It’s Time to Talk About the Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Complete
As someone who’s spent over a decade putting gear through its paces in everything from dusty workshops to the controlled environment of a lab, I’m always on the hunt for components that offer robust performance without breaking the bank. The call for a reliable bolt for my 6.5 Grendel builds led me to explore options beyond the usual suspects, and Faxon Firearms has a reputation that piques interest. This particular unit, the Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Complete, promised enhanced durability and performance, a claim that naturally warrants a closer look. My current setup needed a dedicated bolt to ensure consistent cycling and feed for the 6.5 Grendel cartridge, and I was looking for something that could handle the rigors of repeated use. Initial impressions of this bolt were mixed; while the Salt Bath Nitrided finish looked promising for corrosion resistance, there were subtle hints of less-than-perfect machining that I noted immediately. I’d briefly considered a few other manufacturers, but Faxon’s specific offerings for the Grendel platform seemed to hit a sweet spot in terms of material science and intended application. My immediate reaction was a cautious optimism, a feeling that this component could be a solid performer, but I needed to put it through its paces to be sure.
Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Complete to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing phase for this Faxon bolt involved integrating it into a dedicated 6.5 Grendel upper receiver destined for some serious range time. I subjected it to a variety of ammunition types, from standard hunting loads to steel-cased practice rounds, observing cycling reliability and extraction patterns closely. The bolt handled these initial cycles without any hiccup, feeding rounds smoothly from the magazine and ejecting spent casings with consistent authority.
Even after the initial shakedown, I noticed a slight roughness to the bolt’s action when manually cycling the action. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it was an audible and tactile feedback that suggested the internal surfaces weren’t as polished as some premium alternatives I’ve worked with. This was particularly evident in the bolt lugs, where very fine tool marks were perceptible.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months, this bolt has seen continuous use, accumulated well over a thousand rounds, and endured more than its fair share of range days. Despite the initial subtle roughness, the Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Complete has maintained its operational integrity. It has continued to cycle reliably, even when the rifle was subjected to dusty conditions without immediate cleaning.
The Salt Bath Nitrided finish has held up admirably, showing no signs of significant wear or corrosion, even after being exposed to a light mist during an outdoor range session. Cleaning this bolt is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a solvent and a light re-oiling is generally all that’s required to keep it in peak condition. Compared to some budget bolts I’ve used in the past, which began showing signs of premature wear or inconsistent extraction after just a few hundred rounds, this unit has demonstrated a commendable level of durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Complete
Specifications
The Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Complete is constructed from 9310 tool steel, a material known for its superior strength and hardness compared to standard C158 bolt steel. This high-quality steel is subjected to a full MIL-SPEC heat treatment, ensuring robust performance under stress. The bolt is also shot peened to MIL-SPEC standards, a process that enhances its fatigue strength and surface durability.
Furthermore, this bolt features a .136″ co-bore (Type II) bolt face, specifically designed to accommodate the dimensions of the 6.5 Grendel cartridge, ensuring proper headspace and reliable ignition. It is also Magnetic Particle Inspected (MPI) to guarantee the absence of micro-fractures, a critical safety and reliability measure. The bolt lugs are chamfered at the back for improved reliability in feeding and extraction, reducing the chance of malfunctions.
Performance & Functionality
In its primary role as the cycling heart of a 6.5 Grendel system, this Faxon bolt performs its duties with commendable consistency. It has reliably extracted spent casings, even under rapid fire conditions, and has facilitated smooth chambering of new rounds without issue. The .136″ bolt face is indeed well-suited for the 6.5 Grendel, contributing to its predictable feeding characteristics.
However, the most significant area where this bolt falls short is in its perceived machining quality and material integrity of certain components, particularly the extractor. While the 9310 tool steel bolt body itself appears sound, the extractor’s construction, which seems to be made from injection-molded metal powder rather than forged or billet S7 tool steel as one might expect from a high-quality component, raises concerns about its long-term durability under heavy use. This was a significant deviation from expectations and a primary reason for my consideration of a return.
Design & Ergonomics
The overall design of the bolt is standard for an AR-15 pattern platform, focusing on functionality and compatibility. The Salt Bath Nitrided finish provides a visually appealing matte black appearance while also offering excellent protection against environmental factors. The chamfered rear of the lugs is a subtle but important design element that promotes smoother interaction with the barrel extension.
