FAXON SUPERFINISHED 5.56 GUNNER LIGHTWEIGHT BOLT CARRIER GROUP - NITRIDE
FaxonFaxon Superfinished 5.56 Gunner Lightweight Bolt Carrier Group – Nitride
Category: Rifle Parts
Platform: AR15
Series: Bolt Carrier Groups
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
SKU: FF556BCGCNITRIDE-LW | UPC: 816341020894
MSRP: $249.00
The Faxon Superfinished 5.56 Gunner Lightweight Bolt Carrier Group (Nitride) was engineered to close a performance gap in the lightweight BCG market—delivering reduced mass without compromising strength, durability, or reliability. Designed to live up to the Gunner name, this BCG is purpose-built for fast, smooth, competition-ready AR-15 platforms.
At just 8.5 ounces complete, this lightweight carrier reduces reciprocating mass to improve cycling speed, reduce recoil impulse, and enable faster follow-up shots. Faxon achieves this through careful geometry and an optimized cam path—rather than sacrificing critical material strength.
All components are salt bath nitrided to increase surface hardness, reduce friction, and provide excellent corrosion resistance. The carrier body receives Faxon’s proprietary Superfinish to further reduce fouling and enhance smoothness of operation.
Faxon recommends the use of an adjustable gas block when running the Gunner Lightweight BCG to properly tune gas flow and ensure optimal function.
Key Performance Design Goals
- Lightest weight possible — 8.5 oz complete
- MIL-SPEC materials and finishes or better
- Optimized cam path for smooth cycling
- Reduced recoil impulse and faster follow-up shots
- Maintains full-auto trip sear compatibility
- Compatible with dust covers and forward assist
Key Features
- 9310 Tool Steel Bolt
- Salt Bath Nitrided Bolt & Carrier
- Superfinished Carrier Body
- Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
- Full MIL-SPEC Heat Treatment & Shot Peening
- Back of Lugs Chamfered for Reliable Cycling
- S7 Extractor
- Spring, Insert, & “Crane” O-Ring Installed
- Grade 8 Gas Key Fasteners, Fully Staked
- M16 Pattern – Full Auto Compatible
- Forward Assist Serrations
- Laser-Engraved Faxon Shield (post-QC)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bolt carrier group full-auto compatible?
Yes. This is an M16-pattern carrier that maintains the full-auto trip sear and is compatible with full-auto fire control groups and modern multi-stage triggers.
Why should I use an adjustable gas block?
Lightweight BCGs reduce reciprocating mass and typically require less gas. An adjustable gas block allows you to tune the system for optimal reliability, recoil control, and component longevity.
What makes this different from other lightweight BCGs?
Faxon focused on geometry, cam path optimization, and material selection instead of simply removing mass. The result is a lightweight carrier that maintains strength, reliability, and long-term durability.
Reviews
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Light weight BCG
I bought this to try out in a new upper build and to offer my customers should there be interest and good results. I am very impressed not only with form but function. No feed issues, all rounds ejected properly and little if barley felt recoil
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Faxon Light weight BCG
I have purchased several of these. There are lighter ones out there (aluminum, tiyanium) but these are made from steel, so I like them better. They will stand up to heavier use. Have never had any issues. They also have the serrations for a forward assist if needed. Wish they would just sell the carrier w/o bolt or add bolts for other calibers (6.8, 6.5 Grendel).
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BCG
This was a great upgrade to my 3 gun rifle. After a few thousand rounds of with a cheaper lightweight bcg I started to have slam fires. I’ve run 14.5 and 16 inch gunner barrels in my rifle so I knew going with faxon I’d be getting a quality bcg. My rifle has been running flawlessly the last few matches. I’ve been very happy with all my purchases from Faxon.
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Adams Arms 1st Class Peer
Amazing quality. I have two light BCG evo Voodoo Adam's Arms high quality 5.56 rifles, and their bolts are an ounce heavier and are piston driven. This bolt is "worth it's weight " to use in a fine build. With a Faxon Barrel and upper receiver you can't go wrong. Very high quality product !
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Very good finishing, performance
I have the Faxon Gunner BCG in a precision AR build. The low mass of the BCG, combined with an adjustable gas system and suppressor, make recoil minimal. Its very easy to stay on target for rapid follow up shots. I have not experienced any sort of failure with this AR-15 so far. The BCG is very well designed and machined. Faxon has removed material in just about every imaginable area to save weight while maintaining function. The nitride coating makes cleaning very easy. I would definitely buy another one if I was assembling a new precision AR.
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#Blacknitridematters
Product Fit and Finish is excellent. The carrier is incredibly light and the Nitride treatment is consistent. Pair this BCG with an adjustable gas block and be amazed at the recoil mitigation. Faxon has great customer service and fast shipping. Would buy again.
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My second one
I have this BCG in a light weight ar I built. I was not sure about using aluminum or Titanium. When my buddy told me about this one I jumped on it. My ar came in at exactly 5lbs. And I was happy about that. But was worried that my reliability would suffer or at least take a while to get dialed in. I have shot a few thousand rounds through it and from day one have had not a single issue. I ordered another one without any reservations. You won't regret it either.
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what a great carrier.
These are some of the best BCG on the market. This runs on par (in terms of weight) as the titanium ones at half the cost. However, this is by no means a cheap (price wise) BCG. The fit and finish is top notch. All the machines parts are smooth without burrs. Nitride coating is even with no hot spots. I like the fact that faxon lists very specific details about their BCG such as the 9310 tool steel used on the bolt assembly. For those who don't know, that's the same material used in the gears of F1 race cars. I have this BCG paired with a JP silent capture spring system using the lightest spring (white). It cycles without a problem. I cannot speak for those who are using standard buffer tubes / springs. I advise anyone who is considering this to look into adjustable gas blocks to tune your gas system. I ran this BCG without an adjustable gas system on my 14.5" mid length but with the JP silent capture. No cycling issues at all. Who is this BCG for? 1. It's for those who are looking for ultralight parts to build an ultra light AR15. My 14.5" AR15 is at 4lb 11oz with a trijicon MRO. Yes. 2. Those who generally want top quality parts and money is not a concern. 3. Those who have too much money.
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Its a Faxon & another homerun!
When I first found out about Faxon and started trying their products I was instantly impressed with the not only quality but, the thought that goes into the items they make. The lightweight rifle build scene is huge right now, and as someone who has always looked to cut as much weight as possible without sacrificing function of my rifles, Faxon's provided a lot of that ability with their products. When I first started looking into a lightweight BCG, of course cutting weight and reciprocating mass was my main want and their were a few available that did that. Tried Spikes, AP, some of the original Houlding lightweight (probably my favorite) BCGs and all did what I was looking for but, I couldn't figure out why anyone hadn't come out with at least one with forward assist serrations? And then came the Faxon Gunner lightweight BCG. My problems with a lightweight BCG that I use while hunting, sometimes needing to slowly and quietly chamber a round were solved. On top of being one of, if not the lightest complete BCGs around, Faxon checked off that forward assist serration box, and as usual made a product that's just a step above the rest. Love it, very very slick QPQ coating, awesome fit and everything else I've come to expect from a Faxon product!