6mm ARC AR-15 Barrels
6mm ARC AR-15 Barrels: Complete Buyer’s Guide
The 6mm ARC is one of the most capable “distance cartridges” ever engineered for the AR-15 platform—delivering outstanding trajectory and retained energy without jumping to an AR-10. The right 6mm ARC barrel choice comes down to your intended use (hunting, precision, general-purpose), your preferred handling (compact vs. stable), and your desired balance of weight vs. rigidity.
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Shop Faxon 6mm ARC Barrels
| Barrel | Length / Gas | Series / Profile | Best For | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Match Series Gunner 12.5" SKU: 15BARC75C12NGQ-5R-NP3 UPC: 816341025738 faxonfirearms.com/15BARC75C12NGQ-5R-NP3 |
12.5"Carbine-length | Match SeriesGunner | Compact ARC builds and maneuverability with match-grade capability | $230.00 |
|
Match Series Gunner 16" SKU: 15BARC75M16NGQ-5R-NP3 UPC: 816341025745 faxonfirearms.com/15BARC75M16NGQ-5R-NP3 |
16"Mid-length | Match SeriesGunner | The best all-around 6mm ARC barrel for most shooters | $236.00 |
|
Match Series Heavy Fluted 20" SKU: 15BARC75R20FHQ-5R-NP3 UPC: 816341025752 faxonfirearms.com/15BARC75R20FHQ-5R-NP3 |
20"Rifle-length | Match SeriesHeavy Fluted | Distance-focused builds needing stability + practical weight | $302.00 |
|
Match Series Heavy Fluted 24" SKU: 15BARC75R24FHQ-5R-NP3 UPC: 816341027244 faxonfirearms.com/15BARC75R24FHQ-5R-NP3 |
24"Rifle-length | Match SeriesHeavy Fluted | Dedicated precision rigs chasing maximum velocity potential | $308.00 |
|
AXIS Series Target Profile 20" SKU: 15BARC75R20NTM-HL-5R-NP3 UPC: 816341028708 faxonfirearms.com/15BARC75R20NTM-HL-5R-NP3 |
20"Rifle-length | AXIS SeriesTargetHoned & Lapped | Accuracy-forward builds prioritizing bore finish and repeatability | $279.00 |
12.5 vs 16 vs 20 vs 24: Which 6mm ARC Barrel Length Is Best?
12.5" 6mm ARC
Choose this when: you want ARC performance in a compact package—great handling, shorter overall length, and quick transitions.
- Best for compact rifles, tight spaces, and lighter builds
- Pairs well with tuning-friendly setups
- Great “carry a lot, shoot well” option
Best match: 15BARC75C12NGQ-5R-NP3
16" 6mm ARC
Choose this when: you want the most versatile ARC barrel length—balanced velocity, balance, and real-world utility.
- Ideal for general-purpose, hunting, and “one rifle” builds
- Mid-length gas for a balanced impulse
- Excellent choice for most customers asking “what’s best?”
Best match: 15BARC75M16NGQ-5R-NP3
20" 6mm ARC
Choose this when: you want more velocity and stability at distance while keeping the AR-15 handling advantages.
- Rifle-length gas for a smoother pressure curve and feel
- Great choice for longer-range hunting and precision
- Available in Heavy Fluted (Match) and Target (AXIS)
Best matches: 15BARC75R20FHQ-5R-NP3 · 15BARC75R20NTM-HL-5R-NP3
24" 6mm ARC
Choose this when: you’re building a dedicated precision rig and want maximum velocity potential and stable long strings.
- Ideal for bench, prone, and “distance-first” AR builds
- Heavy Fluted profile helps manage heat and keep the rifle consistent
Best match: 15BARC75R24FHQ-5R-NP3
Gunner vs Heavy Fluted vs Target: Profile Comparison
| Profile | What It Is | Why Choose It | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gunner | GOV/SOCOM taper up to the gas block journal, then transitions to a Pencil profile from the gas block journal to the muzzle. | Keeps rigidity and weight back toward the shooter while keeping the front end light for faster target acquisition, quicker follow-up shots, and overall lighter handling. | General-purpose, hunting, carry-focused builds |
| Heavy Fluted | Heavier contour with fluting to reduce weight while keeping stability. | Improves consistency and heat management for longer strings without the full weight penalty of a straight heavy barrel. | Precision, distance work, extended range sessions |
| Target | Stability-forward contour designed for consistent positional shooting. | Prioritizes repeatable stability and feel—excellent for accuracy-forward rifles. | Bench/prone, accuracy-first setups |
Match Series vs AXIS Series (Key Differences)
AXIS Series 6mm ARC
Built for: customers who want an accuracy-forward bore finish and a clean, purpose-built exterior.
