Mar 24th 2026
FAXON FIREARMS ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE ARAK-21® COMPLETE UPPER RECEIVER GROUP IN MIDNIGHT BRONZE CERAKOTE® AVAILABLE ONLY THROUGH SPORTS SOUTH
CINCINNATI, OH — March 24, 2026 — Faxon Firearms, the Cincinnati-based family-owned manufacturer behind the legendary ARAK-21® patented weapon system, today announced the exclusive release of the ARAK-21® 16" 5.56 NATO Complete Upper Receiver Group in Midnight Bronze Cerakote®, available exclusively through Sports South.
This limited distributor-exclusive configuration brings Faxon's groundbreaking patented long-stroke gas-piston upper receiver to market in one of today's most sought-after finishes. The Midnight Bronze Cerakote® treatment delivers an aggressive, tactical aesthetic while providing enhanced corrosion and wear resistance — making it a standout offering for dealers and consumers alike.
The ARAK-21® Complete Upper Receiver Group is engineered around Faxon's patented monolithic upper receiver and forearm housing, purpose-built to drop onto any mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver using standard takedown and pivot pins. The platform features Faxon's proprietary long-stroke gas-piston actuation system for reduced fouling and smoother recoil, a fully ambidextrous non-reciprocating charging handle, user-reversible bolt for left- or right-hand ejection, adjustable gas control valve, and a Picatinny MIL-STD 1913 top rail with additional accessory rail positions. The 16" 5.56 NATO configuration carries an MSRP of $999.00.
"The ARAK-21® has always represented the pinnacle of drop-on piston upper technology, and this Midnight Bronze Cerakote® exclusive for Sports South is exactly the kind of partnership that gets us excited," said Dustin Wallace, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Faxon Firearms. "Sports South has been a fantastic partner, and we're proud to put something truly unique in their hands — a finish that turns heads on the rack and performs flawlessly in the field. If you're a dealer in the Sports South network, this is one to get on your shelves."
The ARAK-21® platform — the first product ever launched by Faxon Firearms and the foundation of the brand's reputation — has earned a loyal following among shooters who demand more from their AR-15 lower. With fast tool-assisted barrel swaps via Faxon's Barrel Assembly Unit (BAU) system, the ARAK-21® can be reconfigured between 5.56 NATO and 7.62x39 in minutes, offering unmatched modularity backed by Faxon's Lifetime Guarantee.
The ARAK-21® 16" 5.56 Complete Upper Receiver Group in Midnight Bronze Cerakote® is available exclusively through Sports South. Dealers should contact their Sports South representative to place orders.
About Faxon Firearms Founded in 2012 and incubated by Faxon Machining — a precision manufacturer since 1978 — Faxon Firearms is a family-owned and operated company based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Known for its ARAK-21® patented weapon system, industry-leading rifle barrels, and a commitment to Quality, Innovation, Service®, Faxon is proud to be part of The Fellowship of Firearms®. Learn more at faxonfirearms.com.