Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil Review

The Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil Made a Bold First Impression

The Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil barrel isn’t just another AR component; it’s a commitment to lightweight performance and reliable accuracy in the ever-powerful .308 platform. Offered by Faxon Firearms, known for innovative designs, this barrel promises to shave weight without sacrificing the performance expected from a duty-grade rifle. My initial impression was one of intrigued skepticism; could such a lightweight profile truly stand up to the demands of a .308?

I’ve been slowly transitioning my primary .308 AR build towards a lighter, more maneuverable configuration for hunting in dense woodland and for potential use in dynamic shooting competitions. The weight of my previous heavy-profile barrel was becoming a limiting factor, especially on long treks. I was specifically looking for a barrel that would significantly reduce weight while maintaining acceptable accuracy for hunting medium to large game within 300 yards.

Upon unboxing, the Faxon Firearms barrel immediately impressed. The Salt Bath Nitride finish gave it a sleek, professional appearance, and the pencil profile was noticeably thinner than any other .308 barrel I’d handled. The weight, or lack thereof, was striking; it felt almost too light to be a .308 barrel, raising both excitement and a hint of concern about potential accuracy and heat dissipation.

I considered the Ballistic Advantage Hanson profile .308 barrel, and the Aero Precision M5 .308 barrel, both of which offered lighter profiles than standard. However, the Faxon Firearms barrel stood out due to its aggressively light “pencil” profile and the reputation Faxon has for quality at a reasonable price point. I ultimately chose the Faxon hoping for the greatest weight reduction without significantly compromising accuracy or reliability.

My first impression was definitely excitement mixed with a healthy dose of caution. The weight savings were undeniable, and the barrel looked well-made, but the proof would be in the shooting. The sleek black finish and clearly defined rifling gave it an air of quality, but only live fire testing would reveal whether it lived up to Faxon’s claims of maintaining performance while drastically reducing weight.

Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil took place at my local range, primarily focusing on function and initial accuracy. I fired a variety of .308 loads, ranging from 150-grain FMJ to 168-grain match ammo and 180 grain hunting rounds. The weather was clear and relatively mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze.

The barrel performed flawlessly from the outset, with no failures to feed or extract. I experienced no issues with cycling even using the heavier bullet weights. What surprised me most was the manageable recoil despite the reduced weight; I credit the mid-length gas system for helping to smooth out the recoil impulse.

There was a slight shift in point of impact compared to my previous heavier barrel, but this was easily corrected with a few adjustments to my optic. My initial concerns about accuracy were quickly dispelled; the Faxon barrel consistently produced sub-MOA groups with match ammo and acceptable hunting accuracy with the heavier grain rounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple range trips and a hog hunt, the Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil continues to impress. The Salt Bath Nitride finish has proven remarkably durable, showing no signs of wear despite being bumped around in the field and cleaned frequently. I estimate I’ve put close to 500 rounds through the barrel thus far.

The barrel continues to maintain its accuracy, with only minor shifts in zero after extended firing sessions. Cleaning is straightforward; the smooth Nitride finish makes removing carbon buildup a breeze, and I haven’t noticed any issues with copper fouling. I’m particularly impressed with the barrel’s ability to maintain accuracy even after sustained rapid firing, though I did notice some POI shift after extended firing sessions.

Compared to my previous, heavier barrel, the Faxon offers a significant improvement in maneuverability and overall rifle weight. While my previous barrel might have provided a slight edge in extreme long-range accuracy (beyond 500 yards), the Faxon’s lighter weight and acceptable hunting accuracy within 300 yards makes it a clear winner for my intended use.

Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil

Specifications

• Barrel Material: 4150 CMV steel ensures durability and resistance to heat. 4150 CMV is a Mil-Spec steel known for its strength and reliability, perfect for a duty-grade barrel.
• Barrel Caliber: .308 WIN offers wide versatility for various applications. The .308 Winchester cartridge is a common and effective choice for hunting, target shooting, and tactical scenarios.
• Barrel Twist: 1:10 twist rate stabilizes a broad range of bullet weights. A 1:10 twist rate is ideal for stabilizing bullets ranging from 150 grains to 180 grains, making it suitable for most .308 loads.
• Barrel Length: 16” strikes a balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance. The 16-inch barrel length is a popular choice for AR-10 platforms, offering a good compromise between compactness and velocity.
• Barrel Profile: Pencil profile drastically reduces weight, enhancing maneuverability. The pencil profile is the key to the barrel’s lightweight design, making it noticeably easier to handle and carry.
• Barrel Gas System: Mid-length gas system provides smoother recoil and increased reliability. The mid-length gas system optimizes gas pressure for a 16-inch barrel, resulting in a softer recoil impulse and improved cycling.
• Inside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride offers enhanced corrosion resistance and extends barrel life. The Salt Bath Nitride treatment hardens the steel, protecting it from rust and wear, both inside and out.
• Outside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride provides a durable, low-friction surface. This finish not only improves aesthetics but also reduces friction, aiding in cleaning and overall performance.
• Muzzle Thread: 5/8×24 threads are compatible with a wide range of muzzle devices. The 5/8×24 threading is the standard for .308 AR-10 barrels, allowing for easy attachment of suppressors, muzzle brakes, and flash hiders.
• Gas Block Diameter: .750″ gas block journal is a common and widely supported size. A .750″ gas block diameter is the standard size for AR-15 and AR-10 platforms, ensuring compatibility with most aftermarket gas blocks.
• Gas Block Journal Length: 1.1″ This specification ensures proper fitment with compatible gas blocks. This length provides enough surface area for secure gas block installation.
• Barrel Extension: LR-308 (DPMS Compatible) ensures compatibility with most AR-10/LR-308 receivers. This compatibility ensures that the barrel will fit correctly in a standard DPMS pattern AR-10 build.
• Weight: 1.78 lbs significantly reduces overall rifle weight. At just 1.78 pounds, this barrel is one of the lightest .308 options available, making a noticeable difference in rifle handling.
• Magnetic Particle Inspected assures quality and identifies potential flaws in the steel. Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) is a non-destructive testing method that detects surface and near-surface discontinuities.
• 11-degree Target Crown enhances accuracy by providing a clean and consistent exit for the bullet. The 11-degree target crown protects the muzzle rifling and ensures symmetrical gas release for improved accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil barrel excels in its primary role: delivering reliable .308 performance in a lightweight package. Its accuracy is more than sufficient for hunting and general target shooting, consistently producing sub-MOA groups with match-grade ammunition. The mid-length gas system contributes to a smooth and manageable recoil, even with heavier .308 loads.

The main strength of this barrel is undoubtedly its weight; it transforms a typically heavy .308 AR-10 into a rifle that’s comfortable to carry and maneuver for extended periods. The only real weakness I’ve observed is a slight point-of-impact shift after extended rapid firing sessions, likely due to heat affecting the pencil-thin profile. Overall, it far exceeded my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Faxon barrel is designed with a clear focus on weight reduction without sacrificing structural integrity. The pencil profile is noticeably thinner than standard barrels, and the Salt Bath Nitride finish gives it a sleek, professional appearance. The weight is well-balanced, contributing to improved handling and reduced fatigue.

There is no real learning curve associated with using this barrel; it installs like any other AR-10 barrel and functions flawlessly with standard AR-10 components. The weight savings translate directly into improved ergonomics and maneuverability.

Durability & Maintenance

The 4150 CMV steel construction and Salt Bath Nitride finish suggest excellent long-term durability. After several months of use, I’ve observed no signs of premature wear or corrosion. Maintenance is simple; regular cleaning with standard bore solvent and oil keeps the barrel in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil barrel doesn’t come with any included accessories beyond the standard barrel extension. Its 5/8×24 muzzle threads are compatible with a vast array of muzzle devices, suppressors, and muzzle brakes. The .750″ gas block journal allows for easy installation of aftermarket gas blocks.

Due to its DPMS-compatible barrel extension, the barrel is compatible with most AR-10/LR-308 upper receivers and bolt carrier groups. The ability to easily swap out muzzle devices and gas blocks allows for fine-tuning the rifle’s performance and recoil characteristics. The user can install any AR-10 compatible free-float handguard as well.

Pros and Cons of Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil

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Who Should Buy Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil?

This barrel is perfect for hunters seeking a lightweight and maneuverable .308 AR for use in dense woods or mountainous terrain. It’s also ideal for competitive shooters looking to reduce rifle weight for faster transitions and improved handling. Anyone building a .308 AR with a focus on portability and ease of use will appreciate the benefits of this barrel.

Those who prioritize extreme long-range accuracy (beyond 600 yards) or those who frequently engage in high-volume rapid fire might want to consider a heavier-profile barrel. Someone who prioritizes consistent accuracy at very long range should consider a heavier barrel profile. Additionally, individuals who prefer not to have to clean carbon fouling on the gun should not buy this model.

A quality adjustable gas block is a must-have to fine-tune the gas system and optimize performance with various .308 loads. A lightweight free-float handguard will further reduce overall rifle weight and improve handling.

Conclusion on Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil

The Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil barrel is a game-changer for anyone looking to build a lightweight .308 AR-10. It delivers a remarkable weight reduction without sacrificing reliability or acceptable accuracy for most practical applications.

At a price of $238.28, the value proposition is excellent. You’re getting a high-quality barrel made from durable materials with a reliable nitride finish, all while shaving significant weight off your rifle. The weight reduction drastically improves handling and balance, making it well worth the investment.

I wholeheartedly recommend this barrel to anyone seeking a lightweight, maneuverable .308 AR-10 for hunting, target shooting, or general use. If you’re tired of lugging around a heavy rifle, the Faxon Firearms Duty Series .308 WIN 16″ Salt Bath Nitride 4150 QPQ Pencil is the perfect solution. Upgrade your AR-10 today and experience the difference a lightweight barrel can make!

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