The Salt Bath Nitride finish increases surface hardness, reduces friction, and enhances corrosion resistance.
• Compatibility: AR Platform, AR-15 – Designed specifically for AR-15 rifles, ensuring a proper fit and reliable function.
• Full Auto Compatible: Yes – Suitable for both semi-automatic and full-automatic AR-15 builds.
• Other Features: Forward Assist Serrations, Chamfered Bolt Lugs, MPI Tested – These features contribute to enhanced reliability and ease of use.

Performance & Functionality

The Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete excels in both performance and functionality. The reduced weight translates to faster cycling and reduced felt recoil. The improved surface finish ensures smooth and reliable operation. The bolt lugs are chamfered to ensure reliable action for even the highest pressure hand loads and fast lightweight actions.

The BCG consistently extracts and ejects spent casings without issue, and it has proven to be highly reliable with a variety of ammunition types. There is nothing that needs improvement, except maybe the price could be lower. The Faxon BCG meets and exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete is exceptional. The materials used are of high quality, and the machining is precise. The Chameleon PVD finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also adds to the BCG’s corrosion resistance. It weighs only 8.5 oz, which is great.

The Faxon BCG is designed to be user-friendly. Installation is straightforward, and no special tools are required. The smooth surface finish makes cleaning easy. There is no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The combination of high-quality materials and a Salt Bath Nitride finish ensures that the Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete is built to last. The BCG has shown no signs of significant wear and tear after several months of use. The service life should be great.

Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that is required to keep the BCG running smoothly. It is easy to maintain and repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete does not come with any accessories beyond the fully assembled BCG. However, it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket AR-15 accessories, including different buffer weights, springs, and charging handles. The Faxon BCG is also compatible with various aftermarket triggers. The Faxon BCG is also compatible with different handguards.

Pros and Cons of Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete

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Who Should Buy Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete?

The Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete is perfect for competitive shooters, AR-15 enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance, and anyone looking to reduce the weight of their rifle. This is also great for tactical shooters and law enforcement personnel. It is great for people looking for less felt recoil.

Those on a very tight budget or those who prioritize mil-spec authenticity over performance enhancements might want to consider a less expensive BCG. It is not great for people who do not like the Chameleon PVD finish.

A high-quality charging handle and adjustable buffer system would be must-have accessories or modifications. A match grade barrel would also be great.

Conclusion on Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete

The Faxon 5.56 Gunner Lightweight 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete is an outstanding upgrade for any AR-15, offering a noticeable improvement in performance and handling. The combination of lightweight design, high-quality materials, and durable finish makes it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters. The improved surface finish ensures smooth and reliable operation.

While the price is higher than some alternatives, the benefits in terms of recoil reduction, cycling speed, and overall reliability justify the cost. I wholeheartedly recommend the Faxon BCG to anyone looking to take their AR-15 to the next level. Upgrade your rifle today and experience the difference for yourself!