FAXON DUTY SERIES GUNNER PROFILE 16" MID-LENGTH 5.56 NATO AR15 BARREL
FaxonFaxon Duty Series Gunner Profile — 16" Mid-Length 5.56 NATO (1:8 Twist)
Balanced, lightweight, and accurate — the Gunner profile perfected for 16” duty builds.
The Faxon Duty Series 16" Gunner Profile 5.56 NATO barrel strikes the perfect balance between weight savings and durability. By blending the best features of the Government and Pencil profiles, Faxon’s Gunner design keeps your rifle nimble without sacrificing accuracy or heat control. Ideal for training, defense, and competition builds where reliability and handling matter most.
Key Benefits
- Hybrid Gunner profile: Combines Government durability with Pencil-like agility for the ultimate all-purpose barrel.
- Mid-length gas system: Reduces recoil and improves reliability over carbine setups.
- Lightweight handling: 16" barrel weighs just 1.37 lbs for excellent balance and fast target transitions.
- Premium materials: Made from 4150 CMV steel, button-rifled and fully stress relieved.
- Enhanced corrosion resistance: Black nitride finish inside and out for long-lasting performance.
- Precision guaranteed: Air-gauge tested, MPI-inspected, and headspace verified for match-level accuracy.
Specifications
Why Choose the Gunner Profile
The Gunner profile blends the heat resistance and rigidity of a Government contour with the reduced weight and responsiveness of a Pencil barrel. This balance enhances maneuverability while maintaining precision shot to shot — perfect for tactical, defensive, and performance-driven AR-15 builds.
Installation & Compatibility
- Standard M4 barrel extension fits all AR-15 upper receivers.
- Uses a .625" gas block on a 1.9" journal — adjustable blocks recommended for suppressed use.
- 1/2-28 threads accept most common muzzle devices and suppressor adapters.
- Optimized for mid-length gas tubes and standard AR-15 bolt carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Gunner profile special?
Is this barrel chrome-lined?
Can I use this barrel with a suppressor?
What bullet weights are ideal?
Overview: 16" Mid-Length Gunner Barrel
The Faxon Duty Series 16" Gunner Profile 5.56 NATO barrel delivers the perfect balance between weight, accuracy, and reliability. Combining the rigidity of a Government profile with the reduced front-end weight of a Pencil design, this hybrid contour enhances handling and long-term durability.
Every Faxon barrel begins as certified 4150 CMV steel and undergoes precision machining, stress relief, air-gauge testing, MPI inspection, and headspace verification. A black nitride finish protects the inside and out, while the 11° target crown ensures exceptional accuracy.
Whether you’re building a lightweight defensive rifle, a competition setup, or a dependable training carbine, the Gunner 16" barrel provides unmatched value and performance from Faxon’s Duty Series.
- Caliber:
- 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Profile:
- Gunner
- Barrel Material:
- 4150 CMV
- Rifling Twist Rate:
- 1:8
- Muzzle Thread:
- 1/2x28
- Gas Block Diameter:
- .625"
- Gas System Length:
- Mid
- Barrel Length:
- 16"
- Outside Finish:
- QPQ Nitride
Reviews
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Everything i expected and more.
The 16" Gunner is impossible to beat for the price IMO. Fit and finish is superb. First 5 shots using some 55gr sp ultra max was about 2moa, 2nd 5 shots fiocchi 50gr vmax was at 1moa. The coyotes don't stand a chance now. Thanks Faxon!
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great barrel
I used this to build a light weight coyote rifle and it is fantastic. Very accurate and very light weight.
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Fantastic, lightweight product.
I learned about the barrel from Military Arms Channel, and I was looking to shed some weight from my RRA 16 inch HBAR. Holy *** what a difference! Rifle balances out much better now, and the accuracy is sub MOA as long as I do my part. Matching gas block and gas tube work like a champ. I am looking at the 11.5 inch version for a pistol build as well. Do not hesitate, it's a great product.
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Second to none!
I just finished a build for a customer using the 16" Gunner and I have to say, I am VERY impressed!!! Barrel extension to receiver was tighter than your "first time" and the finish was flawless. As for accuracy, I shot a 20 shot group with American Eagle XM855 62gr factory loads into the size of a dime at 100yds. I will most assuredly be using Faxon barrels for my future builds.
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Are you looking to build light??
Built my wife a gun for Xmas, used this barrel, could not be happier. Would LOVE one on my 18" gun. A must have for a lightweight build.
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Perfectly Built Barrel
This may be the first time I've ever given a 5 star product review without a full test of the part...actually it is the first time and it is a 5 star product (give me a 6th to add after I put it thru its paces!). There's a lot of "custom" manufacturers out there but, if you're looking for a truly custom, well thought out, great materials used, every square inch of perfection in a barrel look no further than Faxon! I purchased this 16" Gunner for a lightweight duty/combat rifle I've been building to shave some more weight. The purpose was to build a STURDY, DURABLE light weight rifle I can rely on. Wanting something that was lighter but, still requiring accuracy after a 30rd string I think the Govt contour stepped down to the .625 gas block and pencil profile at the muzzle is a perfect fit for my use, needs and wants. Very well made, even down to the anodizing. I have just dropped the barrel off to be cerakoted by my friend (Houlding's Central California Gunsmith) who educated me on the Faxon line of products. Paired with the Houlding Irish Curse Compensator, this should be a great set up for my rifle and the final touch I've been looking for. Another awesome product from Faxon! LOVE THEIR PRODUCTS!!! Right up there or better than other high end custom barrel manufacturers I've used in the last and at EXTREMELY fair pricing for what you get. Can't wait to see what they come out with next!!! Thank you Faxon!!!
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Great Products!
Just want to pass along that you guys make great products. My friend was very pleased with your 16" light barrel. Excellent craftsmanship, Thanks and keep up the great work Dan