What Makes Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper Stand Out?
The Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper is more than just another AR-15 upper receiver; it’s a portal to a realm of ballistic performance previously unheard of in such a compact package. Manufactured by Faxon Firearms, this upper chambered in .338 ARC promises a significant leap in downrange energy and terminal ballistics compared to standard AR-15 cartridges. This makes it an interesting choice for those looking for serious stopping power in a shorter, more maneuverable platform.
I had been searching for an AR platform upper that offered significantly improved performance over the standard 5.56 NATO for hog hunting. I needed something with better penetration and knockdown power at extended ranges. I was specifically looking for a compact AR build for tighter hunting scenarios without sacrificing the needed terminal ballistics for ethical shots.
Upon receiving the Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper, my initial impression was one of robust quality. The black anodized finish was flawless, and the quad rail handguard felt incredibly solid. The weight was noticeable but reassuring, hinting at the beefier barrel and components needed to handle the .338 ARC cartridge.
I considered other large-bore AR uppers like those chambered in .450 Bushmaster and .458 SOCOM. However, the .338 ARC offered a flatter trajectory and superior ballistic coefficient for longer-range engagements, making it the clear winner for my specific needs. The smaller cartridge allowed for a more standard AR-15 magazine size which greatly improved its appeal.
My first impression was excitement tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could a 12.5-inch barrel truly unlock the potential of the .338 ARC? I was eager to find out.
Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper was at a private outdoor range that allowed for shots out to 300 yards. The weather was clear and mild, perfect for dialing in the optic. I mounted a trusted 1-6x LPVO and zeroed it at 100 yards.
The recoil was definitely more significant than a 5.56, but manageable and more of a firm push than a sharp snap. Function was flawless; every round chambered, fired, and ejected without a hiccup. I found the pistol-length gas system to be tuned just right.
Initially, I was surprised by the accuracy. Even with the short barrel, I was consistently hitting steel targets at 200 and 300 yards.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper has proven to be incredibly reliable. I have put several hundred rounds through it in varying conditions, from dry and dusty range days to damp and cool hunts. The anodized finish has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear, and the bore has remained clean and corrosion-free.
Maintenance is straightforward; a standard AR-15 cleaning kit is all that’s needed. I have found that keeping the bolt carrier group well-lubricated is crucial for smooth operation, especially with the increased pressures of the .338 ARC. So far I have not encountered any excessive wear.
Compared to my previous hog hunting setup, a 16-inch AR-10 in .308, the Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper offers comparable downrange performance in a significantly lighter and more compact package. The ease of handling is night and day.
Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper
Specifications
- The Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper is chambered in .338 ARC. This caliber provides enhanced ballistic performance compared to standard AR-15 calibers.
- It has an overall length of 22.25 inches. This offers a compact profile.
- Featuring a 12.5-inch barrel. It’s designed for maneuverability in tight spaces.
- The barrel profile is Gunner. The profile is designed for a balance between weight and rigidity.
- Utilizing a Pistol Length gas system. This is optimized for the shorter barrel length.
- A 1-8 twist rate is equipped to stabilize a wide range of .338 caliber bullets. This is especially beneficial for heavier projectiles.
- It features 5/8×24 threads per inch. This standard thread pitch allows for compatibility with many muzzle devices.
- Equipped with a Free-Float handguard. The free-float design enhances accuracy by eliminating pressure on the barrel.
- The muzzle device is Threaded. This enables the attachment of various suppressors or muzzle brakes.
- Finished with a Black Anodized coating. This provides corrosion resistance and durability.
- Constructed with 7075-T6 forged aluminum. It ensures strength and lightweight properties.
- The gas block journal size-diameter is .750 inches. This is a common size for AR-15 gas blocks.
- The handguard length is 10.75 inches. This provides ample space for accessories.
- A Quad Rail handguard style. It allows for versatile mounting options.
- Features an M-LOK rail system. It provides a modular attachment system for accessories.
