Faxon ION Ultralight
Faxon Firearms · Carbine · In Production · 2018
Also known as: Faxon ION, ION Ultralight, FX5516
Overview
The Faxon ION Ultralight is a weight-obsessed AR-15 carbine and the entry point of Faxon's Summit Line, built for hunters, hikers, and lightweight enthusiasts. The 16-inch rifle tips the scales at roughly 4.95 pounds by combining a Faxon pencil-profile barrel, a 13-inch carbon-fiber M-LOK handguard, a lightweight superfinished M16 bolt carrier group, and Faxon's Slim 3-Port muzzle brake on a 1/2x28 thread. Forged 7075-T6 aluminum receivers keep cost in check while exotic carbon-fiber and slimmed components cut grams everywhere else. The line includes a 16-inch rifle, a 10.5-inch pistol, and an integral-muzzle 16-inch variant.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2245 g (79.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 914 mm (35.98") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 27 N (6.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| 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
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Free Floating Handguard, M Lok Rail, Rotating Bolt, Flat Top Receiver, Picatinny Rail, Forward Assist, Dust Cover, Threaded Muzzle, Mid Length Gas System, Superfinished Bcg, Pencil Profile Barrel, Lightweight Design, Carbon Fiber Handguard, Slim Muzzle Brake
Variants
- Faxon ION Ultralight 16" 5.56 Rifle — Rifle
- Faxon ION Ultralight 10.5" 5.56 Pistol — Pistol
- Faxon ION Ultralight Integral Muzzle 16" 5.56 — Integral Muzzle
Production
Production years: 2018-present
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
MSRP roughly $1,550-$1,645. The 16" ION Ultralight weighs about 4.95 lbs. Sits below the carbon-heavy ION-X Hyperlite in Faxon's Summit ultralight hierarchy.
Background
The ION name became Faxon's banner for the lightweight-rifle arms race, where every fraction of an ounce shaved from barrel, handguard, and bolt carrier was a selling point for backcountry and competition shooters.