Timber Creek Tc556P16 Pencil 5.56 Nato 16" Nitride Features M4 Feed Ramps

The Timber Creek TC556P16 is a pencil-profile 5.56 NATO barrel built for shooters who want a lightweight, handy upper without sacrificing reliability. At 16 inches, this barrel strikes the balance between velocity and maneuverability—ideal for home defense, patrol rifles, and shooters who prioritize speed over maximum range. The pencil profile keeps weight down compared to heavier contours, making this a smart choice for AR-15 builds where every ounce matters.

Timber Creek equipped this barrel with M4 feed ramps, ensuring smooth ammunition feeding across a wide variety of 5.56 NATO loads and magazines. The black nitride finish provides solid corrosion resistance and a durable working surface that handles regular use without the maintenance demands of bare steel. This is a no-frills, reliable component built to work.

Whether you're assembling a compact 5.56 upper, replacing a worn barrel, or building a new rifle from the ground up, the TC556P16 delivers the essentials: proper chambering, proven geometry, and a finish that lasts. Pair it with your favorite upper receiver and bolt carrier group to complete your build.

Key Features

• Pencil profile for lightweight, nimble handling
• 16-inch barrel length optimized for 5.56 NATO ballistics
• M4 feed ramps for reliable feeding and ammunition compatibility
• Black nitride finish resists corrosion and wear

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What AR-15 upper receivers does this barrel fit?

The TC556P16 is a standard 5.56 NATO barrel designed for typical AR-15 upper receivers with matching caliber and bore. Confirm your upper is chambered in 5.56 NATO before assembly.

Is this barrel suitable for hunting or long-range shooting?

At 16 inches, this barrel is optimized for close to intermediate ranges typical of home defense and patrol rifle use. Hunters and long-range shooters often prefer longer barrels for increased velocity and sight-radius capability.

What does the pencil profile mean for my build?

The pencil profile is a thinner, lighter barrel contour compared to heavier options like SOCOM or government profiles. It reduces overall weight and improves handling, though it generates heat faster under sustained fire.

Will this barrel work with standard 5.56 NATO ammunition?

Yes. The M4 feed ramps ensure reliable feeding of standard 5.56 NATO ammunition across common magazine types.