Ballistic Advantage 16" 5.56 NATO AR-15 Barrel - Midlength, QPQ Finish, 4150 CMV Steel, Low Profile

Building or upgrading an AR-15? A Ballistic Advantage 16" 5.56 NATO AR-15 barrel in midlength configuration gives you the accuracy and handling balance that works for everything from 3-gun competition to hunting and general-purpose shooting. This barrel starts with 4150 chrome-moly-vanadium steel, proven for durability and consistency, then adds Ballistic Advantage's Hanson Profile geometry—a tapered design that cuts weight without sacrificing the harmonic stability you'd expect from a heavier tube. The result is a barrel that returns to zero quickly between shots, keeping your group tight even during rapid fire or strings of follow-up shots.

The 16-inch midlength gas system is the sweet spot for AR shooters: enough dwell time for reliable cycling across a wide range of ammunition, moderate gas impulse that doesn't beat up your receiver or suppressor, and ergonomics that don't feel front-heavy. The 1-7" twist rate handles everything from lightweight 55-grain plinking rounds to heavy match bullets and modern duty loads. A pre-installed low-profile gas block gets you straight to the range—no guesswork on gas tube length or fitment. The QPQ corrosion-resistant finish is matte black, tough enough for hard use, and the 1/2"-28 muzzle threads let you thread on whatever muzzle device fits your setup: brake, compensator, or suppressor mount. Both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammo will chamber and fire reliably.

This barrel comes high-pressure and magnetic particle inspected from the factory, so you're getting the peace of mind that comes with quality control. The nickel-boron coated extension and M4 feed ramps help ensure reliable feeding and extraction across different ammunition and bolt designs. It's the kind of no-compromise piece that rewards precision shooters and hunters who demand accuracy without carrying unnecessary weight.

Key Features

• Hanson Profile geometry—balanced weight and harmonic stability for quick shot-to-shot recovery
• 16" midlength configuration suits hunting, competition, and general-purpose shooting
• 4150 CMV steel construction proven for durability and consistency
• 1-7" twist rate stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights
• 5.56 NATO chamber accepts military-spec and .223 Remington ammunition
• QPQ matte black corrosion-resistant finish
• 1/2"-28 muzzle threads compatible with most brakes, comps, and suppressors
• Pre-installed, pinned low-profile gas block—ready to assemble
• Nickel-boron coated extension with M4 feed ramps
• High-pressure and magnetic particle inspected for quality assurance

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this 5.56 NATO barrel work with .223 Remington ammunition?

Yes. The 5.56 NATO chamber accepts both military-spec 5.56 NATO and commercial .223 Remington ammunition, so you have flexibility in what you shoot.

What's the gas system length, and is the gas block included?

This barrel features a midlength gas system and comes with a low-profile gas block pre-installed and pinned—ready to drop into your build.

Is the barrel inspected for quality?

Yes. Every barrel is high-pressure and magnetic particle inspected at the factory to ensure there are no hidden flaws or defects.

What muzzle devices are compatible with the 1/2"-28 threads?

The 1/2"-28 threads accommodate a wide range of aftermarket brakes, compensators, flash hiders, and suppressor mounts. You have many options to customize your setup.