- Honed & lapped bores for an exceptionally smooth interior finish
- Media blasted exterior (matte appearance)
- No coating with the exception of NP3 on the barrel extension
Shop AXIS: 15BARC75R20NTM-HL-5R-NP3
Hornady 6mm ARC Ammo & Ballistics (Official + Estimated)
- 100-yard zero
- Trajectory tables shown with a -1.5" muzzle reference consistent with Hornady’s published tables
- Sea level / standard atmosphere baseline
- 10 mph full-value wind is common for drift comparisons, but drift is best calculated with a solver for your exact conditions
Important: The “Official Hornady Data” tables below are published for a 24" test barrel. The “Estimated from Faxon barrel length” tables are calculated estimates (see disclaimers below).
Hornady ballistic tools (recommended)
- Ammo lot-to-lot variance, temperature, and altitude (density altitude) can meaningfully change velocity and trajectory.
- Chamber, throat, bore condition, and muzzle device can affect real-world FPS.
- Gas system tune, buffer system, and suppressor use can affect function and sometimes velocity consistency.
- These estimates are for planning and comparison—confirm final DOPE with a chronograph and a ballistic solver.
How estimates are calculated: We start from Hornady’s official 24" test barrel velocity table, then apply a conservative ~25 FPS per inch adjustment by barrel length and carry that delta through the velocity curve. Energy is calculated from velocity and bullet weight.
Load: Hornady 6mm ARC 108 gr ELD-M Match
Source: Hornady official product + ballistics table (24" test barrel)
Official Hornady Data (24" test barrel)
| Range | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lb) | Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2750 | 1813 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2582 | 1599 | 1.9 |
| 200 | 2421 | 1405 | 0 |
| 300 | 2265 | 1230 | -7.8 |
| 400 | 2115 | 1072 | -22.4 |
| 500 | 1971 | 931 | -44.8 |
Estimated from Faxon barrel length (Calculated)
| Faxon Barrel | MV / ME | 100 yd V / E | 300 yd V / E | 500 yd V / E |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.5" Match Gunner 15BARC75C12NGQ-5R-NP3 |
2462 FPS / 1454 | 2294 / 1262 | 1977 / 938 | 1683 / 679 |
| 16" Match Gunner 15BARC75M16NGQ-5R-NP3 |
2550 FPS / 1560 | 2382 / 1361 | 2065 / 1023 | 1771 / 752 |
| 20" Match Heavy Fluted 15BARC75R20FHQ-5R-NP3 |
2650 FPS / 1685 | 2482 / 1478 | 2165 / 1124 | 1871 / 840 |
| 24" Match Heavy Fluted 15BARC75R24FHQ-5R-NP3 |
2750 FPS / 1813 | 2582 / 1599 | 2265 / 1230 | 1971 / 931 |
| 20" AXIS Target 15BARC75R20NTM-HL-5R-NP3 |
2650 FPS / 1685 | 2482 / 1478 | 2165 / 1124 | 1871 / 840 |
Load: Hornady 6mm ARC 103 gr ELD-X Precision Hunter
Source: Hornady official product + ballistics table (24" test barrel)
Official Hornady Data (24" test barrel)
| Range | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lb) | Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2800 | 1793 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2623 | 1573 | 1.8 |
| 200 | 2452 | 1375 | 0 |
| 300 | 2288 | 1197 | -7.6 |
| 400 | 2130 | 1038 | -21.8 |
| 500 | 1979 | 895 | -43.7 |
Estimated from Faxon barrel length (Calculated)
| Faxon Barrel | MV / ME | 100 yd V / E | 300 yd V / E | 500 yd V / E |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.5" Match Gunner 15BARC75C12NGQ-5R-NP3 |
2512 FPS / 1444 | 2335 / 1248 | 2000 / 915 | 1691 / 654 |
| 16" Match Gunner 15BARC75M16NGQ-5R-NP3 |
2600 FPS / 1548 | 2423 / 1343 | 2088 / 998 | 1779 / 724 |
| 20" Match Heavy Fluted 15BARC75R20FHQ-5R-NP3 |
2700 FPS / 1668 | 2523 / 1457 | 2188 / 1095 | 1879 / 808 |
| 24" Match Heavy Fluted 15BARC75R24FHQ-5R-NP3 |
2800 FPS / 1793 | 2623 / 1573 | 2288 / 1197 | 1979 / 895 |
| 20" AXIS Target 15BARC75R20NTM-HL-5R-NP3 |
2700 FPS / 1668 | 2523 / 1457 | 2188 / 1095 | 1879 / 808 |
Load: Hornady 6mm ARC 105 gr BTHP Hornady BLACK
Source: Hornady official product + ballistics table (24" test barrel)
Official Hornady Data (24" test barrel)
| Range | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lb) | Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2750 | 1763 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2580 | 1552 | 1.9 |
