Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete Review

The Most Honest Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete Review Online

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade immersed in diverse environments – from the rugged outdoors to the controlled chaos of workshops, labs, and demanding field applications – I approach every piece of equipment with a discerning eye. My recent acquisition, the Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete, promised a significant upgrade for my AR platform build. It arrived at a time when I was experiencing frustrating cycling issues with a competitor’s bolt carrier group (BCG), specifically an Odin Works model, which simply refused to perform reliably in my 6.5 Grendel upper. This forced me to seek a more robust and dependable solution, one that wouldn’t leave me questioning my rifle’s capability during critical moments. Upon initial inspection, the Faxon BCG presented a visually striking presence; the salt bath nitrided finish exuded quality, and the overall machining felt precise. I was particularly intrigued by the Superfinished carrier body, which hinted at smoother operation and reduced friction, a stark contrast to the gritty feel of my previous unit. My immediate impression was one of cautious optimism, a feeling that this component might just be the missing piece to unlock the full potential of my build. Compared to the Odin Works unit, the Faxon immediately felt like a step up, a more carefully considered piece of engineering. This wasn’t just a replacement part; it felt like an investment in reliability.

Real-World Testing: Putting **Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete** to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial tests for this bolt carrier group took place at my home workshop, meticulously assembling it into my 6.5 Grendel upper receiver, paired with a Faxon Big Gunner barrel. The first hands-on experience involved cycling the action manually, checking for smooth travel and proper bolt lockup. I also performed a crucial headspacing check using a Brownell’s 16-inch Faxon barrel; the results were, thankfully, perfect, indicating a solid fit within the barrel extension. The operation felt remarkably smooth, almost like butter, with no discernible catch or resistance. Extraction of manually cycled dummy rounds was clean and consistent, setting a positive tone for its first live-fire outing.

The true test, however, was at the shooting range. I took it to my local range, specifically focusing on rapid fire strings and extended shooting sessions to see how it would handle heat and stress. Conditions varied slightly over the course of a few range days, including some days with moderate dust and light humidity, but nothing extreme. The Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete performed flawlessly, cycling through rounds with a satisfying consistency. Unlike my previous experience, there were no hiccups, no failures to feed or eject; it simply ran. The ease of use was immediately apparent; there was no real learning curve, as it integrated seamlessly into my existing AR platform. The Superfinished carrier body truly seemed to live up to its name, contributing to an almost frictionless operation, even under repeated firing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including multiple range days and a couple of extended hunting excursions in varying weather conditions, this bolt carrier group has proven its mettle. It has become a cornerstone of my 6.5 Grendel build, consistently delivering reliable performance. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, and there are no visible signs of premature wear and tear; the nitride finish remains robust, showing no significant scuffing or abrasion. Its durability is evident in the continued smooth operation, without any stiffness or performance degradation.

Maintenance and care have been surprisingly straightforward. A quick field strip and cleaning with a quality solvent and lubricant are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. The salt bath nitrided finish resists fouling quite effectively, making cleanup faster than with some other coatings I’ve encountered. Compared to budget BCGs I’ve used in the past, which often develop looseness or require more frequent attention, this Faxon unit feels built to last. It certainly surpasses the performance and perceived longevity of the Odin Works BCG that it replaced, which began experiencing issues relatively early in its service life.

Breaking Down the Features of **Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete**

Specifications

The Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete is engineered to exceed standard MIL-SPEC requirements, aiming for enhanced reliability and longevity. The bolt is precision machined from 9310 tool steel, a material known for its exceptional strength and durability, capable of withstanding significant stress. This is complemented by a carrier machined from 8620 steel, another robust material commonly used in BCG construction. The entire assembly is finished with a salt bath nitride treatment, which hardens the surface and provides superior resistance to corrosion and abrasion. A key feature is the Superfinished carrier body, a proprietary process that further refines the surface to reduce friction and minimize fouling buildup, contributing to smoother operation and easier cleaning. The bolt itself is MPI-tested (Magnetic Particle Inspected) to guarantee the absence of micro-cracks, ensuring the highest quality and safety standards. This comprehensive specification set translates directly into a BCG that can handle the demands of various shooting applications, from the range to hunting scenarios.

The Type II (.136) bolt profile is specifically designed for the 6.5 Grendel cartridge, ensuring proper feed and extraction. The full MIL-SPEC heat treatment applied to the bolt hardens it sufficiently for repeated firing cycles. Shot peening is another MIL-SPEC process used, which strengthens the material and improves fatigue life. The inclusion of forward assist serrations on the carrier is a practical touch, allowing for manual bolt manipulation when needed. Every bolt undergoes Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI), a critical step to detect any potential flaws invisible to the naked eye. The chamfered back of the lugs enhances reliability by ensuring smoother engagement within the barrel extension. The bolt also comes complete with its spring, insert, and Crane O-ring installed, meaning it’s ready to go right out of the box. The carrier itself features a salt bath nitrided finish for exceptional wear resistance, and the extractor is made from S7 tool steel, known for its toughness. The Superfinished carrier body is a standout feature, significantly reducing friction and making the action feel much smoother. Finally, the carrier is full auto compatible and features forward assist serrations, making it suitable for a wide range of AR-15 builds.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of a bolt carrier group is to facilitate the cycling of an AR-15 platform rifle, ensuring that spent casings are ejected and fresh rounds are chambered reliably. The Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete performs this duty with exceptional grace. Its operation is incredibly smooth, largely thanks to the Superfinished carrier body and the high-quality materials used. Feeding, extraction, and ejection are all consistent and positive, even during rapid firing sequences.

