FAXON DUTY SERIES GUNNER PROFILE 18" RIFLE-LENGTH 5.56 NATO AR15 BARREL

Faxon
SKU:
15A58R18NGQ
|
UPC:
816341020184
$195.00
(23 reviews)
Current Stock:
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Faxon Duty Series Gunner Profile — 18" Rifle-Length 5.56 NATO (1:8 Twist)

Precision, balance, and reach — Faxon’s 18" Gunner brings long-range accuracy with lightweight control.

The Faxon Duty Series 18" Gunner Profile 5.56 NATO barrel blends the durability of a Government contour with the weight savings of a Pencil profile. Designed for rifle-length gas systems, this barrel delivers exceptionally smooth recoil and excellent velocity, making it ideal for precision builds, competition rifles, and hunting platforms.

Key Benefits

  • Balanced Gunner profile: Combines Gov’t strength with Pencil weight savings for the ideal performance blend.
  • Rifle-length gas system: Provides the softest recoil impulse and most consistent cycling for 5.56 platforms.
  • Longer dwell time: Enhances accuracy and velocity, ideal for precision and long-range AR-15 setups.
  • Durable 4150 CMV steel: Fully stress-relieved, air-gauge tested, and magnetic particle inspected.
  • Corrosion resistant: Inside and out black nitride finish extends service life and simplifies cleaning.
  • Lightweight for its length: Weighs just 1.58 lbs, providing excellent balance and handling.

Specifications

Caliber
5.56 NATO
Length
18" (Rifle-Length Gas)
Profile
Gunner (Gov’t/Pencil Blend)
Material
4150 CMV Steel
Rifling
Button-rifled, 1:8 Twist
Finish
Black Nitride (Inside & Out)
Gas System
Rifle-Length
Gas Block Diameter
.625"
Gas Block Journal Length
1.9"
Muzzle Thread
1/2-28 TPI
Barrel Extension
M4
Weight
1.58 lb (approx.)
Crown
11° Target Crown

Why Choose the Gunner Profile

The Gunner profile merges the heat control of a Government profile with the weight savings of a Pencil barrel. This hybrid design shifts balance toward the shooter for improved handling, especially when firing from standing or dynamic positions. The result is a rifle that feels fast, stable, and accurate — perfect for practical rifle builds and high-volume training.

Installation & Compatibility

  • Standard M4 barrel extension fits AR-15 upper receivers.
  • Compatible with .625" gas blocks on a 1.9" journal.
  • 1/2-28 threads support brakes, comps, and suppressor mounts.
  • Optimized for rifle-length gas tubes and standard AR-15 carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Gunner profile unique?
It blends the durability of a Government contour with the reduced weight of a Pencil profile for balance and control.
Is this barrel chrome-lined?
No — Faxon uses a black nitride finish inside and out for superior wear and corrosion resistance.
Can this barrel be used with a suppressor?
Yes — the rifle-length gas system produces mild recoil and excellent suppressor compatibility.
What ammo weights perform best?
The 1:8 twist stabilizes 55–77 grain bullets, covering standard and match 5.56 loads.

Overview: 18" Rifle-Length Gunner Barrel

The Faxon Duty Series 18" Gunner Profile 5.56 NATO barrel delivers long-range accuracy and smooth operation in a lightweight package. The Gunner contour enhances balance, while the rifle-length gas system produces soft recoil and consistent cycling.

Each Faxon barrel is machined from certified 4150 CMV steel, button-rifled with a 1:8 twist, stress-relieved, air-gauge tested, and magnetic particle inspected to ensure exceptional quality. A black nitride finish protects both interior and exterior surfaces for corrosion resistance and easy maintenance.

Whether you’re building a precision rifle, a competition setup, or a lightweight DMR, the 18" Gunner barrel offers outstanding accuracy, balance, and dependability — all backed by Faxon’s commitment to quality.

