Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel Review

What Makes Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel Stand Out?

The Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel immediately sets itself apart in a market saturated with AR components. Manufactured by Faxon Firearms, it’s a drop-in upgrade promising enhanced accuracy and reliability, particularly within the specialized realm of 300 Blackout builds. What truly piqued my interest was the faster 1:5 twist rate, a deviation from the more common 1:7 or 1:8, hinting at superior projectile stabilization, especially with heavier subsonic rounds.

My primary motivation for seeking this barrel was improving the consistency of my short-barreled 300 BLK pistol. I was struggling with accuracy beyond 50 yards using a generic barrel, and I suspected insufficient stabilization was the culprit. I needed something that could effectively harness the potential of the 300 Blackout cartridge in a compact platform.

Unboxing the Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel, I was immediately impressed by the fit and finish. The bead-blasted stainless steel exuded quality, and the Faxon Gunner profile struck a good balance between lightweight maneuverability and necessary rigidity. The NP3-coated barrel extension was a welcome detail, promising smoother cycling and enhanced corrosion resistance.

Compared to a comparable barrel from Ballistic Advantage and a budget option from a lesser-known manufacturer, the Faxon stood out due to its meticulously crafted features. The Ballistic Advantage was well-made, but lacked the unique 1:5 twist, and the budget barrel’s finish felt noticeably rougher. I chose the Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel because of its reputation for precision, innovative twist rate, and overall attention to detail, all crucial for optimizing a 300 BLK SBR.

My first impression was one of excitement and cautious optimism. The advertised features and the initial inspection suggested a significant upgrade, and I was eager to see if the Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel would live up to the hype on the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range, primarily focusing on accuracy at 50 and 100 yards. I fired both supersonic and subsonic ammunition, including various grain weights to assess the barrel’s versatility. The weather conditions were typical for an early spring day: overcast with a slight breeze.

The Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel performed exceptionally well from the start. The most noticeable improvement was the tighter grouping with subsonic rounds at 100 yards, which had previously been quite inconsistent. The faster twist rate demonstrably stabilized the heavier projectiles, resulting in a significant accuracy increase compared to my previous barrel.

The installation was straightforward, and the barrel mated perfectly with my existing upper receiver. There were no feeding or extraction issues, suggesting excellent tolerances. No issues or surprises surfaced after the first range session, further bolstering my confidence in its reliability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel has proven to be a consistently reliable performer. It has seen use in various conditions, from dry summer days to moderately wet fall afternoons, with no degradation in performance. It continues to hold zero accurately and cycles reliably with a wide range of ammunition.

The finish has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear despite frequent cleaning and handling. The stainless steel construction and nitride treatment appear to be highly durable. Maintaining the barrel is simple; a standard cleaning rod and solvent effectively remove fouling, and the NP3-coated extension wipes clean with minimal effort.

Compared to my previous experiences with other barrels, the Faxon stands head and shoulders above in both accuracy and reliability. Where my old barrel struggled to maintain consistent groups beyond 50 yards, the Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel delivers tight groupings even at 100 yards. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel

Specifications

• Caliber: .300 AAC Blackout – Designed specifically for the 300 BLK cartridge, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility.
• Barrel Length: 7.5 inches – Provides a compact and maneuverable platform, ideal for pistol builds and CQB scenarios.
• Barrel Profile: Gunner – A lightweight profile that balances maneuverability with heat dissipation, maintaining accuracy during sustained fire.
• Gas System Length: Pistol Length – Optimized for reliable cycling in short-barreled configurations.
• Gas Block Journal Size: .750 inches – A standard size, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of gas blocks.
• Threads per Inch: 5/8×24 – Standard threading for 300 BLK muzzle devices, allowing for easy attachment of suppressors, brakes, and flash hiders.
• Barrel Twist Rate: 1-5 – A faster-than-average twist rate that stabilizes a broader range of bullet weights, including heavy subsonic projectiles.
• Barrel Material: 416R Stainless Steel – Provides exceptional corrosion resistance and durability for extended barrel life.
• Weight: 0.89 lb – Lightweight design reduces overall rifle weight, improving handling and reducing fatigue.
• Gas Block Journal Size-Length: 1.03 in – Ensures proper gas block fit and alignment.
• Finish: Bead Blasted – Provides a non-reflective surface and aids in heat dissipation.
• Barrel Extension: NP3 (Nickel Teflon) Coated – Reduces friction and enhances corrosion resistance.

These specifications contribute directly to the barrel’s superior performance and user experience. The faster twist rate is crucial for accuracy, particularly with subsonic rounds, while the stainless steel construction ensures durability. The lightweight Gunner profile enhances maneuverability without sacrificing structural integrity.

Performance & Functionality

The Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel excels in delivering consistent accuracy and reliable cycling. It effectively stabilizes a variety of bullet weights, making it versatile for both supersonic and subsonic applications. The enhanced projectile stabilization results in improved grouping and extended effective range, particularly with subsonic loads.

The primary strength lies in its exceptional accuracy and consistent performance across various ammunition types. One area for potential improvement could be further refining the gas port size for even smoother cycling with very specific, light subsonic loads, although this would likely be a very niche optimization. It absolutely meets and, in most respects, exceeds expectations, especially in regards to subsonic accuracy.

Design & Ergonomics

The Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel boasts excellent build quality, utilizing high-grade 416R stainless steel with a durable bead-blasted finish. The weight is well-balanced due to the Gunner profile, contributing to comfortable handling.

The installation process is straightforward, requiring no specialized tools beyond those needed for standard AR-15 barrel swaps. There is minimal learning curve. The user-friendly design makes it easy to integrate into existing AR platforms.

Durability & Maintenance

The barrel’s 416R stainless steel construction and nitride finish provide exceptional durability, ensuring a long service life. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for thousands of rounds.

Maintaining the barrel is straightforward. Routine cleaning with standard gun cleaning supplies is sufficient to maintain optimal performance. The NP3-coated barrel extension simplifies cleaning and minimizes friction.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel is compatible with all standard AR-15 upper receiver components, including gas blocks, handguards, and muzzle devices. The 5/8×24 threading allows for easy attachment of suppressors, muzzle brakes, and flash hiders.

It is fully compatible with aftermarket accessories like adjustable gas blocks, which can further optimize cycling for specific ammunition types. No specific accessories are included with the barrel, emphasizing its nature as a foundational upgrade for a custom build.

Pros and Cons of Faxon Firearms Match 300 BLK Rifle Barrel