Faxon FX7 Bolt Action Prefit 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ M24 Nitride Barrel Review

The Faxon FX7 Bolt Action Prefit 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ M24 Nitride Barrel Made a Bold First Impression

After a decade spent tinkering, testing, and teaching, I thought I’d seen it all when it comes to rifle barrels. Then I got my hands on the Faxon FX7 Bolt Action Prefit 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ M24 Nitride Barrel, and I knew I was in for something special. Faxon is making some big claims and at first I was skeptical, but the prefit barrel concept for the FX7 action combined with the popular 6.5 Creedmoor chambering immediately piqued my interest.

I’d been searching for a barrel that offered both exceptional accuracy and ease of installation for a custom rifle build. My primary need was to find a high-quality barrel that eliminated the need for gunsmithing, streamlining the building process. The Faxon prefit barrel seemed to be the ideal solution.

The barrel arrived well-packaged, and upon opening the box, the first thing that struck me was the finish. The salt bath nitride gave it a deep, uniform black color. It felt substantial in my hands, conveying a sense of quality and durability.

I had considered a few alternatives, including barrels from Criterion and Proof Research. Ultimately, I chose the Faxon FX7 Bolt Action Prefit 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ M24 Nitride Barrel due to its balance of reputation, price point ($302.49), and the convenience of the prefit design. The Criterion was slightly more expensive, and the Proof Research, though highly regarded, was significantly more so.

My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The initial feel and look of the barrel far exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t wait to get it installed and put it to the test.

Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon FX7 Bolt Action Prefit 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ M24 Nitride Barrel to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Faxon FX7 Bolt Action Prefit 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ M24 Nitride Barrel onto my Faxon FX7 action, which was a smooth and simple process thanks to the prefit design. I immediately took it to my local shooting range, which is a 100-300 yard outdoor facility. I wanted to zero the optic and test its performance with various loads.

The weather was typical for late fall – a bit chilly with a light drizzle. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, the barrel performed remarkably well. I experienced consistent groupings right from the start, requiring very little adjustment of my scope. The M24 profile barrel handled the recoil of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge effectively.

The installation was truly drop-in, and I didn’t need to use any special tools or techniques beyond standard tightening procedures. After about 20 rounds, I was consistently hitting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, and even at 300 yards, my shots were holding within a respectable 1.25 MOA. I experienced no issues with feeding or extraction, and the barrel showed no signs of any initial problems.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Faxon FX7 Bolt Action Prefit 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ M24 Nitride Barrel has proven to be incredibly reliable. I have put approximately 500 rounds through it.

The barrel still holds its accuracy, consistently delivering sub-MOA performance with my preferred handloads. There are no visible signs of excessive wear, even around the chamber or muzzle. I’ve also noticed minimal fouling.

Cleaning and maintaining the barrel is straightforward. A few passes with a bore snake and a quick wipe down of the exterior are usually sufficient. The nitride finish seems to resist carbon buildup and corrosion effectively. Compared to some of my previous barrels (mostly chrome-moly steel), the Faxon barrel requires far less scrubbing to maintain its optimal performance. It has significantly outperformed some of my older Savage factory barrels in terms of both accuracy and ease of maintenance.

Breaking Down the Features of Faxon FX7 Bolt Action Prefit 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ M24 Nitride Barrel

Specifications

• Barrel Material: 416-R Stainless Steel. 416-R stainless steel provides an excellent balance of corrosion resistance and machinability, contributing to both accuracy and longevity.
• Rifling Type: Button Rifled. Button rifling is a cost-effective method of creating precise rifling, promoting consistent bullet stabilization.
• Honed & Lapped. Honing and lapping the bore ensures a smooth internal surface, reducing friction and increasing accuracy.
• Barrel Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor. The 6.5 Creedmoor is renowned for its flat trajectory, high ballistic coefficient, and excellent long-range performance.
• Barrel Twist: 1:8. A 1:8 twist rate is optimal for stabilizing the commonly used bullet weights in 6.5 Creedmoor.
• Barrel Profile: M24. The M24 profile provides a good balance of stiffness and weight, promoting consistent accuracy under sustained fire.
• Barrel Finish: Salt Bath Nitride. The salt bath nitride finish enhances surface hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion protection.
• Muzzle Thread: 5/8×24. The 5/8×24 muzzle thread allows for the attachment of a wide variety of muzzle devices, such as suppressors or muzzle brakes.
• Magnetic Particle Inspected. This inspection method ensures the barrel is free of any surface or subsurface defects that could compromise its structural integrity.
• Recessed Target Crown. The recessed target crown protects the rifling at the muzzle, maintaining accuracy by ensuring a clean and consistent bullet release.
• Compatibility: Faxon FX7 Action & Similar. Specifically designed for seamless integration with the Faxon FX7 action, ensuring optimal performance and ease of installation.

Performance & Functionality

The Faxon FX7 Bolt Action Prefit 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ M24 Nitride Barrel excels at its primary purpose: delivering consistent accuracy and reliable performance. I consistently achieve sub-MOA groupings at 100 yards with handloads, and the barrel demonstrates excellent repeatability shot after shot. It handles heat well, showing minimal shift in point of impact even after extended firing sessions.

The barrel’s strengths lie in its accuracy, ease of installation, and durable nitride finish. Its main weakness, if any, is that it is specifically designed for the Faxon FX7 action. It isn’t a universal barrel.

The barrel has exceeded my expectations for a prefit barrel in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is outstanding. The 416-R stainless steel feels robust and well-machined, and the nitride finish is flawlessly applied. The M24 profile provides a comfortable balance, making it easy to handle both on the bench and in the field.

The barrel’s design is very user-friendly. The prefit design means there’s virtually no learning curve involved in the installation process.

Durability & Maintenance

I expect this barrel to last for many years and thousands of rounds. The combination of 416-R stainless steel and the salt bath nitride finish makes it exceptionally resistant to wear and corrosion.

Maintenance is easy, requiring only standard cleaning procedures to keep it in optimal condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faxon FX7 Bolt Action Prefit 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ M24 Nitride Barrel itself doesn’t come with accessories beyond its inherent compatibility with the Faxon FX7 action. However, the 5/8×24 muzzle thread allows for the use of a wide range of muzzle devices.

The barrel is compatible with any scope base or rings designed for the Faxon FX7 action. It is also compatible with most aftermarket triggers designed for the same action.

Pros and Cons of Faxon FX7 Bolt Action Prefit 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ M24 Nitride Barrel