Timber Creek Tc300P85 Pencil 300 Blackout 8.50" Black Nitride

A Timber Creek Outdoors TC300P85 pencil barrel in .300 Blackout gives you a compact, lightweight upper receiver option built for subsonic and supers alike. At 8.5 inches, this black nitride-finished barrel is ideal for short-stroke AR pistols, SBRs, and suppressed rigs where barrel length matters less than maneuverability and concealability. Pencil profiles sacrifice minimal accuracy for real weight savings—they cut down on muzzle-heavy feel and let you build a handy, nimble shooter without the bulk of a traditional profile.

The .300 Blackout is a versatile cartridge for close-quarters hunting, home defense, and suppressed shooting. A shorter, lighter barrel like this pencil design pairs well with subsonic loads for hearing-safe operation and reduces back-pressure concerns compared to longer barrels when running a can. If you're building a tack-driving SBR or a lightweight pistol upper, the TC300P85 keeps your platform balanced and shootable.

Timber Creek is known for manufacturing quality AR components domestically. Black nitride finish offers solid corrosion resistance and a professional look without the cost or maintenance of stainless. This barrel is a straightforward replacement component for anyone looking to swap in a shorter, lighter tube for their .300 Blackout build.

Key Features

• 8.5-inch barrel length for compact AR pistols and SBRs
• Pencil profile design reduces overall weight
• Black nitride finish for corrosion resistance
• .300 Blackout chambering—versatile for hunting and suppressed applications
• Timber Creek Outdoors manufacturing

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this barrel work with my AR-15 upper receiver?

Yes, this is a standard .300 Blackout AR barrel. It will drop into any AR-15 upper receiver compatible with that caliber. Installation requires appropriate headspace tools and knowledge; if you're not experienced with barrel installation, have a gunsmith handle it.

What's the difference between a pencil barrel and a standard profile?

A pencil barrel has a thinner, lighter profile from the breech to the muzzle compared to standard or heavy barrels. This reduces overall weight and recoil impulse, making your rifle easier to handle—especially useful for pistol builds or SBRs. The tradeoff is slightly less mass for heat dissipation during rapid fire, but for most hunting and mid-range shooting, the weight savings are worth it.

Is this barrel good for subsonic .300 Blackout loads?

The .300 Blackout was designed to run both subsonic and supersonic ammunition. An 8.5-inch barrel will work with either, though subsonic loads are where shorter barrels shine—they avoid excess back-pressure while keeping sound signature low when suppressed. This is an excellent choice for a suppressed build.