Faxon AR-15/M16 16 Pencil Barrel 4150 QPQ Mid .625 Review

First Thoughts on the Faxon AR-15/M16 16 Pencil Barrel 4150 QPQ Mid .625

The Faxon AR-15/M16 16 Pencil Barrel 4150 QPQ Mid .625 promises a lightweight, maneuverable build without sacrificing the durability needed for reliable AR-15 performance. Manufactured by Faxon Firearms, it aims to strike a balance between a featherweight profile and sufficient rigidity for accurate shooting. My years in the field have taught me that barrel weight directly impacts weapon handling, especially during extended operations.

I was looking for a way to drastically reduce the overall weight of my patrol rifle, without compromising accuracy or reliability. My old heavy-profile barrel was great for sustained fire, but it made the rifle cumbersome during long patrols. The pencil barrel concept intrigued me, promising faster handling and reduced fatigue.

Unboxing the Faxon barrel, I was immediately struck by its slender profile. The QPQ Nitride finish looked clean and felt smooth, a testament to the quality of the Faxon manufacturing process. It felt lighter than any other 16″ AR barrel I’d handled, immediately sparking excitement about the potential for improved handling.

I considered a similar pencil barrel from Ballistic Advantage, and a lightweight option from Brownells, but Faxon’s reputation for quality and the attractive price point ultimately won me over. I was hoping for a significant reduction in rifle weight and improved responsiveness. I was excited to see if this barrel could deliver.

Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon AR-15/M16 16 Pencil Barrel 4150 QPQ Mid .625 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, where I ran the Faxon barrel through a series of drills. I focused on rapid target acquisition and transitions, as well as longer-range accuracy testing at 100 yards. The weather was partly cloudy with a slight breeze, typical for a spring day in the Midwest.

The difference in handling was immediately noticeable; the rifle felt significantly lighter and more responsive. It swung onto targets with greater speed, and transitions between targets were noticeably quicker. There were no immediate issues with the new barrel’s performance after installation, and I was able to group well with standard 55-grain ammunition.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Faxon barrel has held up remarkably well. I’ve put approximately 1000 rounds through it, with no signs of degradation in accuracy or reliability. The QPQ Nitride finish has proven to be durable, resisting scratches and corrosion.

I’ve cleaned the barrel after each range session, and the QPQ finish makes carbon removal remarkably easy. This is a stark contrast to my previous barrel, which required significantly more scrubbing. Compared to my old heavy barrel, the Faxon offers a noticeable improvement in handling and a comparable level of accuracy for most practical applications.

Breaking Down the Features of Faxon AR-15/M16 16 Pencil Barrel 4150 QPQ Mid .625

Specifications

The Faxon AR-15/M16 16 Pencil Barrel 4150 QPQ Mid .625 features a 16-inch length and a pencil profile. It boasts a 1:8 twist rate, optimized for stabilizing a wide range of bullet weights. The barrel is constructed from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel, known for its strength and heat resistance.

The QPQ (Quench-Polish-Quench) Nitride finish provides exceptional corrosion resistance and surface hardness. A mid-length gas system is used, offering a balance of smooth cycling and reduced recoil. The Faxon barrel is also designed with a .625″ gas block journal, a standard size for easy compatibility with various gas blocks. These specifications collectively result in a lightweight, durable, and accurate barrel suitable for various applications.

Performance & Functionality

The Faxon AR-15/M16 16 Pencil Barrel 4150 QPQ Mid .625 performs exceptionally well, delivering accurate and reliable performance. I consistently achieved sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with match-grade ammunition. The mid-length gas system provides smooth, reliable cycling with a variety of ammunition types.

The Faxon’s slender profile does mean it heats up faster than a heavier barrel during sustained fire. This is a compromise inherent to the pencil barrel design; however, for most users, the benefits of reduced weight outweigh this drawback. The barrel exceeded my expectations in terms of accuracy and handling.

Design & Ergonomics

The Faxon barrel’s pencil profile is the key to its ergonomic advantage. The reduced weight significantly improves the balance and handling of the rifle. The barrel’s QPQ Nitride finish provides a sleek, professional appearance, while also contributing to its durability.

There’s no learning curve associated with installing or using this barrel; it drops right into any standard AR-15 upper receiver. This makes it an excellent choice for both experienced builders and those new to the AR platform.

Durability & Maintenance

The 4150 steel and QPQ Nitride finish contribute to the Faxon barrel’s impressive durability. After months of use, there are no signs of wear or corrosion. The QPQ finish simplifies cleaning and maintenance, making it easy to keep the barrel in top condition.

With proper care, this barrel should last for thousands of rounds. Its robust construction and protective finish ensure long-term reliability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faxon AR-15/M16 16 Pencil Barrel 4150 QPQ Mid .625 is compatible with any standard AR-15 gas block with a .625″ journal. I paired it with a lightweight adjustable gas block to further fine-tune the rifle’s cycling. The barrel is also compatible with any standard AR-15 muzzle device, including flash hiders, compensators, and suppressors.

I also added a free-floating handguard to further enhance accuracy and ergonomics. The Faxon barrel provides a solid foundation for a wide range of customization options, allowing users to tailor their rifle to their specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons of Faxon AR-15/M16 16 Pencil Barrel 4150 QPQ Mid .625