| 200 | 2417 | 1362 | 0 |
| 300 | 2260 | 1190 | -7.8 |
| 400 | 2108 | 1036 | -22.4 |
| 500 | 1963 | 898 | -44.9 |
Estimated from Faxon barrel length (Calculated)
| Faxon Barrel | MV / ME | 100 yd V / E | 300 yd V / E | 500 yd V / E |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.5" Match Gunner 15BARC75C12NGQ-5R-NP3 |
2462 FPS / 1414 | 2292 / 1225 | 1972 / 907 | 1675 / 654 |
| 16" Match Gunner 15BARC75M16NGQ-5R-NP3 |
2550 FPS / 1517 | 2380 / 1320 | 2060 / 989 | 1763 / 723 |
| 20" Match Heavy Fluted 15BARC75R20FHQ-5R-NP3 |
2650 FPS / 1638 | 2480 / 1435 | 2160 / 1088 | 1863 / 809 |
| 24" Match Heavy Fluted 15BARC75R24FHQ-5R-NP3 |
2750 FPS / 1763 | 2580 / 1552 | 2260 / 1190 | 1963 / 898 |
| 20" AXIS Target 15BARC75R20NTM-HL-5R-NP3 |
2650 FPS / 1638 | 2480 / 1435 | 2160 / 1088 | 1863 / 809 |
Build Guide: Which 6mm ARC Barrel Should You Buy?
15BARC75C12NGQ-5R-NP3 (12.5" Match Gunner / Carbine)
Best for: compact ARC builds where handling and overall length are the priority.
- Fast target transitions and a lighter front end
- Great pairing with modern high-BC factory ammo (use the Hornady 4DOF tools above for final DOPE)
15BARC75M16NGQ-5R-NP3 (16" Match Gunner / Mid-Length)
Best for: the “one rifle” ARC build—hunting, range, and general-purpose distance shooting.
- Balanced handling and velocity
- Mid-length gas for a smooth, practical setup
15BARC75R20FHQ-5R-NP3 (20" Match Heavy Fluted / Rifle-Length)
Best for: distance-focused builds needing stability and heat management with practical weight.
- Rifle-length gas for smoother feel
- Heavy fluting supports longer strings and consistent performance
15BARC75R24FHQ-5R-NP3 (24" Match Heavy Fluted / Rifle-Length)
Best for: dedicated precision rigs chasing maximum velocity potential and stability at range.
- Excellent for bench/prone and distance-first shooting
- Heavy fluting keeps the platform more manageable than a straight heavy
15BARC75R20NTM-HL-5R-NP3 (20" AXIS Target / Rifle-Length)
Best for: accuracy-forward AR builds where bore finish and repeatability are the priority.
- Honed & lapped bore for an exceptionally smooth interior finish
- Media blasted exterior with no coating
- NP3 on the barrel extension (exception to the “no coating” exterior)
FAQs (Clickable)
What’s the best all-around 6mm ARC AR-15 barrel?▾
For most shooters, the 16" mid-length configuration is the best “do-it-all” choice because it balances velocity, handling, and versatility.
Should I choose 20" or 24" for long-range 6mm ARC?▾
20" is the best step up for distance while keeping the rifle practical. 24" is ideal when you’re building a dedicated precision rig and want maximum velocity potential.
What exactly is the Faxon Gunner profile?▾
Faxon’s Gunner profile uses a GOV/SOCOM taper up to the gas block journal, then transitions to a Pencil profile from the gas block journal to the muzzle. This keeps rigidity and weight back toward the shooter while keeping the front end light for faster target acquisition, quicker follow-up shots, and a lighter overall feel.
What’s the benefit of Heavy Fluted barrels in 6mm ARC?▾
Heavy fluting retains much of the stability and heat-handling benefits of a heavier contour while reducing weight—ideal for longer strings and distance-focused builds.
What makes AXIS Series barrels different?▾
AXIS Series barrels feature honed and lapped bores and a media blasted exterior with no coating, with the exception of NP3 on the barrel extension. They’re designed for shooters prioritizing bore finish and repeatable accuracy.
How do I shop the exact barrel I want?▾
Each Faxon product page is simply the SKU after the domain. This page links directly to all five 6mm ARC barrel SKUs.
Is every barrel backed by warranty?▾
All Faxon Firearms products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.
For full warranty terms, service instructions, and exclusions, please visit:
https://faxonfirearms.com/warranty-privacy-terms/
Warranty
All Faxon Firearms products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.
For full warranty terms, service instructions, and exclusions, please visit:
https://faxonfirearms.com/warranty-privacy-terms/