The Faxon Duty Series Gunner Profile 11.5" mid-length 5.56 NATO barrel is built for suppressed shooters who want a light, balanced rifle that still supports long-term suppression. Featuring a Government taper behind the gas block, a straightened forward section to a full shoulder and 1/2-28 muzzle, and a 1.7" .625" gas block journal, this ~1.14 lb barrel blends handling, durability, and reliable mid-length gas timing.

Key Benefits

• Suppression-friendly mid-length: 11.5" with mid gas timing improves suppression compatibility while keeping length compact.
• Lightweight Gunner profile: Designed to save weight without sacrificing structural integrity — roughly 1.14 lb.
• Durable geometry: Government taper behind the gas block transitions to a straight forward section with a full shoulder and standard 1/2-28 muzzle.
• Precision & QC: Fully stress relieved, air-gauge tested, magnetic particle inspected, and finished with an 11° target crown.
• Robust materials & finish: Certified 4150 CMV, button-rifled, black nitride inside & out for longevity and corrosion resistance.
• Tune for best results: Larger-than-average gas port due to short dwell — adjustable gas block recommended for optimal reliability across ammo and muzzle devices.

Specifications

Why Choose the Gunner Profile

The Gunner profile was developed for shooters who want minimized weight and improved suppression compatibility without sacrificing mid-length gas reliability. The Government taper behind the gas block gives structural strength where needed, while the straightened forward section and full shoulder optimize compatibility with muzzle devices and suppressors. Because of the barrel’s shorter dwell, we machine a larger-than-average gas port — so we recommend pairing this barrel with an adjustable gas block to fine-tune function across ammunition types and muzzle devices.

Installation & Compatibility

• Compatible with standard AR-15 uppers and bolts via M4 barrel extension.
• Use a .625" gas block on the 1.7" journal; adjustable low-profile blocks are recommended for suppression setups.
• Standard 1/2-28 muzzle threads accept brakes, compensators, and direct-thread suppressors; full shoulder provides secure seating.
• Because this profile has a short dwell, start with an adjustable gas block and tune gas/buffer for your chosen ammo & muzzle device for best reliability and reduced gas blowback when suppressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview: 11.5" Mid-Length Gunner Profile — Suppression-Friendly 5.56 Barrel

The Faxon Duty Series Gunner Profile 11.5" mid-length 5.56 NATO barrel is engineered specifically for shooters who want a lightweight, compact rifle that remains suppression-friendly and reliable in real-world use. At roughly one pound, the Gunner packs a thoughtful geometry: a Government taper behind the gas block for structural support, then a straight forward section that terminates in a full shoulder and standard 1/2-28 muzzle for robust mounting of brakes and suppressors.

Built from certified 4150 CMV and button-rifled to a versatile 1:8 twist, this barrel receives the same rigorous in-house quality controls Faxon is known for — full stress relief, air-gauge testing, magnetic particle inspection, and individual headspace checks. A black nitride finish inside and out provides wear and corrosion resistance, while an 11° target crown helps maintain consistent muzzle behavior for improved accuracy.

Because 11.5 inches produces a relatively short dwell time, the Gunner is engineered with a larger-than-average gas port to ensure adequate gas flow for reliable cycling. That design choice makes the barrel very capable out of the box, but it also means suppressed shooters will get the most consistent results by using an adjustable gas block to fine-tune gas flow based on ammunition and muzzle device. The mid-length gas system offers a great compromise between carbine and rifle timing for many modern suppressor-equipped builds.

Whether you’re building a compact suppressor-ready carbine, a lightweight patrol rifle, or a short SBR project, the Faxon Gunner profile blends weight savings, suppression-friendly geometry, and the duty-grade production standards that professional shooters expect. Pair it with the correct gas block, buffer, and ammunition, and you’ll have a compact platform that cycles reliably, stays controllable, and keeps the muzzle device interface solid for long-term use.