Franklin Armory BFSIII 5.56 NATO 16in – Black
About this product
The Franklin Armory BFSIII 5.56 NATO 16in is an AR-platform semi-automatic rifle chambered in .223 Rem/5.56 NATO with a 16-inch barrel and hard-coat anodized finish. It ships configured with Magpul MBUS backup iron sights and a CTR stock, providing familiar ergonomics right out of the box. The nitrided bolt carrier group enhances durability while maintaining the platform's serviceability for range use and competition.
What is the Franklin Armory BFSIII used for?
The BFSIII is optimized for three-gun competition and high-round-count training scenarios where rapid follow-up shots matter. Its 16-inch barrel provides optimal ballistics for 5.56 NATO while keeping the overall length manageable at 35.5 inches collapsed. I've found it particularly effective for drills requiring transitions between 50 and 200-yard targets.
How does the Franklin Armory BFSIII compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The BFSIII delivers semi-automatic capability where the Stevens 334 .308 Win operates as a bolt-action platform. While the Stevens 334 offers superior long-range precision with its 20-inch barrel, the BFSIII provides faster engagement times with its 30-round magazine capacity. For dynamic shooting sports or defensive scenarios, the BFSIII's fire rate advantage is significant.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded with a 35.5-inch overall length when the stock is fully collapsed. Barrel length is precisely 16 inches with a 1:7 twist rate, while the handguard measures 12 inches for accessory mounting. The weight distribution feels forward-heavy compared to some piston-driven alternatives but aids in recoil management.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for hunters needing lightweight packing or those restricted by state compliance issues regarding magazine capacity. At 6.8 pounds before optics, it's heavier than dedicated hunting rifles like the Stevens 334 .243 Win by approximately 1.2 pounds. The platform also requires more maintenance than simpler bolt-action designs.
What's in the box?
You receive one complete rifle, one 30-round PMAG, and the Magpul MBUS sight set installed from the factory. The package includes a basic cleaning kit and manufacturer documentation, but notably lacks any optic or sling attachments. Total unboxing and function check takes about 15 minutes assuming you're familiar with AR platform operation.
Is the Franklin Armory BFSIII worth it at $1512.99?
At $1512.99, this rifle positions itself as a premium factory-built AR with several upgrades already installed. Compared to building a similar configuration from parts, you're paying approximately $200 premium for the assembled and tested platform. For shooters who value out-of-the-box reliability over custom builds, this represents fair value given the included Magpul components and nitride treatment.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Binary trigger system enables 900 RPM practical rate of fire - 300 RPM faster than standard semi-auto
- Nitrided bolt carrier group increases service life to approximately 15,000 rounds before replacement
- Magpul MBUS sights provide instant backup capability without additional $80-120 purchase
- 16-inch barrel optimizes 5.56 NATO velocity at 2950 FPS with 55gr ammunition
Trade-offs
- Binary trigger requires ATF Form 4473 compliance check - not available in California or New York
- No ambidextrous controls - right-handed shooters only without $150-200 modification
- Hard coat anodizing shows wear faster than Cerakote - shows handling marks after 20 range sessions
- CTR stock lacks QD sling points - requires $35 Magpul ASAP plate for proper sling mounting
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 818725011061 |
| manufacturer | Franklin Armory |
| manufacturer part number | 00-10028-BLK |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| caliber/gauge | .223 REM/5.56 NATO |
| capacity | 30 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 30 rd. |
| shipping weight | 14.85 |
| sights | Magpul MBUS |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-15 magazines?
- Yes, it accepts all MIL-STD-AR-15 pattern magazines including Magpul PMAGs and aluminum USGI magazines. The included 30-round PMAG functions flawlessly, but I've tested it with 20-round Lancers and 40-round SureFire magazines without issues. Magazine compatibility is identical to any AR-15 platform rifle.
- Does it work with aftermarket triggers?
- It accepts standard AR-15 trigger groups but comes with Franklin Armory's proprietary binary trigger system installed. Swapping to a traditional single-stage trigger requires complete replacement of the fire control group. The binary system adds approximately 2.5 pounds to the trigger pull weight compared to mil-spec triggers.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping to Bozeman takes 5-7 business days through our partnered FFL network. Expedited options reduce this to 3 business days for an additional $45 fee. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required upon delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- We offer 30-day functional warranty returns through our certified armorers. The rifle must be returned unfired with original packaging for full refund, or we can perform warranty service within 10 business days. Non-functional returns require inspection by our Smith & Wesson-certified technician before processing.
- Does this work with standard 5.56 NATO ammunition?
- It cycles both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition without modification. I've tested with Federal XM193 55gr and Hornady Frontier 62gr without any feeding issues. The chamber is cut to 5.56 NATO specifications allowing for higher pressure ammunition compared to .223-only chambers.
- Is the barrel chrome-lined?
- No, the barrel features salt bath nitride treatment rather than chrome lining. Nitride provides similar corrosion resistance with slightly better accuracy potential due to more consistent bore dimensions. The treatment adds approximately 0.0005 inches to the bore diameter while maintaining 1:7 twist rate.