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:
Rifle
Barrel Length:
18"
Outside Finish:
QPQ Nitride

Reviews

  • 5
    Love mine

    Posted by K Allred on Sep 26th 2016

    Had mine for just under a year, very accurate, and light, perfect for predator hunting.

  • 5
    Highly Accurate

    Posted by Dave on Aug 18th 2016

    Just put this barrel onto a new build. Light, rigid and still hits when it gets hot. Shoots 1/2 inch at 100 yds with Hornady TAP 75gr Hollow Point. IMI both 77 and 55 grain groups 1.25 inch. I also have a couple of Faxon 16 inch Pencil barrels and they too hold under an inch at 50 yds. For the price, you cannot do any better. This barrel is recommended without reservation.

  • 5
    Excellant barrel for the price.

    Posted by Andrew Brandenburg on Aug 17th 2016

    I bought this barrel for a friend's rifle build and couldnt have been happier with the quality and function of the barrel. Everything was to spec, it functioned perfectly, and with the few times that I shot it with cheap mil ammo it seems it will prove to be a very accurate build.

  • 5
    Great barrel on first lighweight build

    Posted by Jake on Aug 12th 2016

    I bought this barrel for a lightweight (4.5 lb) build, rather than a 16" pencil barrel as I wanted better accuracy from a slightly heavier profile and length. I have not been disappointed! Even with just iron sights, this barrel has given me consistent accuracy from prone and kneeling positions. The combination of length and weight were exactly what I was looking for and I got everything I needed from this barrel. If you want to make a lightweight build and don't need your rifle to be the absolute lightest it could possibly be, and want better accuracy look at this barrel as a choice over a pencil profile. Love it.

  • 5
    Excellent, practical barrel

    Posted by Josh on Aug 8th 2016

    This barrel is what I've been wanting companies to make for some time now. I've often looked back to the old M16A1 barrels - lightweight, reasonably accurate, rifle length gas system and that extra length to retain the velocity that the 5.56 really needs - and found that the only thing I was lacking was a fast enough twist to stabilize more modern bullets. This barrel has it all and it delivers with good accuracy. I've had excellent results so far with Barnes 69 OTM and 70 X bullets and the Sierra 69's as well. Yes, it heats up rather quickly, but it still shoots great once it does. Pair it with a 15" handguard (mine is the Faxon) and you have good heat protection and no handguard influence on the shots. You end up with a lightweight rifle you can use offhand or off a rest and really be a jack of all trades. Well done, Faxon!

  • 5
    Great accurate, lightweight barrel

    Posted by Chris on Jun 29th 2016

    Used this barrel to get an accurate and light gun (4lbs). Coupled it with an adjustable, blow-by/off gas key and an aluminum BCG. All on a polymer upper and lower. Despite a polymer upper, this thing is accurate. Its the weight that I love the most, or lack thereof.

  • 5
    Awesome

    Posted by DAK on May 25th 2016

    I wasn't sure about this barrel but thought I would give it a try and I'm glad I did. It's light weight and looks great. 1st group at 50 yards to make sure I was on paper with the new scope and all three shots were touching. After getting the scope dialed in shot three three shot groups and they were all less then 1 inch with3 different brands and weights of ammo. I was only using sand bags and am not a great shooter but I have way more expensive barrels from alot of big name companies and haven't shot that good with any of them. This barrel is more accurate then the average shooter can shoot. A big thumbs up

  • 5
    Great Barrel !!!!

    Posted by captpgb on Apr 30th 2016

    I'm very impressed with this barrel! Even with my old eyes and Iron sights I had less then a 1" group ! I'm sure that the barrel is better then my shooting will allow, but it is lite and easy to bring on target and the rifle length gas system allows you to stay on target easier for quick follow ups. Quality Barrel !!!

  • 5
    fantastic Barrel

    Posted by Unknown on Apr 27th 2016

    I'm hooked on these Fazon Gunner barrels, awesome fit and finish. Was able to complete my build and spent the weekend putting some rounds through it. Amazing accuracy and very light weight, thanks.