The inclusion of the spring, insert, and “Crane” O-ring for the extractor is a standard practice that contributes to positive extractor tension and reliable casing rim engagement. However, my specific unit was missing this crucial O-ring, indicating a potential oversight in the factory assembly process. This omission, coupled with the perceived material of the extractor itself, detracts from the overall impression of meticulous design and build quality.
Durability & Maintenance
The main body of the Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Complete is constructed from 9310 tool steel and is Salt Bath Nitrided, suggesting good inherent durability against wear and corrosion. The shot peening further reinforces its resistance to stress fractures. For routine maintenance, it requires standard bolt cleaning procedures, involving solvents and lubrication.
The primary concern regarding durability stems from the extractor and its components. The apparent absence of the O-ring on my unit, and the perceived material of the extractor itself, makes it difficult to confidently assess its long-term resilience, especially when compared to bolts with known high-grade, forged steel extractors. While the main bolt body seems robust, the extractor remains a potential weak point for extended or hard use.
Accessories and Customization Options
This product is a complete bolt, meaning it comes assembled with the firing pin retainer, firing pin, cam pin, extractor, and ejector installed. It is designed to integrate directly into a compatible Bolt Carrier Group (BCG). There are no additional user-replaceable accessories included with the bolt itself.
Customization options are limited to the bolt’s inherent compatibility within the AR-15 platform. However, given the concerns regarding the extractor, attempting to replace it with an aftermarket option from a reputable manufacturer might be a consideration for users seeking to maximize the longevity and reliability of this component.
Pros and Cons of Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Complete
Pros
- 9310 Tool Steel Construction: Provides superior strength and durability for the bolt body compared to standard materials.
- Salt Bath Nitrided Finish: Offers excellent resistance to corrosion and wear, extending the bolt’s service life.
- .136″ Co-Bore (Type II) Bolt Face: Specifically engineered for reliable performance with 6.5 Grendel and compatible cartridges like 22 ARC.
- Shot Peened to MIL-SPEC: Enhances fatigue strength and surface resilience.
- Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI): Ensures the absence of critical internal flaws for enhanced safety and reliability.
Cons
- Questionable Extractor Material: Appears to be injection-molded metal powder, raising concerns about its strength and durability compared to forged or billet steel.
- Missing O-Ring on Extractor: My unit arrived with the crucial extractor O-ring missing, suggesting potential quality control issues at the factory.
- Visible Tool Marks: Some units may exhibit less-than-pristine machining quality with noticeable tool marks on the bolt surface.
- Potential for Over-Engineering on Bolt Face: While designed for Grendel, some users may prefer a more standard or adaptable bolt face if building for multiple calibers.
Who Should Buy Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Complete?
This bolt is best suited for individuals building or upgrading a 6.5 Grendel or 22 ARC rifle where consistent cycling and a durable bolt body are primary concerns. If you are an AR-15 enthusiast who understands the importance of specific bolt face dimensions for certain cartridges, and you are willing to potentially address the extractor issue separately, this could be a consideration. It’s a good option for range use and standard hunting applications where extreme stress on the extractor isn’t a constant factor.
However, users who require absolute certainty in component material integrity or who demand a factory-perfect finish out of the box might want to look elsewhere. Those building high-stress competition rifles or planning on using their firearm in extreme tactical scenarios might find the perceived shortcomings of the extractor concerning. If precision and absolute assurance of material composition are paramount, investing in a bolt known for forged S7 tool steel extractors might be a more prudent choice.
Conclusion on Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Complete
The Faxon Firearms 6.5 Grendel Type 2 .136 9310 Bolt Complete presents a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the bolt body itself, crafted from 9310 tool steel and finished with a robust Salt Bath Nitride, offers the promise of long-term durability and excellent resistance to the elements. The specific .136″ bolt face is a thoughtful inclusion for 6.5 Grendel shooters.
However, the issues encountered with the extractor’s apparent material and the missing O-ring on my unit cast a significant shadow over its overall value proposition. At $69.99, it’s not the cheapest bolt on the market, and for that price, one would expect higher standards in component material verification and assembly quality control. While it performs its core function, the potential for the extractor to be a weak link means it’s a difficult recommendation for users who push their equipment to the absolute limit. I would personally recommend considering this bolt only if you are comfortable with the possibility of needing to upgrade the extractor separately or if your use case is less demanding on that specific component.