Faxon 14.5″ Pencil Barrel Review | Precision for AR-15 Fans

Updated on February 7, 2025

The Faxon 14.5 pencil barrel review highlights why this barrel is a game-changer for AR-15 enthusiasts. Manufactured with care in Faxon’s Ohio facility, this barrel is built for shooters who value precision, durability, and a lightweight design.

Worth To Read: What is an ARP Gun?

Key Features:

1. Material and Finish: Crafted from 4150 GBQ Steel and finished with QPQ Nitride, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear.
2. Lightweight Design: At just 18.4 oz (19.52 oz with a muzzle device), it’s a top choice for reducing overall firearm weight.
3. Innovative Gas Block Compatibility: The Faxon Pencil Barrel features a design that allows for easy changes to gas blocks and barrel nuts, even with a pinned and welded muzzle device. Superlative Arms Adjustable Gas Block is a great match.
4. Accuracy: With a 1:8 twist rate and button rifling, this barrel delivers excellent precision, especially for lighter ammunition.

Performance Highlights:

Weight Savings

The Faxon 14.5 pencil barrel significantly reduces firearm weight, making it ideal for those who prioritize mobility. Paired with lightweight handguards like Brigand Arms’ carbon fiber options, you’ll enjoy a setup that’s easy to handle during competitions or extended shooting sessions. You can check out the Pro Level Trap Shooting Masterclass.

Accuracy and Reliability

In testing, the barrel performed exceptionally well with .223 ammo, particularly PMC Bronze, which provided the tightest groupings at 100 yards. However, 5.56 rounds, such as Wolf Gold, exhibited less consistent results, showcasing the barrel’s preference for slower, lighter loads.

Ease of Installation

The permanently attached muzzle device eliminates legal concerns regarding minimum barrel lengths while maintaining the flexibility to switch out components like gas blocks. This thoughtful design ensures you’re never locked into a single configuration. Learn more about the ATF’s Barrel Length Guidelines here.

Pros:

• Outstanding weight reduction—perfect for competition or dynamic shooting.
• Durable build with QPQ Nitride finish for extended barrel life.
• Flexibility to modify gas blocks and handguards on a pinned barrel.
• Exceptional performance with .223 ammo.
• Backed by Faxon’s Lifetime Guarantee.

Cons:

• Reduced velocity for longer-range shots due to the shorter barrel length.
• Increased heat during rapid firing, though it cools down quickly.
• Inconsistent performance with some 5.56 ammo types.

Who Should Buy the Faxon 14.5 Pencil Barrel?

This barrel is a must-have for:

1. Shooters seeking to reduce overall firearm weight without sacrificing accuracy.
2. Competitive shooters who value speed and maneuverability.
3. AR-15 enthusiasts who want a reliable, flexible barrel option for various builds.

Comparison to Competitors:

Compared to lightweight barrels, such as Ballistic Advantage or Daniel Defense, Faxon balances affordability and performance. While it doesn’t match the higher-end options for extreme accuracy at long ranges, it outperforms in versatility and value. Explore user discussions on AR15.com or Reddit’s r/AR15 community for additional insights.

Final Verdict on the Faxon 14.5″ Pencil Barrel

The Faxon 14.5 pencil barrel is an excellent choice for shooters looking to build a lightweight, versatile AR-15. Its thoughtful design and quality construction make it a worthwhile investment, especially at its competitive price point. While it has minor drawbacks, the overall performance and durability more than justify its reputation as a top-tier barrel.

Discount Alert: Use code FXPPTBARREL10 for 10% off Faxon barrels here!

FAQs

Here are the frequently asked question answers that people also ask.

What is a pencil barrel good for?

A pencil barrel is ideal for reducing the overall weight of your firearm without compromising on performance. It’s especially beneficial for competitive shooters, hunters, or anyone looking to improve the mobility and handling of their AR-15. Pencil barrels are great for shorter engagements and quick target transitions due to their lightweight design.

How long do Faxon barrels last?

Faxon barrels are built with high-quality materials like 4150 GBQ Steel and finished with QPQ Nitride, which provides excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. With proper maintenance and typical use, a Faxon barrel can last tens of thousands of rounds. Their durability is further backed by Faxon’s Lifetime Guarantee, which covers defects in materials and workmanship.

Are Faxon barrels headspace?

Yes, Faxon barrels are carefully manufactured to ensure proper headspace when paired with quality bolt carrier groups. Faxon takes precision seriously, which means their barrels are compatible with industry-standard components for safe and reliable performance.

Are Faxon barrels chrome lined?

No, Faxon barrels are not chrome-lined. Instead, they use a QPQ Nitride (Quench-Polish-Quench) finish, which offers superior durability, corrosion resistance, and a smoother bore compared to traditional chrome lining. This finish also enhances accuracy and reduces fouling, making it a preferred choice for shooters.

Are Faxon barrels dimpled?

Faxon barrels are not dimpled by default. However, they do offer optional dimpling for certain models. Dimpling is a feature that helps ensure secure gas block alignment, which can be beneficial for some custom builds. If dimpling is important for your build, you can check the specific barrel options or request it directly from Faxon.

Have you tried the Faxon 14.5 Pencil Barrel? Share your experiences in the comments below.