Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black Review

The Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black Made a Bold First Impression

The Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black isn’t just another barrel; it’s a commitment to accuracy and ballistic performance in the AR-15 platform. Designed for the increasingly popular .350 Legend cartridge, this barrel promised to transform my AR into a serious hunting and hog-thumping machine. The Faxon name carries weight in the AR parts world, known for blending quality and innovation.

I was specifically looking to build an AR-15 optimized for deer hunting in states with cartridge restrictions. Many states now allow straight-walled cartridges for deer hunting, and the .350 Legend is a top contender. I needed a barrel that would maximize the cartridge’s potential at longer ranges while maintaining reliable cycling.

My first impression upon unboxing was undeniably positive; the barrel felt substantial without being overly heavy, a testament to the Gunner profile. The black nitride finish was smooth and evenly applied, suggesting careful attention to detail. The overall build quality appeared excellent, inspiring confidence in its potential performance.

Compared to other .350 Legend barrels I considered from Ballistic Advantage and Bear Creek Arsenal, the Faxon stood out due to its reputation for accuracy and the Gunner profile’s promise of balanced weight and heat dissipation. I ultimately chose the Faxon for its proven track record of quality and the belief that it would deliver superior accuracy and reliability. I was immediately excited to start building my .350 Legend AR and get it to the range.

Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local range, a mix of indoor and outdoor lanes allowing for evaluation under different lighting and environmental conditions. I mounted the Faxon barrel on a dedicated AR-15 upper receiver and paired it with a reliable bolt carrier group and .350 Legend magazines. I tested a variety of .350 Legend ammunition from Winchester, Federal, and Hornady.

The barrel performed admirably from the first shot; cycling was smooth and consistent with all tested ammunition. I immediately noticed how manageable the recoil was with the .350 Legend cartridge in the AR platform. No issues were encountered during the initial testing session, exceeding my expectations for a brand-new build.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use and hundreds of rounds downrange, the Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve used it in temperatures ranging from below freezing to sweltering summer heat with no malfunctions. The black nitride finish has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear despite frequent handling and cleaning.

Maintenance is straightforward; regular cleaning with standard AR-15 cleaning tools is all that’s required. I’ve found the bore easy to clean, and the nitride finish resists carbon buildup. It noticeably outperforms other barrels I’ve used in terms of ease of cleaning and maintaining accuracy over extended shooting sessions.

Breaking Down the Features of Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black

Specifications

• Barrel Material: 4150 CMV – Chrome Moly Vanadium steel provides exceptional strength and durability, ensuring a long service life. The 4150 CMV steel is crucial for barrels subject to high pressures and temperatures.
• Barrel Type: Button Rifled – This method creates precise and consistent rifling, contributing to improved accuracy. Button rifling ensures uniform twist rates throughout the barrel’s length.
• Barrel Caliber: .350 Legend SAAMI – Chambered in .350 Legend, adhering to Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) specifications for reliable performance. The SAAMI spec ensures compatibility with a wide range of ammunition.
• Barrel Twist: 1:16 – The 1:16 twist rate is optimized for stabilizing common .350 Legend bullet weights. This twist rate is ideal for achieving optimal accuracy with projectiles typically used in .350 Legend.
• Barrel Length: 20” – The 20-inch length maximizes the ballistic potential of the .350 Legend cartridge, increasing velocity and effective range. A longer barrel translates to higher muzzle velocity and improved downrange energy.
• Barrel Profile: Gunner – The Gunner profile strikes a balance between weight and rigidity, offering good heat dissipation for sustained shooting. The Gunner profile is designed for both accuracy and maneuverability.
• Barrel Gas System: Carbine – The carbine-length gas system ensures reliable cycling in a variety of AR-15 configurations. The carbine length is a common and versatile choice for AR-15 gas systems.
• Inside Finish: Nitride – The nitride treatment hardens the bore, enhancing corrosion resistance and extending barrel life. Nitriding provides a durable and low-friction surface for improved performance.
• Outside Finish: Nitride – The nitride finish provides excellent protection against rust and wear, ensuring long-term durability. The external nitride finish contributes to the barrel’s overall longevity and aesthetic appeal.
• Muzzle Thread: 1/2×28 TPI – The standard 1/2×28 thread pitch allows for the use of a wide variety of muzzle devices, such as suppressors and compensators. This common thread pattern provides compatibility with numerous aftermarket accessories.
• Gas Block Diameter: .750″ – A standard .750″ gas block diameter is compatible with most aftermarket gas blocks. The standard size simplifies the process of selecting and installing a gas block.
• Gas Block Journal Length: 1.9″ – This length is designed to ensure proper fit and secure attachment of the gas block. The specified length ensures optimal gas seal and reliable operation.
• Barrel Extension: M4 – The M4 barrel extension ensures proper feeding and reliable lockup with standard AR-15 bolts. The M4 extension is a widely used and trusted design in the AR-15 platform.
• Weight: 1.61 lbs – A weight of just 1.61 lbs makes this barrel relatively lightweight for its length, contributing to a balanced rifle build. The weight is a significant factor for those looking to maintain a maneuverable rifle.
• 11-degree Target Crown – The 11-degree target crown protects the rifling at the muzzle and enhances accuracy. A well-executed crown is essential for consistent bullet release and optimal precision.

Performance & Functionality

The Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black excels in its intended role, delivering consistent accuracy and reliable cycling. I consistently achieve sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with quality ammunition. The cartridge shines in this barrel, offering good terminal ballistics for hunting applications.

Its strengths lie in its consistent accuracy, reliable cycling, and manageable recoil. Some might find the 20-inch length unwieldy in tight spaces, but the added velocity is worth the trade-off for hunting. It significantly exceeds my expectations in terms of accuracy and overall performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is top-notch, with the 4150 CMV steel and nitride finish providing excellent durability and corrosion resistance. At 1.61 lbs, the weight is well-balanced, contributing to a comfortable shooting experience. The Gunner profile is well-designed, providing adequate rigidity without excessive weight.

The barrel is user-friendly and requires no special tools or techniques for installation. Its straightforward design and compatibility with standard AR-15 components make it easy to integrate into any build.

Durability & Maintenance

The barrel is built to last, with the 4150 CMV steel and nitride finish providing excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. With proper care, this barrel should provide many years of reliable service. The nitride finish simplifies cleaning and reduces the need for aggressive solvents.

Maintenance is minimal; regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s required to keep it in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black is compatible with a wide range of AR-15 accessories, including muzzle devices, gas blocks, and handguards. The 1/2×28 muzzle threads allow for easy installation of suppressors, compensators, and flash hiders. The .750″ gas block journal is compatible with most aftermarket gas blocks.

It readily accepts standard AR-15 handguards, allowing for extensive customization options.

Pros and Cons of Faxon AR15 Barrel .350 Legend 20″ 1:16 Gunner Profile, Black