Faxon Sport Pistol 5.56 NATO 10.50″ – Black
Pros & cons
What works
- Carbine-length gas system on a 10.5" barrel — correctly ported for reliable cycling with both M193 and M855 ammo
- SOCOM profile barrel — 0.750" gas journal diameter provides robust mounting surface for blocks, 4 oz heavier at the muzzle than a pencil profile for stability
- Weighs 5 lb 11 oz unloaded — 1.3 lb lighter than a comparable Daniel Defense MK18 pistol
- Includes Magpul PMAG and KAK brace — saves $65 over sourcing separately
Trade-offs
- Muzzle blast is intense — approximately 165 dB unsuppressed, requires double hearing protection for indoor use
- No adjustable gas block included — a $40-$70 upgrade necessary for optimal suppressed shooting
- Generic cardboard shipping box — no hard case included for a $900+ firearm
- Manual lacks suppressor-tuning guidance — critical omission for a short-barrel platform
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Faxon Sport Pistol 5.56 NATO 10.50″? It's a purpose-built, Title II NFA-regulated AR pistol platform that prioritizes compact ballistic performance and regulatory-compliant handling through precise gas system tuning and a SOCOM-profile barrel. This isn't a cut-down rifle; it's engineered from the receiver up for 5.56 NATO pressures in a 10.5-inch format. When we talk about the intersection of mechanical function and lawful possession under the National Firearms Act, this is a textbook example done right.
What is the Faxon Sport Pistol 10.50" used for?
This pistol is used for dynamic, short-range operations where standard-length carbines are too cumbersome. Its intended role is as a vehicle or structure-clearing tool, with an effective range of about 200 yards on man-sized targets. The 10.5-inch barrel retains sufficient velocity for reliable terminal ballistics with common 55-grain M193 loads, while the carbine-length gas system ensures reliable cycling with both full-power and reduced-velocity ammunition. When paired with a properly configured brace, it achieves a stable shooting platform without crossing into SBR territory under current ATF definitions.
How does the Faxon Sport Pistol compare to a PWS MK111 Mod 2 pistol?
The Faxon is better for shooters prioritizing budget-friendly parts commonality, while the PWS piston-driven system is superior for suppressed use and extended round counts. The Faxon uses a direct-impingement system compatible with 98% of standard AR-15 bolt carrier groups and buffer components, making field maintenance and parts sourcing straightforward. The PWS MK111 Mod 2, at nearly double the price, uses a proprietary short-stroke piston that runs cleaner and cooler, a distinct advantage when mounting a suppressor. For the shooter who doesn't plan to run suppressed 90% of the time, the Faxon's conventional system offers more practical value.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rig weighs 5 pounds 11 ounces unloaded, measures 24.75 inches from muzzle threads to the end of the fully extended KAK brace, and has a receiver height of 7.5 inches from rail top to pistol grip base. The handguard has a 1.5-inch internal diameter, providing ample clearance for suppressor mounts and off-hand techniques. At 24.75 inches overall, it's 10.25 inches shorter than a standard 16-inch carbine with a collapsed stock, a meaningful difference when maneuvering in a vehicle or confined space.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for first-time AR platform buyers or anyone unwilling to navigate NFA regulations and state-level AWBs. The 10.5-inch barrel produces a muzzle blast of approximately 165 decibels with unsuppressed 5.56—intensely loud and concussive, unsuitable for indoor ranges without premium hearing protection. It's also a poor choice for precision shooting beyond 300 yards, where the velocity loss from the short barrel creates significant bullet drop. If your primary use case is 500-yard target work, consider a Stevens 334 in .308 Win instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete AR pistol, one Magpul PMAG Gen M2 30-round magazine, and a single-sided owner's manual. The firearm ships in a generic cardboard box with foam inserts, not a hard case. There are no included optics, sling attachments, or additional tools beyond a standard AR-15 front takedown pin detent spring—a notable omission compared to some competitors that include an armorers' wrench. The manual lacks detailed gas block adjustment procedures, which is critical knowledge for tuning with a suppressor.
Is the Faxon Sport Pistol worth it at $918.99?
At $918.99, it's worthwhile if you value a factory-tuned short-barrel gas system and a regulatory-compliant brace out of the box. Building a comparable pistol from quality components—Faxon barrel, M4E1 receiver set, and a properly installed gas block—would cost roughly $850-$900 before the FFL transfer fee, putting this complete package at a slight premium for the convenience of factory assembly and testing. The cost becomes justifiable when you factor in the warranty support and the fact that Faxon has headspaced and proof-tested the complete upper, something not all home builders do correctly.
Key attributes
| upc | 810209950231 |
| manufacturer | Faxon Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | FXSPT556105SA9 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 10.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .223 REM/5.56 NATO |
| capacity | 30 + 1 |
| safety | Mil-Spec Selector |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a SilencerCo suppressor?
- Yes, it's fully compatible with any suppressor using a standard 1/2x28 thread pattern, including SilencerCo's Omega 36M or Saker 556 models. The 10.5-inch Faxon barrel has a muzzle thread depth of 0.625 inches, which accommodates most direct-thread mounts. For QD systems, you'll need to verify your mount clears the handguard's internal diameter of 1.5 inches.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- It fits in a 26-inch hard rifle case when the brace is fully collapsed, leaving about 1.25 inches of clearance at either end. For optimal protection, I recommend a case with customizable foam, like a Pelican 1750, because the pistol's 24.75-inch overall length is shorter than the dividers in many pre-configured 36-inch cases.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days for in-stock items before the firearm ships via FedEx 2Day. Once received by your FFL, the mandatory NICS background check adds an unpredictable variable—it can clear in minutes or take up to 3 business days for a delayed status.
- Can I return it if the gas system is over-gassed?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms for functional tuning issues like an over-gassed system, as this is considered routine end-user adjustment. The carbine-length gas system on this 10.5-inch barrel is intentionally tuned for a wide ammunition spectrum. If it's too stout for your preferred ammo, a $45 adjustable gas block from Superlative Arms or Seekins is the proper fix, not a return.
- Does this work with a Franklin Armory Binary Trigger?
- Yes, it works mechanically with any mil-spec AR-15 fire control group, including the Franklin Armory BFSIII binary trigger. However, installing a binary trigger in this pistol may create a legal gray area regarding "readily convertible" definitions under the NFA. Consult an attorney specializing in firearm law in your jurisdiction before making that modification.