Let’s Talk About Faxon Firearms 16 inch Gunner Big Bore Profile .458 Socom Barrel
The Faxon Firearms 16 inch Gunner Big Bore Profile .458 Socom Barrel is a powerhouse designed for AR-15 platforms, offering impressive stopping power in a relatively lightweight package. This barrel promises both accuracy and reliability for enthusiasts of the .458 SOCOM cartridge.
I was looking to build a dedicated .458 SOCOM AR-15 for hog hunting in dense brush. I needed a barrel that was both maneuverable and capable of delivering devastating hits at close to medium ranges.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the Faxon barrel’s clean finish and relatively light weight. The salt bath nitride coating looked even and durable, and the overall construction appeared to be of high quality.
I considered barrels from other manufacturers like Tromix and Bear Creek Arsenal. Ultimately, I chose the Faxon barrel due to its reputation for quality, the gunner profile designed to save weight, and the overall positive user feedback I found online.
My first impression was excitement, tempered with a little apprehension about whether such a lightweight barrel could handle the recoil of the .458 SOCOM cartridge effectively. I was eager to get it to the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Firearms 16 inch Gunner Big Bore Profile .458 Socom Barrel to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Faxon Firearms 16 inch Gunner Big Bore Profile .458 Socom Barrel at my local shooting range, under partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-60s. I wanted to see how it would perform with various .458 SOCOM loads, ranging from subsonic rounds to heavier projectiles.
The barrel performed admirably, even with a variety of loads. Recoil was significant, as expected with .458 SOCOM, but manageable; the rifle cycled reliably, and accuracy was consistent at 50 and 100 yards.
The barrel was easy to install, requiring no special tools or modifications to my existing AR-15 upper receiver. There were no immediate issues, although I noticed the nitride finish seemed to attract a little more carbon fouling than some other barrels I’ve used.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including multiple trips to the range and one hog hunt, the Faxon barrel has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.
The salt bath nitride finish has proven to be quite durable, resisting scratches and corrosion even after exposure to humid conditions. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only regular cleaning with standard solvents and lubricants.
Compared to my previous experiences with other AR-15 barrels, the Faxon barrel has exceeded my expectations in terms of accuracy and overall reliability. It consistently delivers tight groupings and has yet to experience any malfunctions.
Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Firearms 16 inch Gunner Big Bore Profile .458 Socom Barrel
Specifications
The Faxon Firearms 16 inch Gunner Big Bore Profile .458 Socom Barrel boasts impressive specifications tailored for optimal performance. It is chambered in .458 SOCOM, delivering substantial stopping power for various applications.
- Caliber: .458 SOCOM – This provides devastating terminal ballistics, ideal for hunting and close-quarters scenarios.
- Barrel Length: 16 inches – Offers a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.
- Barrel Material: 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium (CMV) Steel – Known for its strength, durability, and resistance to heat and corrosion.
- Barrel Twist: 1:14 – Optimized for stabilizing heavier .458 SOCOM projectiles.
- Barrel Profile: Gunner Big Bore – A lightweight profile that reduces weight without sacrificing accuracy.
- Gas System Length: Carbine – Provides reliable cycling with a wide range of .458 SOCOM loads.
- Muzzle Thread: 11/16×24 TPI – Allows for the attachment of various muzzle devices, such as suppressors and brakes.
- Gas Block Diameter: .875″ – A common size, making it easy to find compatible gas blocks.
- Finish: Salt Bath Nitride – Provides excellent corrosion resistance, hardness, and lubricity.
- Weight: 1.72 lbs – Remarkably lightweight for a .458 SOCOM barrel.
These specifications translate to a barrel that is both accurate and reliable, making it an excellent choice for anyone building a .458 SOCOM AR-15. The lightweight design and durable construction make it suitable for a variety of shooting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Faxon Firearms 16 inch Gunner Big Bore Profile .458 Socom Barrel excels in performance and functionality. Accuracy is excellent, with consistent groupings at 50 and 100 yards.
The barrel cycles reliably with a wide range of .458 SOCOM loads, from subsonic rounds to heavy hunting projectiles. The gas system is properly tuned, ensuring consistent and smooth operation.
One strength is the light weight, which significantly improves the rifle’s handling. A potential weakness is that the nitride finish attracts carbon fouling more readily than some other finishes.
Overall, the Faxon barrel meets and even exceeds expectations. It delivers reliable performance and excellent accuracy in a lightweight and durable package.
Design & Ergonomics
The Faxon barrel’s design emphasizes weight reduction without compromising structural integrity. The gunner profile contributes to the overall lightweight feel of the rifle.
The build quality is exceptional, with clean machining and a durable nitride finish. The barrel is comfortable to handle and easy to install.
The design is user-friendly, requiring no special skills or tools for installation. There is no learning curve associated with using this barrel.
Durability & Maintenance
The Faxon Firearms 16 inch Gunner Big Bore Profile .458 Socom Barrel is built to last. The 4150 CMV steel and salt bath nitride finish ensure excellent durability.
Maintenance is easy, requiring only standard cleaning procedures. The barrel is resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring a long service life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Faxon barrel is compatible with a wide range of AR-15 accessories. It accepts standard gas blocks with a .875″ diameter.
The 11/16×24 muzzle threads allow for the attachment of various muzzle devices, including suppressors, compensators, and flash hiders. The barrel is also compatible with most AR-15 upper receivers and bolt carrier groups designed for the .458 SOCOM cartridge.
Pros and Cons of Faxon Firearms 16 inch Gunner Big Bore Profile .458 Socom Barrel
Pros
- Lightweight design significantly improves handling and maneuverability.
- Excellent accuracy delivers consistent groupings at various distances.
- Durable 4150 CMV steel and salt bath nitride finish ensure long service life.
- Reliable cycling with a wide range of .458 SOCOM loads.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Nitride finish tends to attract more carbon fouling compared to some other finishes.
- The .458 SOCOM cartridge is expensive, which can limit range time.
Who Should Buy Faxon Firearms 16 inch Gunner Big Bore Profile .458 Socom Barrel?
This Faxon barrel is perfect for hog hunters who need a powerful and maneuverable AR-15 in dense brush. It is also well-suited for anyone building a .458 SOCOM AR-15 for home defense or tactical applications.
This product may not be ideal for budget-conscious shooters due to the high cost of .458 SOCOM ammunition. Those primarily interested in long-range shooting might also find other cartridges more suitable.
A must-have accessory is an adjustable gas block, allowing fine-tuning for different loads and suppressor use. A quality muzzle brake or suppressor is also highly recommended to mitigate the significant recoil of the .458 SOCOM.
Conclusion on Faxon Firearms 16 inch Gunner Big Bore Profile .458 Socom Barrel
The Faxon Firearms 16 inch Gunner Big Bore Profile .458 Socom Barrel is a top-tier choice for anyone seeking a lightweight and accurate .458 SOCOM barrel for their AR-15. It offers a winning combination of performance, durability, and user-friendly design.
The price is justified by the barrel’s exceptional quality and performance. It’s an investment in a reliable and accurate platform.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Faxon Firearms 16 inch Gunner Big Bore Profile .458 Socom Barrel to anyone looking to build or upgrade their .458 SOCOM AR-15. Get yours today and experience the devastating power of the .458 SOCOM cartridge!