Ballistic Advantage 16" 5.56 NATO Hanson Profile Mid-Length Barrel - Chrome Lined

The Ballistic Advantage 16" 5.56 NATO Hanson Profile Mid-Length Barrel delivers precision and reliability for AR-15 builders who demand quality over shortcuts. Built from Chrome Moly Vanadium steel with a phosphate finish and chrome-lined bore, this mid-length gas system barrel strikes the balance most shooters want—soft shooting on the range, controllable in tactical drills, and proven in the field. The proprietary Hanson profile tapers intelligently to reduce weight without sacrificing rigidity, and it comes ready to run with a pinned low-pro gas block already installed. Whether you're assembling a hunting rifle, a precision 3-gun build, or a general-purpose patrol carbine, this barrel gives you the accuracy foundation serious shooters expect from Ballistic Advantage.

Every Ballistic Advantage Hanson barrel is HP and MPI tested—high-pressure and magnetic particle inspected—so you know the steel is clean and the chamber is concentric. The 1:7" twist rate handles the full range of 5.56 ammunition, from lightweight varmint loads to heavy 77-grain match rounds, making this barrel genuinely versatile. Mid-length gas tuning is the sweet spot for most builds: it runs cleaner than carbine length, cycles softer, and leaves you room to run a rifle-length handguard if you want one. The 1/2x28 muzzle thread is standard across the industry, so adding a suppressor, brake, or flash hider is straightforward.

One important note: Hanson barrels are not designed for aftermarket piston kits, so stick with standard direct impingement. Also, these are regulated components under federal law—if you're building a short-barreled rifle or any NFA firearm, ensure your lower receiver is properly registered and compliant before assembly. On a standard rifle lower, you're good to go.

Key Features

• Chrome Moly Vanadium steel with phosphate finish and chrome-lined bore for corrosion resistance and durability
• Proprietary Ballistic Advantage Hanson profile optimizes weight and balance
• Mid-length gas system for soft recoil impulse and reduced carrier tilt
• Pinned low-pro gas block included—no separate purchase needed
• 1:7" twist rate handles 5.56 ammunition across the spectrum
• HP and MPI tested for quality assurance
• 1/2x28 threaded muzzle for suppressors and muzzle devices
• Compatible with .750" low-profile gas blocks only

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this barrel work with my piston upper?

No. Ballistic Advantage Hanson barrels are designed for direct impingement only and are not compatible with aftermarket piston kits. Stick with a standard DI carrier and bolt.

What kind of gas block do I need?

The barrel is drilled for a .750" low-profile gas block and comes with one pinned in place. If you want to swap it out, make sure your replacement is also .750" low-pro—that's the only option for this barrel.

Can I use this barrel on a short-barreled rifle or pistol build?

Yes, but you must follow all federal NFA and ATF rules. The barrel can be used on a registered SBR, Machine Gun, or Pistol configuration. Possession of this barrel with a non-NFA lower receiver is prohibited except when installed on a pistol-configured firearm. Ensure your lower is properly registered before assembly.

What ammunition does the 1:7" twist handle?

The 1:7" twist is stable across the full spectrum of 5.56 ammunition, from lightweight varmint rounds to heavy 77-grain match loads, giving you flexibility for hunting, precision shooting, and general range work.