First Thoughts on the FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39
The FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39, specifically the 16″ 1:8 Gunner Profile in black, represents a compelling option for AR-15 enthusiasts looking to venture beyond the standard 5.56 NATO cartridge. Faxon Firearms has established a reputation for quality and innovation, and this barrel seems poised to deliver just that. My initial attraction stemmed from the desire to build a more versatile AR platform capable of handling a wider range of scenarios, particularly hog hunting in dense brush where the 7.62×39’s ballistic advantages shine.
I was tired of the limitations of my 5.56 when dealing with heavier cover and tougher game. Unboxing revealed a cleanly machined barrel with a sleek black finish, leaving a strong first impression of quality craftsmanship. The weight felt balanced, not overly heavy, which aligned with my goal of maintaining a maneuverable rifle.
Compared to barrels from Ballistic Advantage and Aero Precision that I considered, the Faxon stood out due to its Gunner profile, promising a good balance between weight and heat dissipation. I opted for the FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39 hoping for reliability and better performance with heavier grain ammunition. I was initially excited by the potential for increased firepower in a familiar AR platform.
Real-World Testing: Putting FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39 to the Test
First Use Experience
The first live fire test took place at my local shooting range, primarily focused on zeroing the optic and assessing initial accuracy. I fired various brands of 7.62×39 ammunition, including steel-cased and brass-cased options, to gauge the barrel’s compatibility. The rifle, built with the FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39, functioned flawlessly straight out of the gate.
The weather was typical for late summer – hot and humid. The barrel heated up noticeably after a few rapid strings of fire, but the Gunner profile seemed to manage the heat well. I was initially surprised by the manageable recoil, which was slightly more than a 5.56 but not overly aggressive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and hundreds of rounds downrange, the FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39 continues to impress. The black finish has proven durable, showing minimal signs of wear despite frequent use and handling. Cleaning is straightforward, with standard AR-15 cleaning procedures being sufficient.
I’ve taken the rifle on two hog hunts, and the 7.62×39’s stopping power proved invaluable in thick cover. Compared to my previous AR setup, the FAXON barreled rifle provides a significant increase in confidence when engaging larger game. It has surpassed my expectations regarding reliability and accuracy with the 7.62×39 cartridge in the AR-15 platform.
Breaking Down the Features of FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39
Specifications
- Caliber: 7.62×39 – This allows for the use of a widely available and powerful cartridge.
- Barrel Length: 16″ – This length provides a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.
- Twist Rate: 1:8 – This twist rate is optimized for stabilizing a wide range of 7.62×39 bullet weights.
- Profile: Gunner – The Gunner profile reduces weight while maintaining rigidity and promoting heat dissipation.
- Finish: Black – The black finish provides corrosion resistance and a sleek aesthetic.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The 7.62×39 caliber offers increased stopping power compared to 5.56. The 16″ barrel strikes a balance between velocity and maneuverability. The 1:8 twist rate is essential for stabilizing the 7.62×39 round and achieving optimal accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39 performs exceptionally well in terms of accuracy and reliability. I consistently achieve sub-2 MOA groupings with quality ammunition. The rifle has proven reliable with both steel and brass-cased ammunition, though some tweaking of the extractor spring tension may be necessary depending on your specific AR build.
The strengths of the barrel are its accuracy, reliability, and manageable recoil. A potential area for improvement could be more aggressive fluting to further reduce weight, although the Gunner profile already does a commendable job. Overall, the barrel meets and often exceeds my expectations for a 7.62×39 AR-15 barrel.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with clean machining and a durable finish. The Gunner profile is comfortable to handle and doesn’t make the rifle feel overly front-heavy. There’s virtually no learning curve to using this barrel.
Durability & Maintenance
The barrel appears to be built to last. The black finish is holding up well to use and cleaning. Maintenance is straightforward, involving regular cleaning and lubrication like any standard AR-15 barrel.
Accessories and Customization Options
The FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39 does not come with any specific accessories. However, it’s compatible with all standard AR-15 components, including muzzle devices, gas blocks, and handguards. Many shooters choose to pair this barrel with enhanced bolts and extractors designed specifically for the 7.62×39 cartridge to improve reliability.
Pros and Cons of FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy with a variety of 7.62×39 ammunition.
- Reliable performance with both steel and brass-cased ammo.
- Gunner profile provides a good balance of weight and heat dissipation.
- Durable black finish resists wear and corrosion.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Some users may need to adjust extractor spring tension for optimal reliability with all ammunition types.
- The price point is slightly higher than some budget barrel options.
Who Should Buy FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39?
This barrel is perfect for hog hunters, AR-15 enthusiasts looking for a more powerful cartridge, and shooters who want a versatile rifle for both range use and potential defensive applications. It’s also a great choice for those who appreciate quality and reliability in their firearms components.
Those seeking the absolute cheapest option, or those who are unwilling to potentially fine-tune their AR-15 build, might want to consider a different barrel. A must-have modification would be an enhanced extractor designed for 7.62×39.
Conclusion on FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39
The FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39 is a high-quality component that delivers excellent performance and reliability. The price is justified by the barrel’s accuracy, durability, and well-designed Gunner profile. I would definitely recommend this barrel to anyone looking to build a 7.62×39 AR-15.
If you’re ready to step up your AR-15 game with a more potent cartridge, the FAXON AR15 BARREL 7.62×39 is an excellent choice. Build your rifle today and experience the difference!