First Thoughts on the Faxon Big Gunner Contour Barrel 8.6 Blackout 16 1-3 Twist Chrome Moly BBL
The 8.6 Blackout cartridge is rapidly gaining traction, promising impressive short-barrel performance and devastating terminal ballistics. When I first heard about the Faxon Big Gunner Contour Barrel 8.6 Blackout 16 1-3 Twist Chrome Moly BBL, I knew I had to get my hands on it. This barrel from Faxon promises to deliver the full potential of this exciting new cartridge, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
I had been looking for a barrel to complete an AR build dedicated to hog hunting in dense brush. My primary concern was balancing maneuverability with enough ballistic punch to ethically take down large game. I wanted something that could handle heavy subsonic rounds for suppressed use but also stabilize supersonic loads effectively.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the weight. At 2.2 lbs, the Big Gunner contour felt substantial but not unwieldy. The black finish was clean and even, with no visible imperfections. Comparing it to a standard M4 profile barrel, the Big Gunner’s thicker profile was immediately apparent, inspiring confidence in its rigidity and potential accuracy. This seemed like a superior choice compared to some of the thinner, lighter profile 8.6 Blackout barrels on the market, prioritizing accuracy and heat dissipation.
I was definitely excited. I felt that it had the potential to be the heart of a seriously capable hog hunting rifle. The promise of the 8.6 Blackout combined with Faxon’s reputation for quality barrels had me eager to hit the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Big Gunner Contour Barrel 8.6 Blackout 16 1-3 Twist Chrome Moly BBL to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Faxon Big Gunner Contour Barrel 8.6 Blackout 16 1-3 Twist Chrome Moly BBL was at my local shooting range. I was testing both subsonic and supersonic ammunition. The weather was typical for early spring – damp and breezy.
The Faxon barrel performed flawlessly. It consistently cycled both types of ammunition in my AR platform. Initial groups at 100 yards were promising, with the supersonic rounds grouping slightly tighter than the subsonics, though both were more than acceptable for my intended use. There were no failures to feed or extract, and the barrel exhibited no unusual vibrations or harmonics.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple hog hunts in the Texas Hill Country, the Faxon Big Gunner barrel has proven to be exceptionally reliable. The Salt Bath Nitride finish has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion despite exposure to mud, rain, and humidity. Cleaning the barrel is straightforward. I’ve noticed no significant degradation in accuracy over time.
Compared to my previous experiences with other AR barrels, the Faxon Big Gunner inspires significantly more confidence. Its consistent accuracy, robust construction, and resistance to wear and tear make it a clear upgrade. It has definitely exceeded my expectations, proving to be a worthy investment for my hog hunting rifle.
Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Big Gunner Contour Barrel 8.6 Blackout 16 1-3 Twist Chrome Moly BBL
Specifications
Caliber: 8.6 Blackout. This cartridge is designed for optimal performance in short-barreled rifles, delivering significant energy on target even at subsonic velocities.
Barrel Length: 16″. A 16-inch barrel provides a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Twist Rate: 1-3″. The extremely fast 1-3 twist rate is crucial for stabilizing the long, heavy bullets typically used in 8.6 Blackout, ensuring accuracy and consistent performance.
Contour: Big Gunner. The Big Gunner contour provides increased rigidity, improving accuracy and reducing barrel whip, especially during rapid fire.
Material: Chrome Moly. Chrome Moly steel offers a good balance of strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice for rifle barrels.
Finish: Salt Bath Nitride. This finish provides excellent corrosion resistance, reduces friction, and increases the barrel’s lifespan.
Muzzle Threads: M18x1.5. This allows for use of many suppressors and muzzle devices.
Gas System Length: Carbine. The carbine-length gas system ensures reliable cycling in most AR-15 platforms.
Barrel Weight: 2.2 lbs. This weight helps reduce felt recoil and stabilize the rifle while shooting.
These specifications translate into a barrel that is accurate, durable, and well-suited for the demanding requirements of the 8.6 Blackout cartridge. The fast twist rate is particularly critical for achieving consistent accuracy with this caliber.
