Faxon Bolt Carrier Groups and Bolts
Reference page. Shop at Bolt Carrier Groups.
What makes a Faxon bolt carrier group different?
Two things Faxon does that most BCG suppliers do not: superfinishing and the Gunner Lightweight carrier geometry.
Superfinishing is a surface-refinement process applied after machining that reduces friction across the bearing surfaces of the carrier. The practical result is smoother cycling and cleaner operation. Every Faxon BCG is superfinished, and every one undergoes full magnetic particle inspection.
Gunner Lightweight is Faxon's reduced-mass carrier geometry. It removes reciprocating mass to reduce felt recoil and speed cycling, and it is the same design philosophy behind Faxon's Gunner barrel profile. Faxon offers both full-mass M16-profile carriers and Gunner Lightweight carriers across most calibers.
What are Faxon BCGs made of?
Carriers are machined from high-grade steel and superfinished. Bolts are 9310 tool steel, heat treated, shot peened, magnetic particle inspected and finished in nitride.
9310 is a case-hardening alloy steel chosen for bolts because of its combination of a hard surface and a tough core — the property set a bolt needs to survive repeated lug loading.
What finishes are available?
- Nitride — the standard finish across the line. Hard, corrosion resistant, low friction.
- TiN PVD — titanium nitride, gold appearance.
- Chameleon PVD — multi-color iridescent finish.
- Blue PVD — offered as a website exclusive on the 5.56 Gunner Lightweight carrier.
- Hard chrome — the most wear-resistant and easiest-cleaning option, and the premium tier in the line.
What calibers does Faxon make bolt carrier groups for?
| Platform / caliber | Carrier options | Bolt face |
|---|---|---|
| 5.56 NATO / .223 | Full-mass M16 and Gunner Lightweight | Standard .223 |
| 7.62x39 | Full-mass M16 | Type 1, .125 |
| 6.5 Grendel / 6mm ARC / 22 ARC | Full-mass and Gunner Lightweight | Type 2, .136 |
| 6.8 SPC / 224 Valkyrie | Full-mass M16 | .125 |
| .458 SOCOM / .450 Bushmaster | Full-mass M16 | .125 |
| .308 Win / 6.5 Creedmoor / 8.6 BLK (AR-10) | Gen 2 full-mass | .308 |
| 9mm PCC (Glock® and Colt® pattern) | Blowback full-mass, Gen 2 | N/A — blowback |
| 10mm PCC (Glock® pattern) | Blowback full-mass | N/A — blowback |
Faxon also sells bolts separately in 5.56, 7.62x39 Type 1, 6.5 Grendel/ARC Type 2, 6.8 SPC/224 Valkyrie, .458 SOCOM/.450 Bushmaster, and AR-10 .308/6.5 Creedmoor/8.6 BLK.
Rimfire: Faxon produces a bolt assembly for 10/22® pattern rifles with a QPQ finish. See Rimfire.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 bolt faces?
The numbers refer to bolt face diameter. Type 1 is a .125 bolt face, used for 7.62x39 among others. Type 2 is a .136 bolt face, used for the 6.5 Grendel family, which includes 6mm ARC and 22 ARC. Selecting the wrong type will not headspace correctly. Match the bolt to the cartridge, not to the barrel's exterior appearance.
Are Faxon BCGs compatible with standard AR-15 uppers?
Yes. Faxon AR-15 bolt carrier groups are dimensionally standard and drop into mil-spec AR-15 upper receivers. The AR-10 Gen 2 carrier is for DPMS-pattern .308 platforms.
Does the Gunner Lightweight carrier require a different buffer or spring?
A reduced-mass carrier changes the reciprocating mass of the system, so a rifle tuned around a full-mass carrier may cycle differently with a lightweight one. Whether an adjustment is needed depends on gas system length, port size, ammunition and whether the rifle is suppressed. If you are running an adjustable gas block, that is the easiest place to tune. For a specific configuration, contact customerservice@faxonfirearms.com.
Are Faxon bolt carrier groups warrantied?
Yes, under the Faxon Lifetime Guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship, extended to the original purchaser. Full terms at Warranty, Privacy and Terms.