Faxon "Gunner" barrels

[TTv2]

I'm really close to getting a 16 inch 5.56 Faxon Gunner barrel for an AR upper build I'm going to be doing. Just wanted to hear from other what their experience has been with this kind of hybrid profile barrel as it has the Gov't profile up until the mid length gas block, then after that it's a pencil barrel profile.

I was originally going to go full pencil barrel, but then felt the extra couple ounces of weight in the Gunner barrel would be worth it.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Here for same questions. My next barrel will be a Faxon

 

[Coal Dragger]

Never shot one, but they get excellent reviews.

My brother put together an upper using a Ballistic Advantage Hansen profile barrel which is similar, and it shoots well. Pretty sure Faxon makes barrels for Ballistic Advantage.

I have a Knight’s Armament SR-15 E3 Mod 2 with a similar light contour that’s not a true pencil barrel and it is my favorite of my 4 AR’s. Knight’s doesn’t offer this barrel as a component though, and it’s a cold hammer forged chrome lined barrel so not an apples to apples comparison. Just anecdotal testimony that the general profile is a good one that makes sense.

Another one to consider:

http://www.blackrivertactical.com/concrete5/optimum-barrel/

Excellent contour, weight is where it’s beneficial. Extended gas length like a Knight’s Armament. Some other nice details. A bit more money than a Faxon, but these are made by Faxon. I’ve read good things about this barrel.

 

[greyling22]

Ballistic advantage got bought by aero precision. I do not think they and faxon share barrels.

I did buy a ba Hanson in 6.5 Grendel. I've only fired about 60 rounds of Hornady American Gunner through it, but I've not been blown away so far. I get a pretty consistent 1.5-2 moa with that particular ammo. Hopefully better ammo will shoot better.

 

[Coal Dragger]

It’s a lightweight barrel, 1.5-2.0 MOA is more than acceptable.

 

[TTv2]

One thing I should probably mention is that I'm looking at only using XM193 and M855 ammo in this lightweight Faxon barrel build. Was thinking about getting a .223 Wylde, but with that ammo I doubt there'd be much of an increase in accuracy going with the Wylde chamber over a 5.56 chamber.

 

[GBExpat]

I just received my first Faxon barrel in the mail today; a 16" Gunner.

I also have a Faxon 20" Gunner on order from another vendor ... hopefully, it will be delivered next week.

 

[Coal Dragger]

One thing I should probably mention is that I'm looking at only using XM193 and M855 ammo in this lightweight Faxon barrel build. Was thinking about getting a .223 Wylde, but with that ammo I doubt there'd be much of an increase in accuracy going with the Wylde chamber over a 5.56 chamber.

Yeah, you’re talking about running 2.5-4.0 MOA ammo so, a Wylde chamber will not buy you much and depending on what version of the Wylde it is a steady diet of 5.56 NATO might result in premature wear from higher chamber pressures.

 

[TTv2]

Yeah, you’re talking about running 2.5-4.0 MOA ammo so, a Wylde chamber will not buy you much and depending on what version of the Wylde it is a steady diet of 5.56 NATO might result in premature wear from higher chamber pressures.

2.5 MOA isn't what I really want to be running in this, but the price is very good on XM193 and M855. Is there any factory .223 or 5.56 ammo that's around 50 cents a round that has better accuracy? If not, can I get around 1.5 MOA out of a reload for that price per round? I reload, but I've never done bottleneck cases before because the thought of trimming down cases isn't my cup of tea.

 

[Coal Dragger]

Hornady Steel Match 75gr HPBT has given me right around 1.0 MOA 5 shot groups in my KAC SR-15.

It’s under $.50/round.

 

[someguy2800]

I have a Faxon 9mm barrel that is really accurate and well made. Ammo it likes will shoot 1

Hornady Steel Match 75gr HPBT has given me right around 1.0 MOA 5 shot groups in my KAC SR-15.

It’s under $.50/round.

Stole the answer right from my mouth. 75 grain Hornady Steel Match shoots sub moa from my 20” ballistic advantage fluted dmr barrel. I’m planning to stop reloading 223 honestly.

 

[Coal Dragger]

Tough to justify it once you factor in your time. I have a Dillon XL650 and still think buying a case of Steel Match doesn’t seem like a bad idea.

 

[TTv2]

Hornady Steel Match 75gr HPBT has given me right around 1.0 MOA 5 shot groups in my KAC SR-15.

It’s under $.50/round.

Excellent. I think I already have a box of that I was going to use in an H&R I have, but didn't. Will have to get some of the 55 grain and see how they do in the Faxon barrel. It won't be what I buy 500 rounds of, unlike XM193/M855, but a few boxes isn't bad to have on hand.

 

[carbine85]

I have the Gunner in 7.62 x39 on an AR47 upper build. It's well made and shoots good. I have 2 other Faxon barrels and they shoot real good.

 

[TTv2]

I went an ordered the 16 inch 5.56 Faxon Gunner barrel last night. Brownell's sale ends tonight, so might as well get it.

Desired accuracy with this rifle is more or less going to be I want it to hit man size targets at 3-400 yards. I have a heavier build, almost a custom Recce/SEAL Recon upper build, I will do next year and that will be my long range rifle. Going to put a 20 inch barrel with a 1:7 twist to best stabilize the 77 grain bullet.

 

[Everready73]

They are accurate with good ammo. Should be right around 1 moa. The profile is great because the weight is in the rear where you need it too help with heat. I get no barrel whip or stringing like with a pencil barrel during sustained fire. It is still light weight and balances well. Really like this barrel as well as the Hanson profile and BCM enhanced lightweight profile

 

[Jackal]

I've used 11.5", 16" and 20" Gunner barrels. Honestly, just go with the pencil barrel. The Gunner profile gains you nothing but weight. I noticed no difference is accuracy, only the little extra nose heavy balance. Of all the Gunner barrels, the 20" makes the most sense, giving you some extra FPS while still being lighter than a basic 16" M4gery barrel.

 

[ponchh]

Faxon for the money is a good barrel.over the last couple of years I have used a dozen or as so. Haven't seen a bad one yet. If you use good ammo they will shoot good groups. I know they group well because every rifle I build, I shoot the first 100 rounds through it.
The pencil will start to spread after 20 rounds or so, the gunner seems to be the best of all worlds. A little weight off the front, but holds a group longer.
This is all at 175 yds or less, that's all the range I have behind my house.
Just sayin, you could do a lot worse than faxon.