6.5 faxon barrel

[biodsl]

I have one in their gunner profile, 16", still working up loads but very pleased with it.
Lots of guys on here have faxon barrels.
There are several group buys (GB) posted where you might look for an extra good deal. There is an 18" GB that I'm in, and there are still barrels available; it's a slightly slimmer profile I think, why not look into it.
BFT is running the GB's right now for the faxon barrels.

The group buy Faxon barrels have a differ profile than off the shelf barrels. A little extra mass where it counts most.

QUESTION 1: Looking at the PDF of the barrel drawing, why is the thick 0.975 section around the chamber extended longer than usual?

ANSWER 1: The thinking behind this design feature recognizes that about 90% of peak chamber pressures are experienced within the first 2 or 3 inches of bullet travel.

So, first, as a safety feature, there is more "meat" in this critical peak-pressure area without adding unnecessary weight along the rest of the barrel. You've seen photos of barrels that split under the hand guards? The split starts at approximately the region in question. So having this extended thicker section puts a rupture — God forbid! — just that much farther from your face.

Second, it is an accuracy feature. Thick, "bull" barrels are more accurate because they're stiffer. And shorter barrels are more accurate because they're stiffer. So the extended thicker section of this barrel profile serves both purposes. To an overall lighter profile it adds a thicker, stiffening section of "bull" barrel, and, in effect, takes a 16" barrel and almost gives it the stiffness of a 12" barrel. Nothing earthshaking, but every little bit helps.

Third, by thickening the barrel only where necessary, it keeps the overall weight down, as well as keeping the heavier section closer to the weapon's center of balance, allowing the weapon to "feel" lighter than it is, as opposed to a "muzzle heavy" feel.