First Thoughts on the Faxon Duty Series 16″, Gunner Profile, 350 Legend, Carbine Gas, 4150, Nitride AR-15 Barrel
The Faxon Duty Series 16″, Gunner Profile, 350 Legend, Carbine Gas, 4150, Nitride AR-15 Barrel promises a blend of accuracy, reliability, and lightweight design for the popular 350 Legend cartridge. Faxon Firearms aims to deliver a barrel that can withstand the rigors of duty use while maintaining consistent performance. With its Gunner profile and nitride finish, it immediately piqued my interest as a potential upgrade for my hunting AR.
I’ve been looking for a barrel chambered in 350 Legend to maximize the round’s potential for deer hunting in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions. The Gunner profile was attractive to me because it looked like it would provide a good balance between weight and rigidity. My current barrel is a heavier profile and can make my AR a little cumbersome to carry for extended periods in the woods.
The barrel arrived well-packaged. My initial impression was positive; the nitride finish looked even and clean, and the overall machining appeared precise. Compared to a budget barrel I had previously, the Faxon felt like a step up in quality. I was hoping for a significant improvement in accuracy over my existing setup.
I was excited to get it installed and see how it performed at the range. This barrel promised a lighter weight and potentially better accuracy than my current, heavier barrel.
Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Duty Series 16″, Gunner Profile, 350 Legend, Carbine Gas, 4150, Nitride AR-15 Barrel to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Faxon barrel at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was a typical, slightly breezy day with temperatures in the mid-60s. I used a variety of 350 Legend ammunition, including Winchester Deer Season XP and Hornady American Whitetail, to assess its performance with different bullet weights and designs.
Installation was straightforward, and the barrel headspaced correctly with my existing bolt. I immediately noticed a slight reduction in weight compared to my old barrel, which was a welcome change. Accuracy was promising from the start, with initial groups hovering around 1.5 MOA at 100 yards. There were no immediate malfunctions or issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a deer hunting trip, the Faxon Duty Series barrel continues to perform reliably. I’ve put approximately 200 rounds through it so far. There are no visible signs of excessive wear. The nitride finish has held up well against handling and cleaning.
Cleaning is relatively easy. The nitride finish makes carbon removal less of a chore compared to untreated steel. This barrel has definitely outperformed my previous budget barrel in terms of accuracy and overall quality. It feels like a well-made component that will last for many seasons to come.
Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Duty Series 16″, Gunner Profile, 350 Legend, Carbine Gas, 4150, Nitride AR-15 Barrel
Specifications
Caliber: .350 Legend. This is a straight-walled cartridge designed for hunting in states with specific regulations.
Barrel Length: 16 inches. This is a common and versatile length for AR-15 rifles.
Barrel Profile: Gunner. This profile is designed to reduce weight while maintaining sufficient rigidity for accuracy.
Gas System: Carbine Length. This is a standard gas system length that is compatible with a wide range of AR-15 components.
Material: 4150 Steel. This is a durable steel alloy commonly used in firearm barrels.
Finish: Nitride. This finish provides excellent corrosion resistance and surface hardness.
Twist Rate: 1-16. This twist rate is optimized for stabilizing the .350 Legend’s bullet weights.
Thread Pitch: 1/2×28. This is a common thread pitch for AR-15 muzzle devices.
Gas Block Journal: .750 inch. This is a standard size for AR-15 gas blocks.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the rifle’s performance, weight, and durability. The 4150 steel and nitride finish contribute to the barrel’s longevity, while the Gunner profile helps reduce weight for improved handling. The 1-16 twist rate ensures the .350 Legend bullets stabilize properly for accurate shots.
Performance & Functionality
The Faxon Duty Series barrel performs admirably. Accuracy is consistently good, with groups typically ranging from 1 to 1.5 MOA at 100 yards, depending on the ammunition. Reliability has been flawless so far, with no feeding or extraction issues.
The barrel’s strength lies in its accuracy and consistent performance with a variety of ammunition. One area for potential improvement would be to offer a version with a threaded muzzle protector included. It definitely meets my expectations for a duty-grade barrel.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The 4150 steel feels robust, and the nitride finish is evenly applied and smooth. The Gunner profile strikes a good balance between weight reduction and structural integrity. There’s no learning curve; it installs just like any other AR-15 barrel.
Durability & Maintenance
The 4150 steel and nitride finish are designed to withstand harsh conditions and heavy use. I expect it to last for many years with proper care. Maintenance is simple, requiring only regular cleaning and lubrication.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Faxon Duty Series barrel is compatible with any standard AR-15 gas block, muzzle device, and handguard. I’ve used it with a variety of muzzle brakes and suppressors without any issues. The barrel does not come with any accessories, so you’ll need to purchase a gas block and gas tube separately.
Pros and Cons of Faxon Duty Series 16″, Gunner Profile, 350 Legend, Carbine Gas, 4150, Nitride AR-15 Barrel
Pros
- Excellent Accuracy: Consistently achieves 1-1.5 MOA groups at 100 yards.
- Lightweight Gunner Profile: Reduces overall rifle weight for improved handling.
- Durable 4150 Steel Construction: Ensures long-lasting performance.
- Corrosion-Resistant Nitride Finish: Protects against rust and wear.
- Reliable Performance: Functions flawlessly with various 350 Legend ammunition types.
Cons
- Does not include a gas block or gas tube.
- Lacks a threaded muzzle protector.
Who Should Buy Faxon Duty Series 16″, Gunner Profile, 350 Legend, Carbine Gas, 4150, Nitride AR-15 Barrel?
The Faxon Duty Series barrel is perfect for hunters in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions who want to maximize the potential of the 350 Legend cartridge. It’s also well-suited for recreational shooters looking for a reliable and accurate AR-15 barrel. This barrel is a great choice for anyone building a dedicated 350 Legend AR.
Those who prefer a heavier barrel profile for maximum heat dissipation might want to consider other options. Those on an extremely tight budget may find cheaper alternatives, but the Faxon offers better value in the long run due to its quality and performance. A must-have accessory would be a quality gas block and gas tube to complete the installation.
Conclusion on Faxon Duty Series 16″, Gunner Profile, 350 Legend, Carbine Gas, 4150, Nitride AR-15 Barrel
The Faxon Duty Series 16″, Gunner Profile, 350 Legend, Carbine Gas, 4150, Nitride AR-15 Barrel is a high-quality component that delivers excellent accuracy and reliability. At $198.49, the price is justified given the materials, construction, and performance. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to build or upgrade their 350 Legend AR-15.
The Faxon offers a significant improvement over budget barrels and provides a lightweight, accurate platform for hunting or recreational shooting. Upgrade your AR today and experience the Faxon difference!