Faxon Firearms’ recently partnered with RE Tactical to write up what they call the definitive guide to finding the best AR-10 barrel. Buying after-market barrels can be a pain. So we’ve brought it here to share with you all. Let’s get into it.
A Definitive Guide To Finding The Best AR-10 Barrel
The purpose of the AR-10 platform is to get more power and long-range precision out of the AR platform. Who doesn’t want more power and precision?
To capitalize on that power and precision, it makes sense to get the best AR-10 barrel you can find. The right barrel will allow you to maximize the benefits of using the larger 308 round in a semi-automatic AR-10 battle rifle.
Faxon Firearms’ high-quality, affordably priced AR-10 barrels are all manufactured in the United States and ready for reliable and accurate long-range shooting. So whether you’re shooting 308 WIN, 6.5 Creedmoor, or the new 8.6 BLK, Faxon has the right barrel for you.
Their stock of AR-10 barrels are available in various lengths up to 24″, Salt Bath Nitride outside finish, gas systems (carbine, mid-length, and rifle-length), and barrel fluting.
Faxon AR-10 barrels are also available in Big Gunner, Heavy Fluted, and Pencil profiles. They are made with the finest 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium or 416R Stainless Steel and rifled for the best possible velocity and accuracy.
Before we get into finding the best AR-10 barrel, let’s answer some of the most common questions about AR-10 barrel selection.
AR-10 Barrel Length Considerations
There is more to consider about the barrel length than its effect on velocity and accuracy. For example, your barrel length will dictate your choice of accessories, such as handguards. Do you want something that just goes past the gas block or something that runs the full length out to the muzzle?
This can be important for aesthetic or practical reasons, such as ensuring that a suppressor or other muzzle device has enough clearance between the end of the muzzle and the handguard. In addition, a longer handguard provides more real estate for accessories like optics, sling mounts, and bipods. Finally, keep in mind that the length of the barrel will play a major part in the rifle’s overall weight, which is something to consider if this is a hunting setup.
What is the optimal barrel length for 308?
Barrels lengths for AR-10 calibers range from 16″ up to 24″. Although 20″ seems to be the sweet spot for the 308, with the right barrel, you can get away with using a 16″ barrel.
How accurate is a 308 16-inch barrel?
A 16″ barrel will do you just fine until you get out to and past 600 yards. Unfortunately, the 308 round will drop significantly past 600 yards, so if you’re going to be engaging targets at distances past 600 yards, you’d be better off with a 20″ barrel.
Is an 18-inch barrel good for an AR-10?
Most 308 WIN loads get full powder burn at roughly 18 inches of barrel length. So for a general-purpose AR-10 build, an 18-inch barrel will do you just fine.
However, even in 18-inch barrels, the profile and gas system length can determine weight. 18-inch barrels can range from a Faxon pencil to a thicker Big Gunner profile and come in both mid and rifle-length types.
What is the most Accurate AR-10 Barrel?
The Faxon Match Series AR-10 barrels take renowned performance and value up a notch.
Manufactured in-house from gun-barrel-quality bar-stock, the Match Series barrels start with 416-R in 5R rifling. 5R is a hybrid rifling with lands opposite grooves and reduced sharp angles that reduce jacket deformation, increasing velocity, and easy cleaning. After rigorous testing, the barrels are Nitride treated inside and out, locking in the bore, extending barrel life, and keeping the elements at bay.
The extension is coated in a Nickel Teflon coating that maintains incredible dry lubricity and corrosion resistance. The Nickel Teflon coating also tightens up the fit between the extension and receiver, further improving accuracy. As a result, the Faxon AR-10 Match Series barrels are ready for when duty calls with unrivaled performance.
Best AR-10 Barrel | Faxon Firearms
Below you’ll find a list of AR-10 barrels available for your next AR-10 build or upgrade.
