Faxon Firearms 5.56X45 Nato 16'' 1-8 Gunner Bbl W/Pinned Gas Block Nitride

The Faxon Firearms 5.56 NATO 16" 1-8 Gunner barrel with pinned gas block is purpose-built for shooters who want a complete, ready-to-use barrel assembly without the hassle of custom gas block installation. This mid-length AR-15 barrel ships with the gas block already mounted and pinned—Faxon pre-notches the gas block journal and drills corresponding holes so everything indexes perfectly out of the box. The pinned design, combined with set screws, gives you the security that your gas block won't shift or loosen during firing, whether you're running drills at the range, hunting, or training all day.

The Gunner profile is where this barrel really shines for practical use. Faxon blends the durability and robustness of a Gov't-profile barrel with the weight savings and handling speed of a Pencil profile, creating a barrel that brings balance back toward the shooter's body. That means less fatigue during long shooting sessions and a rifle that's easier to maneuver without sacrificing strength. The 1-8 twist is a modern standard that stabilizes everything from lightweight varmint loads to heavier 77-grain match ammunition, giving you flexibility in ammo selection.

Built in Cincinnati, Ohio, every Faxon barrel starts with certified 4150 CMV steel and undergoes stress relief, air-gauge testing, and 11-degree target crowning for accuracy. The Nitride finish is durable and corrosion-resistant. Each barrel is magnetic-particle inspected for internal defects and individually headspace-checked with precision PTG gauges. The muzzle is threaded 1/2-28 (standard for 5.56), and the M4 extension is ready for your bolt carrier group. The gas block and pinning hardware are included; you just need a receiver and the rest of your parts kit.

Key Features

• Pre-pinned gas block—no drilling, no guessing; everything indexed and ready to go
• Gunner profile balances durability with weight savings for all-day shooting comfort
• 1-8 twist rate stabilizes a wide range of 5.56 ammunition weights
• Button-rifled 4150 CMV steel with Nitride finish for reliability and corrosion resistance
• 11-degree target crown for inherent accuracy
• Magnetic-particle inspected and individually headspace-checked
• 1/2-28 muzzle threads and M4 barrel extension (standard AR-15 compatibility)
• Includes gas block and pinning hardware; gas block hand-tightened for shipping

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this barrel compatible with a standard AR-15 lower receiver?

Yes. The barrel features an M4 extension (standard on modern AR-15s), 1/2-28 muzzle threads, and mid-length gas tube, which work with any standard AR-15 lower and bolt carrier group. You'll need a receiver, BCG, and furniture to complete the rifle.

What ammunition works best with the 1-8 twist?

The 1-8 twist is a versatile rate that stabilizes the full spectrum of 5.56 NATO ammunition, from lightweight 55-grain loads to heavier 77-grain match rounds. This flexibility makes it ideal for hunting, training, and range work.

What's included with the barrel?

The barrel comes with the gas block and pinning hardware pre-installed and ready to use. The gas block is hand-tightened for shipping and can be removed if needed, though the pinning keeps everything perfectly indexed for reassembly.

Why should I choose a pinned gas block?

Pinning the gas block (in addition to set screws) prevents it from shifting or loosening during firing. Faxon pre-notches the gas block journal and drills corresponding holes so the pin fits precisely without extra machine work on your end.