FAXON DUTY SERIES GUNNER PROFILE 11.5" MID-LENGTH 5.56 NATO AR15 BARREL

Faxon
SKU:
15A58M11NGQ
|
UPC:
816341020016
$165.00
(19 reviews)
Current Stock:

Faxon Duty Series Gunner Profile — 11.5" Mid-Length 5.56 NATO (1:8 Twist)

Lightweight, suppression-friendly mid-length barrel engineered for durable, accurate performance.

The Faxon Duty Series Gunner Profile 11.5" mid-length 5.56 NATO barrel is built for suppressed shooters who want a light, balanced rifle that still supports long-term suppression. Featuring a Government taper behind the gas block, a straightened forward section to a full shoulder and 1/2-28 muzzle, and a 1.7" .625" gas block journal, this ~1.14 lb barrel blends handling, durability, and reliable mid-length gas timing.

Key Benefits

  • Suppression-friendly mid-length: 11.5" with mid gas timing improves suppression compatibility while keeping length compact.
  • Lightweight Gunner profile: Designed to save weight without sacrificing structural integrity — roughly 1.14 lb.
  • Durable geometry: Government taper behind the gas block transitions to a straight forward section with a full shoulder and standard 1/2-28 muzzle.
  • Precision & QC: Fully stress relieved, air-gauge tested, magnetic particle inspected, and finished with an 11° target crown.
  • Robust materials & finish: Certified 4150 CMV, button-rifled, black nitride inside & out for longevity and corrosion resistance.
  • Tune for best results: Larger-than-average gas port due to short dwell — adjustable gas block recommended for optimal reliability across ammo and muzzle devices.

Specifications

Caliber
5.56 NATO
Length
11.5" (mid-length gas)
Profile
Gunner (Gov't taper behind gas block, straight to full shoulder)
Material
4150 CMV
Rifling
Button-rifled, 1:8 twist
Finish
Black Nitride (inside & out)
Gas System
Mid-length
Gas Block Diameter
.625"
Gas Block Journal Length
1.7"
Muzzle Thread
1/2-28 TPI
Barrel Extension
M4
Weight
1.14 lb (approx.)
Quality & Inspection
Stress relieved, air-gauge tested, magnetic particle inspected, headspace checked
Muzzle
11° target crown

Why Choose the Gunner Profile

The Gunner profile was developed for shooters who want minimized weight and improved suppression compatibility without sacrificing mid-length gas reliability. The Government taper behind the gas block gives structural strength where needed, while the straightened forward section and full shoulder optimize compatibility with muzzle devices and suppressors. Because of the barrel’s shorter dwell, we machine a larger-than-average gas port — so we recommend pairing this barrel with an adjustable gas block to fine-tune function across ammunition types and muzzle devices.

Installation & Compatibility

  • Compatible with standard AR-15 uppers and bolts via M4 barrel extension.
  • Use a .625" gas block on the 1.7" journal; adjustable low-profile blocks are recommended for suppression setups.
  • Standard 1/2-28 muzzle threads accept brakes, compensators, and direct-thread suppressors; full shoulder provides secure seating.
  • Because this profile has a short dwell, start with an adjustable gas block and tune gas/buffer for your chosen ammo & muzzle device for best reliability and reduced gas blowback when suppressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gunner profile good for long-term suppressed use?
Yes — the forward full shoulder and straight section are designed to interface well with muzzle devices and suppressors. For best results, use an adjustable gas block to dial gas flow when suppressed.
Why is the gas port larger on this barrel?
Due to the relatively short dwell period of an 11.5" barrel, the gas port is made larger to ensure adequate gas flow. This improves reliability but makes fine-tuning with an adjustable gas block advisable.
Can I suppress this barrel?
Yes — it is 1/2-28 threaded and engineered to work with suppressors. Always confirm your suppressor’s caliber rating and tune the gas system for suppressed operation.
What ammo weights perform best?
Modern 55–77 grain 5.56 loads perform well. When suppressed, lighter projectiles may change timing; tune gas, buffer, and spring weight accordingly.

Overview: 11.5" Mid-Length Gunner Profile — Suppression-Friendly 5.56 Barrel

The Faxon Duty Series Gunner Profile 11.5" mid-length 5.56 NATO barrel is engineered specifically for shooters who want a lightweight, compact rifle that remains suppression-friendly and reliable in real-world use. At roughly one pound, the Gunner packs a thoughtful geometry: a Government taper behind the gas block for structural support, then a straight forward section that terminates in a full shoulder and standard 1/2-28 muzzle for robust mounting of brakes and suppressors.

Built from certified 4150 CMV and button-rifled to a versatile 1:8 twist, this barrel receives the same rigorous in-house quality controls Faxon is known for — full stress relief, air-gauge testing, magnetic particle inspection, and individual headspace checks. A black nitride finish inside and out provides wear and corrosion resistance, while an 11° target crown helps maintain consistent muzzle behavior for improved accuracy.

Because 11.5 inches produces a relatively short dwell time, the Gunner is engineered with a larger-than-average gas port to ensure adequate gas flow for reliable cycling. That design choice makes the barrel very capable out of the box, but it also means suppressed shooters will get the most consistent results by using an adjustable gas block to fine-tune gas flow based on ammunition and muzzle device. The mid-length gas system offers a great compromise between carbine and rifle timing for many modern suppressor-equipped builds.

Whether you’re building a compact suppressor-ready carbine, a lightweight patrol rifle, or a short SBR project, the Faxon Gunner profile blends weight savings, suppression-friendly geometry, and the duty-grade production standards that professional shooters expect. Pair it with the correct gas block, buffer, and ammunition, and you’ll have a compact platform that cycles reliably, stays controllable, and keeps the muzzle device interface solid for long-term use.