- A MIL-SPEC bolt carrier group is included. This ensures reliability and compatibility.
- No magazine is included with this complete upper. Be sure to source appropriate .338 ARC magazines.
- A MIL-SPEC charging handle is included.
These specifications combine to create a high-performance, compact AR-15 upper receiver capable of delivering exceptional downrange performance with the .338 ARC cartridge. The features offer users a reliable and customizable platform suitable for various applications.
Performance & Functionality
The Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper delivers impressive accuracy and reliability for its size. I was able to consistently achieve sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with match-grade ammunition. The pistol-length gas system, while potentially harsher than longer systems, is perfectly tuned to cycle reliably with a variety of .338 ARC loads.
The biggest strength is its ability to deliver serious knockdown power in a small package. The primary weakness is ammunition availability; .338 ARC is not as common or affordable as 5.56 NATO or .308 Winchester. It definitely meets my expectations, providing a significant upgrade in ballistic performance over traditional AR-15 calibers in a compact and reliable platform.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with tight tolerances and a flawless anodized finish. The 7075-T6 aluminum receiver feels robust and durable without being overly heavy. The quad rail handguard provides ample space for mounting accessories, though it can feel a bit bulky compared to slimmer M-LOK options.
There is no real learning curve. Anyone familiar with the AR-15 platform will find this upper easy to use and operate.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and maintenance, this upper should last for thousands of rounds. The anodized finish is resistant to scratches and corrosion, and the MIL-SPEC bolt carrier group is known for its durability. Standard AR-15 maintenance procedures apply, making it easy to keep the upper in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper is highly customizable. The quad rail handguard allows for the easy attachment of lights, lasers, grips, and other accessories. The threaded muzzle allows for the use of suppressors and muzzle brakes.
The upper is compatible with any standard AR-15 lower receiver, allowing for a wide range of customization options. Optics, triggers, and stocks can be swapped out to suit individual preferences.
Pros and Cons of Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper
Pros
- Exceptional Ballistic Performance: The .338 ARC cartridge delivers significantly more energy and penetration than standard AR-15 calibers, making it ideal for hunting and tactical applications.
- Compact and Maneuverable: The 12.5-inch barrel makes this upper perfect for tight spaces and situations where maneuverability is key.
- Reliable Function: The pistol-length gas system is tuned for reliable cycling with a variety of .338 ARC loads.
- High-Quality Construction: The 7075-T6 aluminum receiver and durable anodized finish ensure long-lasting performance.
- Standard AR-15 Compatibility: Works with any standard AR-15 lower receiver, allowing for easy integration into existing builds.
Cons
- Ammunition Availability and Cost: .338 ARC ammunition is not as readily available or affordable as other common AR-15 calibers.
- Recoil: The recoil is more significant than 5.56 NATO, which may be a concern for some shooters.
Who Should Buy Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper?
This upper is perfect for hunters seeking a compact and powerful AR-15 platform for taking medium to large game. It is also well-suited for tactical shooters who need a maneuverable weapon with enhanced stopping power. Anyone needing a compact AR build and improved ballistic performance over standard AR calibers will also greatly benefit.
Those who should skip this product are casual shooters on a budget or individuals primarily focused on high-volume target shooting. The cost and availability of .338 ARC ammunition make it less practical for these applications.
A must-have accessory is a quality optic suitable for mid-range shooting. A 1-6x or 1-8x LPVO is an excellent choice.
Conclusion on Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper
The Faxon Firearms .338 ARC 12.5in Complete Upper is a niche product that excels in its intended role. It delivers impressive ballistic performance and reliability in a compact and well-built package.
The price is justified given the performance and quality of the components. While ammunition costs and availability are factors to consider, the .338 ARC offers a compelling alternative to traditional AR-15 calibers for specific applications.
I would highly recommend this upper to anyone seeking a compact and powerful AR-15 platform for hunting or tactical purposes. If you need a hard-hitting, maneuverable AR, this is the answer.