First Thoughts on the Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black
The Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black is a dedicated barrel designed to chamber the .350 Legend cartridge in the AR-15 platform. Faxon Firearms is known for its quality barrels and innovative designs, and this barrel aims to deliver accuracy and reliability in a hunting-focused caliber. The 20-inch length and Gunner profile promise a balance of maneuverability and ballistic performance.
My interest in this barrel stemmed from a desire to build an AR-15 specifically for deer hunting in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions. I was looking for a barrel that could deliver consistent accuracy at medium ranges and be lightweight enough for comfortable carry in the woods. My current hunting rifle felt cumbersome, and the AR-15 platform offered modularity and familiarity.
Unboxing the barrel, the first thing I noticed was the clean, black nitride finish and the precisely cut muzzle threads. The barrel felt solid but surprisingly light, thanks to the Gunner profile, and the button rifling looked clean and consistent. The overall impression was one of quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
I was considering a similar barrel from Ballistic Advantage, but I was swayed by the Faxon’s reputation and the specific contouring of the Gunner profile. Another option was a heavier bull barrel from a different manufacturer, but I prioritized weight savings for a more comfortable hunting experience. Initial excitement was high, as the barrel looked and felt like a premium product.
Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was typical for late fall – slightly damp and a bit chilly. I mounted the barrel on a standard AR-15 upper receiver with a reliable bolt carrier group and a quality optic.
The rifle chambered the .350 Legend rounds smoothly, and the recoil was surprisingly mild for a cartridge with that kind of downrange energy. Accuracy was impressive right from the start, with consistent groupings around 1.5 MOA at 100 yards using factory ammunition. I experienced no malfunctions during the first range session, which was a good sign.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple trips to the range and two deer hunts, the Faxon barrel has proven to be incredibly reliable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the nitride finish, and the bore remains clean with minimal effort. Cleaning is straightforward using standard bore brushes and solvents.
Compared to a previous experience with a budget AR barrel, the Faxon barrel is a noticeable step up in terms of accuracy and consistency. That budget barrel suffered from inconsistent groupings and required frequent cleaning to maintain any semblance of accuracy. The Faxon barrel has outperformed my expectations, delivering consistent performance in a variety of conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black
Specifications
Barrel Material: 4150 CMV. The 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium (CMV) steel offers excellent strength, durability, and heat resistance, crucial for a barrel that handles higher pressure rounds.
Barrel Type: Button Rifled. Button rifling is a precise method of creating the rifling grooves, leading to consistent accuracy and minimal stress on the barrel steel.
Barrel Caliber: 350 Legend SAAMI. This ensures proper chamber dimensions and safe function with .350 Legend ammunition adhering to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) specifications.
Barrel Twist: 1:16. The 1:16 twist rate is optimized for stabilizing the heavier bullets typically used in .350 Legend cartridges.
Barrel Length: 20”. The 20-inch barrel length provides optimal velocity and ballistic performance for the .350 Legend, maximizing its effective range for hunting.
Barrel Profile: Gunner. The Gunner profile strikes a balance between weight savings and rigidity, contributing to both accuracy and comfortable handling.
Barrel Gas System: Carbine. The carbine-length gas system is a common and reliable configuration for AR-15 rifles.
Inside Finish: Nitride. The nitride finish hardens the bore, reduces friction, and provides excellent corrosion resistance, prolonging the barrel’s lifespan.
Outside Finish: Nitride. The nitride finish on the exterior further protects the barrel from the elements and provides a sleek, non-reflective surface.
Muzzle Thread: 1/2×28 TPI. This common thread pattern allows for the use of a wide variety of muzzle devices, such as suppressors or muzzle brakes.
Gas Block Diameter: .750″. The .750″ gas block diameter is a standard size, offering compatibility with numerous aftermarket gas blocks.
Gas Block Journal Length: 1.9″. The journal length provides sufficient surface area for secure gas block installation.
Barrel Extension: M4. The M4 barrel extension ensures proper fitment and reliable feeding in AR-15 upper receivers.
Weight: 1.61 lbs. The lightweight design makes it easier to carry and maneuver the rifle, especially during long hunting trips.
11-degree Target Crown: The 11-degree target crown protects the muzzle rifling and ensures consistent gas release for improved accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black excels in accuracy and reliability. The rifle consistently produces groupings around 1.5 MOA at 100 yards with various factory loads, which is more than sufficient for ethical deer hunting. Functionality is smooth and dependable, with no issues experienced during hundreds of rounds fired.
The barrel’s strength lies in its accuracy and manageable weight, while a potential area for improvement might be offering a version with a fluted profile for even greater weight reduction. It certainly meets and even exceeds expectations for a hunting-specific AR-15 barrel.
Design & Ergonomics
The Faxon barrel boasts excellent build quality, utilizing high-quality 4150 CMV steel and a durable nitride finish. The Gunner profile contributes to a balanced feel and comfortable handling. There’s no real learning curve to speak of, making it incredibly user-friendly to install.
Durability & Maintenance
The nitride finish and robust construction suggest that the Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black is built to last. Maintenance is simple, requiring only routine cleaning and lubrication. This barrel seems designed for years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The barrel readily accepts any standard AR-15 gas block with a .750″ diameter. Muzzle devices with a 1/2×28 thread pattern can be easily attached, including suppressors, muzzle brakes, and flash hiders. The barrel is also compatible with any standard AR-15 upper receiver.
Pros and Cons of Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Consistently achieves sub-MOA accuracy with quality ammunition.
- Lightweight Gunner Profile: Balances weight savings with rigidity for comfortable carry and handling.
- Durable Nitride Finish: Provides excellent corrosion resistance and extends barrel life.
- Optimized for .350 Legend: Designed specifically for the .350 Legend cartridge for reliable performance.
- High-Quality Materials: Constructed from 4150 CMV steel for strength and durability.
Cons
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some budget barrel options.
- Carbine Gas System: May require fine-tuning with certain ammunition or buffer weights for optimal cycling.
Who Should Buy Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black?
Perfect for: Hunters looking to build a lightweight and accurate AR-15 in .350 Legend for deer or other medium-sized game. Also ideal for shooters in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions.
Who should skip this product? Shooters on a very tight budget might consider less expensive options, although the Faxon’s superior quality is worth the investment for serious hunters.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality optic (such as a 1-6x or 2-7x scope), a reliable gas block, and a comfortable sling are essential. Consider an adjustable gas block for fine-tuning cycling with different ammunition types.
Conclusion on Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black
The Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a dedicated .350 Legend AR-15 for hunting or target shooting. The price is justified by the superior accuracy, lightweight design, and durable construction. I would highly recommend this barrel to anyone seeking a reliable and high-performing .350 Legend option. If you are serious about building a .350 Legend AR, don’t hesitate – buy this barrel!