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:
11.5"
Outside Finish:
QPQ Nitride

Reviews

  • 5
    Designated Surpressed SBR

    Posted by StateTrooper on Jul 21st 2017

    Swapped this into my SBR and shot 60-90 rounds through it surpressed. I run a spike ST-T2 buffer and I experienced zero malfunctions. . Barrel feels good in the hand and the weight feels great installed under my 10.5" Midwest rail. Would reccomend to a friend looking to surpress a rifle.

  • 5
    Finish and quality look great!

    Posted by Unknown on Dec 15th 2016

    I haven't installed it yet but other Faxon barrels we've used are very accurate and the finish on them is top notch. I expect this one to be the same.

  • 5
    Great concept, not for everyone, excellent execution

    Posted by Nick Wood on Sep 22nd 2016

    I was intrigued by the idea of a mid length gas sbr and was excited when I saw faxon firearms, my favorite barrel manufacturer, implement it in a 11.5 form factor. This is as short as a mid length gas system will allow. I decided to pair this with one of the newer superlative arms piston systems, and wow am I glad I did. I was initially worried about gas port size and if the short dwell time with a piston system, but it has worked out great. First time out I was able to dial the gas adjustments in quickly and found that the recoil and violence of the action compared to my 10.5 carbine direct impingement was greatly reduced. In combination with the bleed off function of this piston system really makes for a soft shooting well balanced rifle. Accuracy is equal to my other faxon barrels, barrel length considered. No problem with 8 inch steel plates out to 200 yards (about all this rifle will ever need to hit). Thanks for your hard work faxon! Keel up the good work

  • 5
    Great barrel

    Posted by Unknown on Sep 12th 2016

    Works great

  • 4
    Great Barrel for the price

    Posted by Kyle on Sep 6th 2016

    For the price this is an excellent barrel. Lightweight and the finish is spot on. I will try to be as critical and fair in this review as I can. There is no need to a gunner profile for a barrel this short. A regular GI profile would have been fine, the weight reduction for the inch and a half of barrel after the gas port is very little savings. This does allow you to use a smaller gas block, but the smaller diameter, also means you can't use existing gas blocks and the selection of adjustable gas blocks at this diameter is poor. I feel like the gunner profile for this barrel has more cons than pros. I wonder what rigidity and strength are sacrificed at the end of the barrel for such a minimal weight reduction. I do not think I need to describe the weight of this barrel, it is an absolute must to use a GI profile or Gunner profile for an SBR or pistol build. Forget about using a heavy barrel, you'll be front heavy and slow, any accuracy gains you'll receive will be negligible with a short barrel in my opinion. I avoid pencil barrels as I like to have a suppressor on my front end and I don't want my barrel to bend during moderate use. I am not terribly impressed by the accuracy so far, though I've only shot enough rounds to tune my gas port and get this zeroed with my sights and optic. I am not disappointed with the accuracy either, remember when going SBR the typical goal isn't to have a rifle that can hit steel at 500+, it's to make a compact rifle that is light in the hands and can hit targets within 100-200m (or closer). This barrel will fit the requirements, the finish seems durable, the accuracy is acceptable (I expect that using mk262 I may be able to squeeze out more consistent shot groups). Good luck, I do not think most users will be disappointed with this barrel at this price.

  • 5
    EXCELLANT BARREL, EXCELLANT VALUE

    Posted by Unknown on May 17th 2016

    We are using Faxon Barrels exclusively on our Takedown SBR AR rifle builds. While I planned these as last ditch close in personal defense weapons, I was surprised at the accuracy we're getting out of this short, light barrel! With an adjustable gas block (as recommended), a Titanium bolt carrier and short muzzle brake, these guns are a pleasure to shoot! I can recommend Faxon Barrels without reservation! Ralph Seifert RASE

  • 5
    Incredible Find!

    Posted by Thumper on Mar 24th 2016

    I was looking for the shortest barrel with a Middie gasser, and this one is perfect! Just one word of caution - given the short dwell time, you must be ready to utilize an adjustable gas block (whether DI or Piston) and spend some time adjusting the system to work reliably. This will especially be true if you plan on any QD-Type Silencer mounted on it. A fixed mount silencer is probably your best bet if you are going this direction... This is the only barrel for nearly all of my shorty builds now!

  • 5
    Awesome SBR barrel!

    Posted by Unknown on Mar 15th 2016

    This is exactly what I've been looking for. I wanted to replace my BCM 16" mid-length lightweight upper when my SBR got approved. It's running perfectly so far (300 rounds) with an SLR Sentry 6 adjustable gas block (setting 7 from closed) and Surefire Socom muzzle brake with Federal XM193. Running an m16 BCG and standard CAR buffer. My rifle now 14 oz less (9oz is barrel, the rest is from the lighter handguards) than before. Even with the reduction in length and velocity, accuracy is about the same. I can still bust clay pigeons at 100 yards with ease. With the brake, the blast and flash are obnoxious though. Still waiting on my Socom 762 mini. The value of this barrel is outstanding. Even considering the cost of an adjustable gas block, it's still cheaper than a comparable chrome-lined barrel from BCM. This is THE barrel to get! On a side note, I killed a brand new titanium drill bit trying to dimple and pin the gas block. A cobalt bit and drill press was needed to get through the QPQ finish.

  • 5
    top quality, bargain price.

    Posted by Brennan on Mar 1st 2016

    We sell the Faxon lightweight barrels and recommend them to our customers who want a lightweight night quality AR15. Keep up the great work! Brennan www.firearms4less.com