Faxon Rankin Industries 16 inch Govt Socom 5.56 NATO Mid-Length 4150 QPQ Barrel

Product Description

The Faxon Rankin Industries 16 inch Govt Socom 5.56 NATO Mid-Length 4150 QPQ Barrel is a replacement or build barrel for AR-15 upper receivers. It is chambered in 5.56 NATO and features a government/SOCOM profile with a mid-length gas system.

This barrel is manufactured through a collaboration between Faxon Firearms and Rankin Industries. The 4150 steel construction with QPQ finish offers corrosion resistance and surface hardness.

AR builders and shooters use this barrel for completing upper assemblies or replacing existing barrels on mid-length gas systems.

Key Facts

• Brand: Faxon Firearms, Rankin Industries
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Profile: Government Socom
• Gas System: Mid-length

Understanding the Gov/Socom Profile

The government SOCOM profile is heavier forward of the gas block than a standard government profile. This extra weight helps manage heat during sustained fire and reduces harmonic vibration.

The added mass forward does increase overall weight compared to a pencil or standard profile. Shooters who prioritize accuracy during longer strings of fire often choose this profile over lighter contours.

Mid-Length Gas Systems for 16 Inch Barrels

A mid-length gas system on a 16 inch barrel places the gas port further from the chamber than a carbine-length system. This spacing reduces port pressure and typically results in softer recoil impulse and less wear on the bolt carrier group.

Mid-length gas is a common choice for 16 inch builds where the shooter wants smoother cycling than carbine-length provides. The gas tube will need to be mid-length to match this barrel.

Send us a message to confirm compatibility with your specific upper receiver and gas block.

Building an Upper Assembly with This Barrel

This barrel integrates into AR-15 upper receiver assemblies. You will need a barrel nut, gas block, gas tube, handguard, and muzzle device to complete the assembly.

The government profile at the barrel extension end is standard AR-15 spec. If you are replacing an existing barrel, verify that your gas block inner diameter matches this profile at the gas port location.

Western Sport carries a full selection of barrels, gas blocks, and gas tubes for AR builds.

Ordering from Western Sport

Order online and it ships straight to your door. Western Sport has been a licensed FFL/SOT dealer since 2007, and everything we sell carries the full manufacturer warranty. Questions before you order? Send us a message.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this barrel work with my existing carbine-length gas tube?

A: No, this barrel requires a mid-length gas tube because the gas port is positioned for a mid-length gas system. A carbine-length tube will not reach the gas port on this barrel.

Q: What is the difference between 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington chambering?

A: A 5.56 NATO chamber has slightly different throat dimensions and can safely fire both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition. A .223 Remington chamber should not be used with 5.56 NATO ammunition due to higher pressure.

Q: How does the Govt Socom profile compare to a standard government profile barrel?

A: The Govt Socom profile is heavier forward of the gas block than a standard government profile, which helps manage heat during rapid fire. It adds weight but improves heat resistance and can reduce barrel whip during sustained strings.

Q: Can I install this barrel myself or do I need a gunsmith?

A: You can install this barrel if you have the proper tools including a barrel nut wrench, torque wrench, and upper receiver vise block. Many builders prefer a gunsmith to ensure correct headspace, gas block alignment, and proper torque specifications. Western Sport offers gunsmithing services.

Q: Does this barrel work with M-LOK or KeyMod handguards?

A: This barrel will work with any AR-15 handguard that accommodates a mid-length gas system, regardless of the handguard’s attachment system. The handguard attachment type is determined by the barrel nut and upper receiver, not the barrel itself.

Q: What gas block size do I need for this barrel?

A: Send us a message to confirm the gas block journal diameter for this specific barrel. The government SOCOM profile typically uses a specific journal diameter at the gas port location, and your gas block inner diameter must match.

Additional information