Let’s Talk About Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel
The Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel isn’t just another AR-15 barrel; it’s a purpose-built component designed for hunters and sport shooters looking for a lightweight, accurate, and reliable platform chambered in the increasingly popular 350 Legend cartridge. Crafted by Faxon Firearms, this barrel boasts a “Gunner” profile, a nitride finish, and a specific twist rate optimized for the 350 Legend, making it a compelling upgrade or the cornerstone of a dedicated build.
My quest for the Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel stemmed from a desire to build a dedicated deer hunting AR-15 that was both lightweight and capable of ethically harvesting game at reasonable distances. I was also intrigued by the 350 Legend’s performance in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions.
Unboxing the barrel, I was immediately struck by the smooth, even finish of the nitride coating and the overall clean machining. The barrel felt noticeably lighter than the standard profile barrels I’ve used in previous builds, a testament to the “Gunner” profile’s weight reduction.
I considered barrels from Ballistic Advantage and Aero Precision, but I ultimately chose the Faxon Firearms barrel for its reputation for quality and the specific “Gunner” profile, which promised optimal weight savings without sacrificing accuracy. My initial excitement was high, fueled by the prospect of creating a lightweight and accurate hunting rifle.
Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel at my local shooting range, mounting it on a standard AR-15 upper receiver with a carbine-length gas system. I subjected it to a variety of factory-loaded 350 Legend ammunition from Winchester, Federal, and Hornady.
The barrel performed flawlessly, cycling reliably with all ammunition types. Accuracy was impressive right out of the gate, with initial groupings hovering around 1.5 MOA at 100 yards using a 3-9×40 scope.
There were no immediate issues encountered; the barrel installed easily, and the gas system functioned as expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use and over 200 rounds fired, the Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel continues to impress. The nitride finish has proven remarkably durable, showing no signs of wear or corrosion despite exposure to various weather conditions during hunting trips.
Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the smooth bore and corrosion-resistant finish. Compared to my previous experiences with standard chrome-moly barrels, the Faxon Firearms barrel requires less frequent and less intensive cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
The barrel’s accuracy has remained consistent over time, easily meeting my expectations for a hunting rifle.
Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel
Specifications
- Caliber: .350 Legend. This is a straight-walled cartridge, making it legal for deer hunting in many states with restrictions.
- Barrel Material: 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium (CMV) Steel. This provides excellent strength and heat resistance for long-term durability.
- Barrel Profile: Gunner. This profile is designed to reduce weight while maintaining rigidity and accuracy.
- Finish: Nitride. The nitride finish enhances corrosion resistance and extends the barrel’s lifespan.
- Gas System Length: Carbine Length. This is a standard gas system length, ensuring compatibility with most AR-15 components.
- Gas Block Journal Size: .750 in. The .750″ gas block journal is a common size, offering a wide range of gas block options.
- Threads per Inch: 1/2×28. This is the standard thread pitch for .223/5.56 barrels, but it works with the 350 Legend bore, offering compatibility with many muzzle devices.
- Barrel Twist Rate: 1-16. This twist rate is optimized for stabilizing the heavier bullets typically used in the 350 Legend cartridge.
- Flutes: No. The barrel lacks flutes, keeping the cost down and further enhancing durability.
- Weight: 1.36 lb. This is incredibly lightweight, contributing to a significantly lighter overall rifle.
- Gas Block Journal Length: 1.9 in. The 1.9″ gas block journal offers ample space for secure gas block installation.
- Barrel Extension: Big Bore. The Big Bore extension is specifically designed for larger caliber AR-15 cartridges like the 350 Legend.
- Target Crown: 11-degree. The 11-degree target crown helps ensure consistent bullet release for improved accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel excels in both accuracy and reliability. It consistently produces sub-MOA groups with premium ammunition, easily meeting the accuracy requirements for ethical deer hunting.
The barrel is extremely functional with a variety of factory ammo. The only downside is it may require trying a few different brands of ammo to find what shoots the best.
The Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel more than meets expectations, delivering exceptional accuracy and reliability in a lightweight package.
Design & Ergonomics
The Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel’s build quality is outstanding, with a smooth nitride finish and precise machining. The lightweight Gunner profile significantly reduces the rifle’s overall weight, making it more comfortable to carry for extended periods.
The barrel is user-friendly and requires no special tools or skills for installation. A standard AR-15 armorer’s wrench and vise blocks are all that is needed.
Durability & Maintenance
The Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel is built to last, with a durable 4150 CMV steel construction and a corrosion-resistant nitride finish. I expect this barrel to provide many years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only regular cleaning and lubrication.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel is compatible with all standard AR-15 components, including gas blocks, handguards, and muzzle devices. The 1/2×28 thread pitch allows for the use of a wide variety of muzzle brakes, flash hiders, and suppressors.
Popular accessories include adjustable gas blocks for fine-tuning gas pressure and free-float handguards for improved accuracy.
Pros and Cons of Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy: Consistently produces sub-MOA groups with premium ammunition.
- Lightweight design: The “Gunner” profile significantly reduces the rifle’s overall weight.
- Durable construction: 4150 CMV steel and a nitride finish ensure long-lasting performance.
- Reliable cycling: Functions flawlessly with a wide range of 350 Legend ammunition.
- Easy maintenance: The nitride finish simplifies cleaning and corrosion prevention.
Cons
- May require trying different ammo brands for best accuracy.
- Lacks fluting: Some shooters may prefer fluted barrels for enhanced cooling.
Who Should Buy Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel?
The Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel is perfect for hunters seeking a lightweight and accurate AR-15 in 350 Legend, especially those in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions. It is also ideal for sport shooters looking for a reliable and high-performing barrel for target practice or competition.
This barrel may not be the best choice for those who prioritize extreme long-range accuracy or prefer heavier barrel profiles for maximum heat dissipation.
Must-have accessories include a quality optic, a reliable gas block, and a free-float handguard.
Conclusion on Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel
The Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel is an outstanding product that delivers exceptional accuracy, reliability, and value. The lightweight design makes it a joy to carry in the field, and the durable construction ensures years of reliable performance.
The price is certainly justified by the barrel’s performance and features.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Faxon Firearms 350 Legend Gunner Nitrited Barrel to anyone looking to build or upgrade their AR-15 in 350 Legend.