The Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve been building and customizing AR-15 platforms, always chasing that perfect balance of accuracy, reliability, and handling. When I first saw the Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″, I was intrigued by Faxon’s reputation for quality and their innovative approach to barrel design. It promised a blend of lightweight maneuverability and the ballistic advantages of a longer barrel, all chambered in the increasingly popular 9mm.
My primary motivation for selecting this barrel was to build a dedicated 9mm AR pistol caliber carbine (PCC) for close-quarters training and home defense. I needed a barrel that would deliver consistent accuracy at typical engagement distances while maintaining reliability with various 9mm loads. The lightweight profile of the Faxon barrel was also a significant factor, as I wanted to avoid a front-heavy setup.
Upon receiving the barrel, I was immediately impressed by its clean lines and flawless finish. The nitride coating gave it a sleek, professional look and felt exceptionally smooth to the touch. Holding it, the “light taper” profile was immediately apparent – significantly lighter than the heavy barrels I’d used in previous builds.
Compared to similar 9mm AR barrels from Ballistic Advantage and CMMG, the Faxon stood out for its weight and the claimed tighter tolerances in the chamber. I picked the Faxon over the Ballistic Advantage because I wanted to try something new. It was a gamble, but one based on Faxon’s good name. I was cautiously optimistic. It looked great, but performance would be the ultimate judge.
Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ at my local indoor shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to initially gauge its accuracy and reliability. I fired approximately 200 rounds of mixed 9mm ammunition, including 115gr FMJ, 124gr FMJ, and 147gr JHP.
The barrel performed flawlessly. There were no malfunctions of any kind. Even with varying ammunition weights, the gun cycled smoothly. The ease of use was notable. Installation was straightforward, and the barrel required no special tools or modifications to fit my AR-15 upper receiver.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and approximately 1,500 rounds, the Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ continues to impress. The finish still looks new, despite regular cleaning and handling.
There are no signs of significant wear. The nitride coating appears to be holding up well against the heat and friction of repeated firing. Maintenance is simple. A quick bore brush and a wipe down with CLP are all it takes to keep the barrel clean and functioning optimally.
Compared to my previous experience with a budget-brand 9mm barrel, the Faxon is in a different league. The accuracy is noticeably better, and the reliability is unwavering. It has truly exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm. This popular pistol caliber is readily available and affordable, making it an excellent choice for high-volume shooting.
- Barrel Length: 16 inches. The longer barrel provides increased velocity and a longer sight radius, enhancing accuracy at longer ranges.
- Twist Rate: 1:10. This twist rate is optimized for stabilizing a wide range of 9mm bullet weights.
- Profile: Light Taper. The light taper profile reduces weight without sacrificing stiffness. It provides quick handling and maneuverability.
- Finish: Black Nitride. The nitride finish provides exceptional corrosion resistance and reduces friction for smoother cycling.
Performance & Functionality
The Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ performs admirably in its intended role. It delivers excellent accuracy for a pistol caliber carbine. At 25 yards, I consistently achieve groupings of around 1.5-2 inches with quality ammunition.
The barrel’s reliability is unquestionable. I’ve experienced zero failures to feed or extract with a variety of 9mm loads. Its strengths lie in its consistent accuracy, light weight, and durable finish.
Design & Ergonomics
The Faxon barrel’s design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The light taper profile contributes to the overall balance of the rifle, making it easy to handle and maneuver.
The build quality is exceptional. The materials used are of high quality, and the finish is flawlessly applied. The barrel feels solid and well-made. There is no learning curve associated with the barrel itself. Installation is straightforward, and it integrates seamlessly with any standard AR-15 upper receiver designed for 9mm.
Durability & Maintenance
The Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ is built to last. The nitride finish provides exceptional corrosion resistance and reduces wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide many years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple. A quick bore cleaning after each range session is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ doesn’t come with any accessories itself, but it’s highly compatible with a wide range of AR-15 parts and accessories. You can easily customize your build with different muzzle devices, handguards, and optics.
- Muzzle Devices: Threaded for 1/2×28 muzzle devices, allowing for the attachment of suppressors, compensators, or flash hiders.
- Optics: Any optic compatible with the AR-15 platform can be used, from red dot sights to magnified scopes.
- Magazines: The barrel is designed to work with Glock-style magazines, which are widely available and reliable.
Pros and Cons of Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″
Pros
- Excellent Accuracy: Consistently delivers tight groupings at typical PCC engagement distances.
- Lightweight Design: The light taper profile significantly reduces weight, enhancing maneuverability.
- Durable Nitride Finish: Provides exceptional corrosion resistance and reduces wear and tear.
- Reliable Performance: Functions flawlessly with a wide range of 9mm ammunition.
- Easy Installation: Installs easily into any standard AR-15 upper receiver designed for 9mm.
Cons
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some budget-brand 9mm barrels.
- No Included Accessories: Comes as a bare barrel, requiring the purchase of additional parts for a complete build.
Who Should Buy Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″?
The Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ is perfect for:
- Competitive PCC Shooters: The barrel’s accuracy and light weight make it an excellent choice for competitive pistol caliber carbine shooters.
- Home Defense Enthusiasts: The 9mm cartridge is an effective choice for home defense, and the 16″ barrel provides increased velocity and accuracy.
- AR-15 Builders: Those looking to build a high-quality 9mm AR-15 will appreciate the Faxon barrel’s performance and reliability.
Who should skip this product? Budget-conscious builders might find cheaper alternatives that, however, might sacrifice quality and performance.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality bolt carrier group (BCG) designed for 9mm AR-15s and reliable Glock-style magazines are essential for optimal performance.
Conclusion on Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″
The Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ is a top-tier option for anyone building or upgrading a 9mm AR-15. Its combination of accuracy, lightweight design, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is justified by the exceptional performance and reliability it delivers. The Faxon barrel is undoubtedly a premium product that lives up to its reputation.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ to anyone seeking a high-quality 9mm AR barrel. If you’re serious about building a reliable and accurate PCC, look no further. This is a barrel that will not disappoint. Take your build to the next level; invest in the Faxon AR-15 Barrel, 9mm, 16″ today!