Faxon ARAK-21
Faxon Firearms · Rifle · In Production · 2014
Also known as: ARAK-21, ARAK 21, ARAK-21 XRS, ARAK21XRS556
Overview
The Faxon ARAK-21 is a modular, AK-style long-stroke gas-piston upper receiver system that mounts on a standard AR-15 lower, blending the reliability of an AK operating system with the ergonomics and compatibility of the AR platform. Its monolithic 6061-T6 aluminum billet upper integrates a full-length Picatinny top rail with three additional rails at the muzzle end, an ambidextrous reciprocating side charging handle, and a user-adjustable long-stroke piston with three gas settings plus an off position for suppressed use. The XRS complete rifle ships ready to run with a Magpul SL stock, grip, ambidextrous safety, and a Radian Vertex trigger. The quick-change Barrel Assembly Unit lets the rifle swap between 5.56 NATO and 7.62x39mm, and the system is offered as 16-inch rifles and 12.5-inch pistols. The standard 16-inch configuration weighs about 5.5 pounds for the upper.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2495 g (88.0 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 27 N (6.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Hard Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
- 7.62x39mm — also known as 7.62 Soviet, 7.62x39, 7.62 Russian
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Ambidextrous Safety
- Features: Adjustable Gas System, Long Stroke Piston, Side Charging Handle, Ambidextrous Charging Handle, Quad Rail, Picatinny Rail, Quick Change Barrel, Monolithic Upper, Rear Ejection Capable, Ar15 Lower Compatible, M Lok Rail, Collapsible Stock
Variants
- Faxon ARAK-21 XRS 16" 5.56 Rifle — Rifle
- Faxon ARAK-21 XRS 16" 7.62x39 Rifle — Rifle
- Faxon ARAK-21 XRS 12.5" 5.56 Pistol — Pistol
- Faxon ARAK-21 XRS 12.5" 7.62x39 Pistol — Pistol
Production
Production years: 2014-present
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
ARAK-21 upper mounts on any mil-spec AR-15 lower. Adjustable long-stroke piston with three gas settings plus suppressed/off. Quick-change barrel allows caliber conversion between 5.56 and 7.62x39. Available in anodized black or Cerakote FDE/OD. The XRS denotes the complete-rifle configuration with B5/Magpul furniture and Radian Vertex trigger.
Background
Faxon's ARAK-21 took its name and operating philosophy from the marriage of the AR and AK - a piston-driven, side-charging, quick-change-barrel upper that aimed to give AR shooters AK-grade reliability and easy caliber swaps without leaving the AR lower behind.