Faxon Match 16″ Heavy Fluted, 308 WIN Specs
- Barrel Material: 416-R
- Barrel Type: 5R Button Rifled
- Barrel Caliber: .308 WIN
- Barrel Twist: 1:10
- Barrel Length: 16
- Barrel Profile: Heavy Fluted
- Barrel Gas System: Mid
- Inside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Outside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Muzzle Thread: 5/8-24
- Gas Block Diameter: .750″
- Gas Block Journal Length: 1.1″
- Barrel Extension: DPMS LR-308 Compatible – Nickel Teflon Coated
- Barrel Weight: 2.03 Lbs
- Magnetic Particle Inspected
- Recessed Target Crown
Faxon Match 16″ Big Gunner, 6.5 Creedmoor Specs
- Barrel Material: 416-R
- Barrel Type: 5R Button Rifled
- Barrel Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
- Barrel Twist: 1:8
- Barrel Length: 16
- Barrel Profile: Big Gunner
- Barrel Gas System: Mid
- Inside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Outside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Muzzle Thread: 5/8-24
- Gas Block Diameter: .750″
- Gas Block Journal Length: 1.9″
- Barrel Extension: DPMS LR-308 Compatible – Nickel Teflon Coated
- Barrel Weight: 1.89 lbs
- Magnetic Particle Inspected
- Polished 11-degree Target Crown
Faxon Match 18″ Heavy Fluted, 308 WIN Specs
- Barrel Material: 416-R
- Barrel Type: 5R Button Rifled
- Barrel Caliber: .308 WIN
- Barrel Twist: 1:10
- Barrel Length: 18
- Barrel Profile: Heavy Fluted
- Barrel Gas System: Rifle (1.1″ Journal)
- Inside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Outside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Muzzle Thread: 5/8-24 TPI
- Gas Block Diameter: .750″
- Gas Block Journal Length: 1.1″
- Barrel Extension: DPMS LR-308 Compatible – Nickel Teflon Coated
- Barrel Weight: 2.25 Lbs
- Magnetic Particle Inspected
- Recessed Target Crown
Faxon Match 18″ Big Gunner, 6.5 Creedmoor Specs
- Barrel Material: 416-R
- Barrel Type: 5R Button Rifled
- Barrel Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
- Barrel Twist: 1:8
- Barrel Length: 18
- Barrel Profile: Big Gunner
- Barrel Gas System: Rifle
- Inside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Outside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Muzzle Thread: 5/8-24
- Gas Block Diameter: .750″
- Gas Block Journal Length: 1.9″
- Barrel Extension: DPMS LR-308 Compatible – Nickel Teflon Coated
- Barrel Weight: 2.46lbs
- Magnetic Particle Inspected
- Polished 11-degree Target Crown
Faxon Match 20″ Big Gunner, 6.5 Creedmoor Specs
- Barrel Material: 416-R Stainless Steel
- Barrel Type: 5R Button Rifled
- Barrel Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
- Barrel Twist: 1:8
- Barrel Length: 20
- Barrel Profile: Big Gunner
- Barrel Gas System: Rifle
- Inside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Outside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Muzzle Thread: 5/8-24 TPI
- Gas Block Diameter: .750″
- Gas Block Journal Length: 1.9″
- Barrel Extension: DPMS LR-308 Compatible – NP3 Nickel Teflon Coated
- Barrel Weight: 2.59 lbs
- Magnetic Particle Inspected
- Polished 11-degree Target Crown
Wrapping It Up!
The AR-10 is an excellent platform for reaching out with larger calibers.
Choosing the right barrel is a significant decision, one that is based on your needs as a shooter. Long-range competition shooting, close-quarters shooting, and hunting all have different needs, so choose wisely.
Faxon Firearms barrels are some of the best barrels for the money on the market right now. They’re well-designed, and the performance is hard to beat. That’s why the Faxon Firearms 308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor Big Gunner Profile Barrels are some of the best AR-10 barrels on the market.