The most significant strength of this BCG is its unwavering reliability. It has consistently performed without a single malfunction in my build, a stark contrast to previous experiences. The nitride finish also contributes to easier cleaning, as fouling doesn’t adhere as readily to the surfaces. A minor point of consideration, though not a functional weakness, is that the staking on the gas key, while present, doesn’t appear to be as deep as on some other high-end BCGs. However, in practice, it has held perfectly secure. This BCG meets, and arguably exceeds, expectations for its price point and intended application, especially for the discerning 6.5 Grendel shooter.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete is a clear evolution beyond basic MIL-SPEC. The salt bath nitrided finish provides a uniform, matte black appearance that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, offering excellent wear resistance. The Superfinished internal surfaces of the carrier are a testament to Faxon’s attention to detail, contributing significantly to the smooth feel of the action. Machining tolerances appear to be very tight, resulting in a solid, well-integrated component.

Ergonomically, the BCG is designed to be installed and function within a standard AR-15 platform, so it inherently feels familiar. The carrier itself offers a comfortable surface for manual manipulation, and the forward assist serrations provide a secure grip if manual assist is ever needed. The overall feel is one of robust, high-quality construction. There’s no overt “play” or looseness when installed, giving a confident impression of a well-matched component. The extractor, made from S7 tool steel, is robust and designed for reliable casing removal.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from premium materials like 9310 tool steel for the bolt and 8620 steel for the carrier, coupled with the salt bath nitrided finish, this BCG is built for impressive durability. Under normal use for its intended purpose in a 6.5 Grendel AR-15, it’s reasonable to expect a very long service life. The nitriding process significantly hardens the surface, making it resistant to the wear and tear associated with thousands of firing cycles.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning after range sessions or hunts is sufficient. The smooth surfaces created by the Superfinish process make it easier to wipe away carbon fouling and residue compared to less refined finishes. There are no obvious points of failure that stand out, aside from the aforementioned staking depth on the gas key, which has not proven to be an issue in my usage. The overall impression is that this component is designed for longevity and requires minimal fuss beyond standard firearm maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete comes as a fully assembled unit, ready for direct installation into an AR-15 upper receiver. It includes all necessary internal components, such as the firing pin, cam pin, bolt, extractor, and ejector, pre-installed. The Crane O-ring on the extractor is also included, which is a valuable addition for enhancing extractor reliability.

Beyond its integrated assembly, this BCG is designed to be compatible with standard AR-15 platform builds. It does not come with additional accessories in the traditional sense, as it is a complete, self-contained unit. However, its inherent design allows for compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket barrels, upper receivers, and other AR-15 components. The Type II (.136) bolt is crucial for proper headspacing with 6.5 Grendel barrels specifically machined to this specification.

Pros and Cons of **Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete**

Who Should Buy **Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete**?

This bolt carrier group is an excellent choice for AR-15 platform enthusiasts, particularly those building or upgrading a rifle chambered in 6.5 Grendel. It is ideal for shooters who demand high reliability and smooth operation, whether for range use, competition, or hunting. If you’ve experienced cycling issues with other BCGs, or are building a precision rifle where consistent feeding and ejection are paramount, this Faxon unit is a strong contender.

Those who prioritize durability and ease of maintenance will also find this BCG appealing due to its high-quality materials and refined finishes. However, shooters looking for the absolute cheapest option or those who don’t require the enhanced features and reliability of a premium BCG might consider more basic alternatives. For those building a 6.5 Grendel, pairing this BCG with a compatible barrel, such as one from Faxon, is highly recommended to ensure optimal performance.

Conclusion on **Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete**

The Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete represents a significant step up in quality and performance for any AR-15 build, especially those chambered in 6.5 Grendel. Its combination of premium materials, meticulous manufacturing processes like Superfinishing and nitriding, and rigorous testing ensures a level of reliability that is frankly outstanding. The smooth operation and ease of maintenance make it a joy to use, and the peace of mind it offers, knowing your rifle will cycle consistently, is invaluable.

Considering its robust construction, flawless performance, and the significant improvements it offers over standard components, the price point, while not budget-friendly, is more than justified by the value delivered. I would absolutely recommend this BCG to anyone looking to optimize their 6.5 Grendel build or any AR-15 platform where enhanced reliability and smooth operation are a priority. If you’re on the fence, and the 6.5 Grendel is your caliber of choice, this Faxon BCG is a no-brainer for a dependable and enjoyable shooting experience.