First Thoughts on the Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL
The Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL promises to unlock the full potential of the 8.6 Blackout cartridge in a short-barreled AR platform. This barrel immediately grabbed my attention with its unique combination of a fast 1-3 twist rate and the “Big Gunner” contour, hinting at serious performance and accuracy. I was seeking a premium barrel for a dedicated suppressed hog hunting build, requiring both power and maneuverability.
The Faxon Firearms barrel arrived well-packaged, showcasing the nitride finish that gives it a sleek, durable look. The weight felt substantial but balanced, indicating quality materials and construction. Visually comparing it to my existing 300 Blackout and 5.56 barrels, the Faxon clearly boasts a beefier profile.
I considered a similar barrel from Proof Research and a cheaper option from a lesser-known manufacturer. Ultimately, I chose the Faxon Firearms barrel due to its reputation for quality control and accuracy, combined with a reasonable price point. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see if the barrel lived up to the hype and delivered on its promise of exceptional performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL at my local range, focusing on accuracy and function with various subsonic and supersonic loads. The weather was moderately humid, which can sometimes affect performance. The barrel proved easy to install and, after proper headspacing, cycled reliably with both suppressed and unsuppressed configurations.
The first few shots revealed impressive accuracy, easily grouping within 1 MOA at 100 yards with the preferred supersonic load. There were no initial issues; everything functioned as expected. The rifle felt well-balanced, and the recoil was manageable for the caliber.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, including a couple of hog hunts in the Texas brush, the Faxon Firearms barrel continues to impress. The nitride finish has held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of wear despite the rugged conditions. Maintenance is simple; a quick bore cleaning after each range session is all that’s needed.
Compared to my experience with cheaper barrels, the Faxon’s consistency and accuracy are significantly better. The Faxon outperformed my expectations, especially when using heavier, purpose-built 8.6 Blackout projectiles.
Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL
Specifications
The Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL is chambered in 8.6 Blackout. The barrel length is 12 inches, ideal for shorter, maneuverable platforms. The 1-3 twist rate is a key feature, designed to stabilize the long, heavy projectiles that are typical of the 8.6 Blackout cartridge.
The “Big Gunner” contour provides a robust profile, aiding in heat dissipation and improving overall stiffness. This barrel is constructed from Chrome Moly steel, known for its durability and accuracy potential. It features a Nitride finish, enhancing corrosion resistance and extending barrel life. The gas system length is Rifle, and the muzzle threads are M18x1.5.
Performance & Functionality
The Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL excels in accuracy and reliability. The 1-3 twist rate effectively stabilizes even the heaviest projectiles, resulting in tight groupings. It operates flawlessly with both subsonic and supersonic ammunition, providing versatility.
The barrel’s strengths lie in its accuracy and consistent performance. A potential weakness might be the rifle-length gas system on such a short barrel, potentially leading to over-gassing in some configurations, although I experienced no such issues. Overall, this barrel met and exceeded my expectations, especially regarding accuracy with subsonic rounds.
Design & Ergonomics
The “Big Gunner” contour gives the barrel a solid, well-built feel. The Faxon Firearms barrel is heavier than a pencil-profile barrel, but the weight is well-distributed. The nitride finish provides a smooth, non-reflective surface.
Installation is straightforward for anyone familiar with AR-15 barrel swaps. There’s no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Chrome Moly steel construction and Nitride finish contribute to the barrel’s exceptional durability. With proper cleaning and lubrication, this barrel should last for thousands of rounds. Maintenance involves standard bore cleaning after each use.
The Nitride finish offers enhanced resistance to corrosion, minimizing the need for intensive cleaning procedures.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL does not come with any accessories, as it’s solely the barrel itself. Being a standard AR-15 platform barrel, it’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket muzzle devices, gas blocks, and handguards. The M18x1.5 muzzle threads allow for specialized 8.6 Blackout suppressors and muzzle brakes.
Many 8.6 Blackout users opt for adjustable gas blocks to fine-tune the gas system for optimal performance with different ammunition types and suppressors. The ability to customize the gas system is a major advantage for maximizing the barrel’s potential.
Pros and Cons of Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: The 1-3 twist rate consistently delivers tight groupings, even with heavy subsonic projectiles.
- Durable Construction: The Chrome Moly steel and Nitride finish provide excellent resistance to wear and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Versatile Performance: Functions reliably with both subsonic and supersonic ammunition, making it suitable for a variety of applications.
- Big Gunner Contour: Aids in heat dissipation and stiffness, improving accuracy and consistency during sustained fire.
- Reputable Manufacturer: Faxon Firearms is known for producing high-quality barrels with tight tolerances and reliable performance.
Cons
- Rifle-Length Gas System: May require tuning with an adjustable gas block for optimal performance in certain configurations.
- Weight: The “Big Gunner” contour adds weight compared to lighter barrel profiles.
Who Should Buy Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL?
The Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL is perfect for hunters seeking a compact and powerful platform for taking down hogs or deer at short to medium ranges. This barrel is also ideal for tactical shooters who prioritize accuracy, reliability, and maneuverability in a short-barreled rifle. Suppressed shooters looking to maximize the effectiveness of subsonic 8.6 Blackout ammunition will greatly benefit from this barrel’s fast twist rate.
Those prioritizing ultra-lightweight builds may want to consider a barrel with a slimmer profile. Those on a very tight budget might find cheaper alternatives, although performance may suffer. A must-have accessory would be an adjustable gas block to fine-tune the system for optimal suppressed and unsuppressed performance.
Conclusion on Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL
The Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL is a high-quality barrel that delivers exceptional accuracy and reliability for the 8.6 Blackout cartridge. At a price of $209.49, the value proposition is excellent considering the barrel’s performance and durability. I would wholeheartedly recommend this barrel to anyone looking to build a serious 8.6 Blackout AR-15.
If you’re ready to experience the full potential of the 8.6 Blackout cartridge in a compact and accurate platform, look no further than the Faxon Firearms 8.60 Blackout 12″ 1-3 Twist Big Gunner Contour Chrome Moly BBL. Get yours today and experience the difference!