Performance & Functionality
The Faxon Big Gunner Contour Barrel 8.6 Blackout 16 1-3 Twist Chrome Moly BBL performs its job exceptionally well. Accuracy is excellent. I’ve consistently achieved sub-MOA groups with quality supersonic ammunition. Reliability has been flawless. The barrel cycles both subsonic and supersonic rounds without issue.
The primary strength is its accuracy. The fast twist rate and rigid barrel profile contribute to excellent bullet stabilization and consistent shot placement. One potential area for improvement might be offering a slightly shorter barrel length for even greater maneuverability in tight spaces.
The barrel has exceeded my expectations. It has proven to be a reliable and accurate platform for the 8.6 Blackout cartridge.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is outstanding. The Chrome Moly steel and Salt Bath Nitride finish give the barrel a robust and durable feel. The weight is well-balanced, contributing to a stable and comfortable shooting experience.
The barrel is straightforward to install on any standard AR-15 upper receiver. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Salt Bath Nitride finish provides excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring a long service life. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that is required to keep the barrel in top condition. Based on my experience so far, I expect this barrel to last for many years with proper care.
The barrel is easy to clean and maintain. Standard bore cleaning procedures are sufficient to remove fouling and maintain accuracy.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Faxon Big Gunner Contour Barrel 8.6 Blackout 16 1-3 Twist Chrome Moly BBL is compatible with a wide range of AR-15 accessories, including:
- Muzzle devices with M18x1.5 threads.
- Suppressors designed for the 8.6 Blackout cartridge.
- Any standard AR-15 upper receiver.
- Various gas blocks to adjust the gas system for optimal performance.
The M18x1.5 threads offer a wide variety of muzzle device options. This thread pitch is gaining popularity for the 8.6 Blackout, increasing the variety of available muzzle devices.
Pros and Cons of Faxon Big Gunner Contour Barrel 8.6 Blackout 16 1-3 Twist Chrome Moly BBL
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: The 1-3 twist rate ensures excellent bullet stabilization, resulting in tight groups.
- Durable Construction: The Chrome Moly steel and Salt Bath Nitride finish provide excellent corrosion resistance and longevity.
- Reliable Performance: Cycles both subsonic and supersonic ammunition consistently.
- Big Gunner Contour: Increases rigidity for improved accuracy and reduced barrel whip.
- Compatible with AR-15 Platform: Easy to install on any standard AR-15 upper receiver.
Cons
- Weight: At 2.2 lbs, it is heavier than some other barrel options, which might be a concern for lightweight builds.
- M18x1.5 Threads: While becoming more common, muzzle device options are still slightly less prevalent than other thread pitches.
Who Should Buy Faxon Big Gunner Contour Barrel 8.6 Blackout 16 1-3 Twist Chrome Moly BBL?
This barrel is perfect for:
- Hog hunters looking for a reliable and accurate AR platform for close-range engagements in dense brush.
- Shooters interested in the 8.6 Blackout cartridge and its impressive short-barrel performance.
- Individuals building an AR-15 for suppressed use, particularly with subsonic ammunition.
This product might not be the best choice for:
- Shooters prioritizing an ultra-lightweight build.
- Those unfamiliar with the AR-15 platform and its maintenance requirements.
A must-have accessory for this barrel is a quality suppressor designed for the 8.6 Blackout cartridge. A reliable red dot sight or low-power variable optic is also recommended to take full advantage of the barrel’s accuracy.
Conclusion on Faxon Big Gunner Contour Barrel 8.6 Blackout 16 1-3 Twist Chrome Moly BBL
The Faxon Big Gunner Contour Barrel 8.6 Blackout 16 1-3 Twist Chrome Moly BBL is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to build an AR-15 in 8.6 Blackout. It delivers exceptional accuracy, reliable performance, and durable construction, making it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters and hunters. The price of $214.99 is more than justified given the quality and performance of this barrel.
I would highly recommend this barrel to anyone interested in the 8.6 Blackout cartridge. Its accuracy and reliability have made it an integral part of my hog hunting setup. If you’re looking for a top-tier barrel to unlock the full potential of the 8.6 Blackout, look no further than the Faxon Big Gunner.