The Faxon Firearms Ion Ultralight Rifle in 5.56 NATO (brand part no. FX5500) is a 4.95-pound AR-15 built around the patented Integral Muzzle Device pencil profile barrel from Faxon Firearms. The barrel and 3-port brake are machined from one piece of steel, so there is no thread interface to loosen. A 13-inch carbon fiber M-LOK handguard and a Schmid-made match trigger are part of the build. It is aimed at competition, range and lightweight patrol use.

Key Specifications

• The chambering is 5.56 NATO, which handles both 5.56 and .223 Remington ammunition.
• The barrel is a 16-inch pencil profile with the brake machined in, keeping weight to a minimum.
• The muzzle has an integral 3-port muzzle brake that cannot be removed, which tames recoil.
• The rifle weighs 4.95 pounds, an ultralight figure for a 16-inch AR-15.
• The receivers are a 7075-T6 forged set with Type III hard coat anodize and a tensioning screw.
• The handguard is a 13-inch carbon fiber M-LOK, which saves weight over aluminum.
• The gas system is mid-length with a multi-position adjustable gas block, for tuning to different ammunition.
• The trigger is a Faxon Enhanced Match Trigger by Schmid, for a crisp break.
• The safety is an ambidextrous selector, usable from either side.
• The charging handle is ambidextrous, which allows operation from either side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attach a suppressor? No. The brake is machined into the barrel and cannot be removed, so muzzle-thread suppressors do not fit; Faxon points to its threaded ION variants for that.

How much does it weigh? Faxon lists the Ion Ultralight at 4.95 pounds.

Does it handle .223 Remington? Yes. The barrel is chambered in 5.56 NATO, which supports both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition.

Buy the Faxon Firearms Ion Ultralight Rifle, 5.56 NATO, 16-Inch, Integral Muzzle Brake

The Ion Ultralight is for shooters who want the lightest practical 16-inch AR-15 and do not need a removable muzzle device. The integral brake keeps recoil soft. Order it from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop for fast, insured shipping to your FFL, and browse more AR rifles while you are here.