DUTY 5.56X45 NATO GUNNER PROFILE RIFLE BARRELS FOR AR-15 Reviews & Ratings
Reviews Summary
Customers highly appreciate the lightweight and balanced design of the Faxon 5.56 NATO Gunner Profile barrels, often noting accuracy and performance that meets expectations. However, there are mixed reviews on accuracy with some experiencing significant issues, leading to requests for refunds. Overall, many are satisfied with their purchase, but inconsistencies in performance have been reported.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Accuracy
55%
Accuracy is a central theme in reviews, with many users reporting good performance, achieving MOA groups. However, several reviewers experienced disappointing accuracy, particularly comparing it to less expensive options, with some expressing intent to return the barrel due to unsatisfactory results.
Weight and Balance
70%
Many users commend the barrel's lightweight and balanced profile, noting it enhances maneuverability and reduces fatigue during use. This aspect stands out as a significant benefit for those building lightweight rifles, as it allows for quicker handling without compromising performance.
Build Quality
65%
Overall build quality is mentioned positively, with users appreciating the finish and craftsmanship of the barrel. Many reviews highlight attention to detail in manufacturing, with the majority satisfied about fit and finish, although some noted issues such as misaligned feed ramps.
Customer Expectations
50%
Expectations vary widely, with some users disappointed as the performance didn't meet what they anticipated from a higher-priced barrel. This has led to a mixed perception of value for money, with some considering it an excellent option while others felt it fell short.
Manufacturer and Brand Trust
40%
Some reviews reflect a cautious optimism regarding Faxon's reputation, as many are loyal customers looking forward to trying this barrel despite initial concerns. Trust in the brand is significant, though inconsistent experiences lead to mixed feelings among first-time buyers.
Faxson gunner
I wish i had 2 of them
Great for a light weight build.
So I switched to this faxon 14.5 gunner barrel from a cmmg 16 in barrel. The reason for switching was I wanted a little shorter and more maneuverable carbine set up. The faxon gunner barrel delivers, the barrel is light weight but due to design still has enough metal to maintain good harmonics, I was able to hold about 1.25 to 1.5 moa groups with pmc bronze and American eagle (just as accurate or more accurate than most milspec barrels). Also note that this is my results with barrel break in with a red dot, the first 100 rounds at 50 and 200 yards. Ive run 500 rounds through it so far but have not re tested accuracy because 1.25 moa with the pmc was good enough for the rifle set up. The best part of this barrel is the weight and balance, having more mass towards the receiver makes the rifle feel more balanced, making driving the gun faster as well as taking longer for fatigue to set in. Overall fit and finish was good, one issue I did see was the feed ramps on the barrel, although they lined up with the aero receiver feed ramps had a slight lip, I took the time to hand file it down smooth, it didnt look like it would be enough to cause a stoppage, so probably wasnt to big of a deal, it would have worn in with a few hundred rounds, but when building a rifle its these little details that make the rifle function better. As far as shooting the rifle, I have yet to have a stoppage, the rifle cycles nice, gas port seems to be sized correctly, (Im running it with the faxon gas block and a geislee h2 buffer and spring set up). When running the gun hard under rapid fire the groups dont seem to open up to much but Im also working from 15 to 50 yards. Overall the barrel is exactly what I was looking for in a shot to mid range rifle. Overall the barrel is well engineered, the finish is nice and appears to be gassed properly. If your looking for a really balanced gun I would highly recommend it checks all the boxes for me and I cant find any real negative to this barrel. This is probably why the gunner barrels have such a great reputation.
Beautiful Barrel
Unsure of how it actually shoots, as it is not back from the shop that is pinning a front A-2 sight to it. I have complete faith in the Faxon barrel as I already have a pencil barrel from them that is perfect on the CDR rifle it's mounted on. If it turns out to be infected w/ gremlins, I'll come back and add an update to this review. Got to admit that Brownells has some of the neatest stuff for rifles & they have gotten quite a bit of my cash in this past year. (wife is starting to give me a hard time, ah well, that's women for ya)
Awesome barrel
Used this barrel for a rifle build. The intent was to be a lightweight and accurate rifle for light hunting/pest management duties and for paper punching fun. This barrel is about perfect for that purpose. Its reasonably light, very accurate, and is an all around quality barrel. I believe it to be an excellent value. The only thing I wish theyd do differently is either dimple or pre-pin for gas blocks, but this is a very minor issue. It just takes a few extra minutes to install a gas block properly.
Excellent Barrel
Bought this for a lightweight 20" upper build. The idea was to do something modern relative to the BRN601 that I enjoy so much. This barrel, the Faxon 3-screw .625" barrel block and a normal rifle gas tube went under the new Wrenchman 15" rail. It shot a 3-shot cloverleaf at 25m for zeroing with Fiocchi 223 (not match ammo by any measure) and 5 shots at 50m in the size of a nickel. Optic was a PA 1-6x FFP ACSS Raptor on an Aero mount. The trigger in the lower was an ALG QMS so just a duty weight trigger. The barrel I received had a nitrided barrel extension instead of the pictured nickel-boron. A nit to pick, not a deal-breaker. Looking forward to stretching this out to 500m and beyond.
Fantastic Barrel
One of the most mechanically sound barrels I've ever seen. All sharp edges are properly broken, and stress concentrations are relived. The Nitride coating is very well done and I did't find a single visual flaw with this barrel. It shot 1.5 MOA with M193 and 1.0 MOA with Hornady 73 ELD Superformance. It is also amazingly light, well balanced, and hasn't shifted zero even when I've gotten it too hot to touch.
People say "Wow, your gun is light!"
Installed in Aero upper, used extended A2 comp, A2 FSB, Aero hand guard. Mostly shoot bottles and rocks. Fit and finish very good. Threads and M4 cuts, Lugs and chamber all look good to my unaided eyes. Fit snuggly into upper. Gas port seems aligned. My FSB was so tight I did sand on the FSB bore to get it to fit. Searched many sites to find this in stock here and then it was ON SALE!! Have an M4 profile 14.5" gun also and this new rifle feels much lighter. New gun cycled great right off, Tried the masking tape on an empty case to rough check head space and worked as should.
16" Gunner upgrade
Picked this up to replace the heavier, 1-9" twist stock barrel on my M&P 15 Sport II. Paired with a Midwest Industries 12.5" G3 M-Lok free float handguard, a micro low-pro gas block, Magpul AFG, Front/Rear MBUS flip up sights, Magpul MOE+ grip & CTR stock, B.A.D. Lever and a Geissele SSA trigger this is a very nice gun! I love the Gunner profile and how it makes maneuvering the muzzle around so much quicker. Much better weight balance. The gun weighs in at around 6lbs. It was somewhere between 6.5-7lbs out of the box.
I know Faxon now!
I admit, Faxon was not a name that I was familiar with. I put a lightweight rifle together as a 3 gun rifle for the girlfriend. The 20" Faxon barrel did the job holding about 4 inch groups at 100 yards with iron sights and a bipod with her shooting. Unlike her previous pencil barrel, this one did not seem to throw bullets near as bad once it heated up. We used the Daniel .625 clamp-on gas block with zero leaks.
Only choice for FDE barrel
Only choice for an all FDE AR 15. Looks great but I would have rather had a .750 dia. for the gas block and carbine length gas system. Both these would give a greater choice for handguards. The only parts that I could not find in FDE was the gas block and flash suppresser. Brownell's Magpul epoxy spray paint takes cares of those. Will ad a pic as soon as the back ordered handguard comes in.


