Faxon Firearms Big Gunner .308 WIN 18″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 CMV Review

The Faxon Firearms Big Gunner .308 WIN 18″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 CMV Made a Bold First Impression

The Faxon Firearms Big Gunner .308 WIN 18″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 CMV barrel. It represents a sweet spot for those building AR-10 platforms looking for a balance of maneuverability and long-range punch. Knowing Faxon Firearms’s reputation for quality, I was eager to see if this barrel lived up to the hype.

I was searching for a barrel that could handle both close-quarters drills and accurately reach out to medium distances. Many 20″ or longer barrels feel cumbersome in dynamic situations. The promise of the Big Gunner’s profile piqued my interest.

The barrel arrived well-packaged. My initial impression was positive, noting the sleek, dark finish from the salt bath nitride treatment. The weight felt substantial without being overly heavy. The overall build quality felt very robust. Compared to a lightweight profile barrel I’d used previously, this Faxon barrel felt far more durable and capable of sustained fire.

I picked the Faxon over a Ballistic Advantage Hanson profile due to the Big Gunner’s slightly more aggressive weight reduction forward of the gas block. I also chose it over a Criterion barrel because I wanted to save some budget and get a durable barrel. My first impression was one of cautious optimism, hoping it would balance weight savings with accuracy and durability.

Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Firearms Big Gunner .308 WIN 18″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 CMV to the Test

First Use Experience

I first took the Faxon Firearms Big Gunner .308 WIN 18″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 CMV to my local outdoor range. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze. I tested it with various .308 loads.

The barrel performed admirably, showing no immediate issues with cycling or accuracy. It felt well-balanced in my AR-10 build. I did need to adjust the gas block slightly to get the rifle to cycle smoothly with the lighter 150-grain loads.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Faxon barrel has proven to be incredibly reliable. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, from budget-friendly FMJ to premium hunting rounds. There are no signs of undue wear and tear.

The nitride finish still looks pristine after many cleanings. Cleaning is simple. Normal solvents and brushes are all that is needed to remove fouling. Compared to my previous experience with a chrome-lined barrel, this Faxon barrel seems to resist fouling buildup better and is noticeably easier to clean. It outperforms that older barrel in both accuracy and ease of maintenance.

Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Firearms Big Gunner .308 WIN 18″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 CMV

Specifications

• Barrel Material: 4150 CMV. This is a durable, military-grade steel, known for its ability to withstand high heat and pressure.
• Barrel Type: Button Rifled. Button rifling is a cost-effective method that typically produces good accuracy.
• Barrel Caliber: .308 WIN. The ubiquitous .308 Winchester cartridge offers a versatile blend of power and range.
• Barrel Twist: 1:10. This twist rate is ideal for stabilizing a wide range of .308 bullet weights, from lighter varmint rounds to heavier hunting loads.
• Barrel Length: 18″. The 18″ length balances maneuverability and velocity, making it suitable for various applications.
• Barrel Profile: Big Gunner. The Big Gunner profile features a medium taper behind the gas block and a thinner taper forward. It reduces weight while maintaining rigidity.
• Barrel Gas System: Rifle. The rifle-length gas system helps reduce felt recoil and provides smoother cycling compared to shorter systems.
• Inside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride. The salt bath nitride treatment hardens the steel and provides excellent corrosion resistance.
• Outside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride. The salt bath nitride treatment also enhances the barrel’s exterior durability and resistance to the elements.
• Muzzle Thread: 5/8-24. This is the standard thread pitch for .308 barrels, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of muzzle devices.
• Gas Block Diameter: .750″. The .750″ gas block diameter is a common size, making it easy to find compatible gas blocks.
• Gas Block Journal Length: 1.9″. This length accommodates longer gas blocks or aftermarket piston kits.
• Barrel Extension: LR-308 (DPMS Compatible). It ensures compatibility with most AR-10/LR-308 upper receivers.
• Weight: 2.13 lbs. The weight is a key factor, especially when building a rifle for maneuverability and all-day carry.
• Magnetic Particle Inspected: This inspection process helps detect any flaws in the steel, ensuring a high-quality and safe product.
• 11-degree Target Crown: The target crown enhances accuracy by providing a consistent release of the bullet from the muzzle.

These specifications all contribute to the barrel’s overall performance and intended use. The 4150 CMV steel, combined with the salt bath nitride finish, creates a durable and corrosion-resistant barrel. The 1:10 twist rate ensures versatility with different bullet weights. The Big Gunner profile helps shave off unnecessary weight without sacrificing accuracy or rigidity.

Performance & Functionality

The Faxon Firearms Big Gunner .308 WIN 18″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 CMV barrel performs its job exceptionally well. The accuracy is impressive. I consistently achieve sub-MOA groups with match-grade ammunition.

The barrel cycles reliably with various ammunition types. The Big Gunner’s profile delivers on its promise of weight reduction without sacrificing rigidity or accuracy. The only area for potential improvement might be the barrel’s heat dissipation under extremely rapid firing. It meets and exceeds my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Faxon Big Gunner barrel is well-designed and feels robust. The materials used are of high quality. The weight is manageable, and the nitride finish looks great. There is no learning curve. The barrel is easy to install and use with standard AR-10 components.

Durability & Maintenance

The Faxon Firearms Big Gunner .308 WIN 18″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 CMV barrel is built to last. The 4150 CMV steel and salt bath nitride finish provide excellent durability and corrosion resistance. Regular cleaning and proper lubrication are all that is needed to keep this barrel in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The barrel is compatible with any standard AR-10/LR-308 upper receiver. It readily accepts .750″ gas blocks, muzzle devices with 5/8-24 threads, and various optics mounting solutions. Numerous options exist for customization. Popular accessories such as adjustable gas blocks, muzzle brakes, and suppressors can be added.

Pros and Cons of Faxon Firearms Big Gunner .308 WIN 18″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 CMV

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Who Should Buy Faxon Firearms Big Gunner .308 WIN 18″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 CMV?

Perfect for: AR-10 builders looking for a balance of accuracy, durability, and weight savings. Hunters, tactical shooters, and those wanting a versatile .308 platform will benefit most.

Who should skip this product? Those prioritizing absolute maximum long-range precision above all else might consider a heavier, longer barrel.

Must-have accessories or modifications? An adjustable gas block is highly recommended for fine-tuning the rifle’s cycling. A quality muzzle brake or suppressor can further enhance the shooting experience.

Conclusion on Faxon Firearms Big Gunner .308 WIN 18″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 CMV

The Faxon Firearms Big Gunner .308 WIN 18″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 CMV barrel delivers exceptional performance at a reasonable price. The value proposition is strong. The barrel’s accuracy, durability, and lightweight profile make it an excellent choice for a variety of AR-10 builds.

I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a reliable and versatile .308 barrel. If you are looking for a barrel that offers a great balance of features and performance, the Faxon Big Gunner is hard to beat. Build your dream AR-10 today!

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