The Faxon Ion Ultralight 5.56 NATO 16in 30+1 Black is a factory-built competition rifle that shaves weight without sacrificing accuracy. It pairs a patented pencil-profile barrel with an integral muzzle device to reduce weight while addressing muzzle control. The rifle ships with upgraded components from the factory, including a tuned gas system, a Faxon Gunner lightweight bolt carrier group, an ambidextrous charging handle and safety selector, and a Hiperfire EDTDM trigger. The platform is optic-ready and configured for modern accessory standards with a carbon-fiber M-LOK handguard.
| Manufacturer | Faxon Firearms |
|---|---|
| Model | Ion Ultralight |
| Material | 7075-T6 aluminum upper/lower receiver; carbon-fiber handguard; 4150 CMV barrel |
| Compatibility | 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington |
| Finish | Type III hard-coat anodized (black) |
| Weight | 4 lb 15.8 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Patented Pencil-Profile Barrel: The 16-inch, 1:8 twist 4150 CMV barrel with integral muzzle device cuts weight to just over 1 lb while maintaining sub-MOA accuracy — why it matters: you carry less weight on long courses and still ring steel at 400 yards.
- Faxon Gunner Lightweight BCG: This carrier sheds mass where it counts, reducing reciprocating weight for faster follow-up shots and less felt recoil — why it matters: new shooters keep the sights on target, and experienced competitors gain split-second advantages.
- Hiperfire EDTDM Trigger: A single-stage, drop-in trigger with a crisp 3.5 lb break and fast reset — why it matters: no creep, no guesswork, just clean breaks that build confidence for youth shooters and speed for veterans.
- Carbon-Fiber M-LOK Handguard: Lightweight, heat-resistant, and fully free-floated for consistent accuracy — why it matters: you mount lights, lasers, or bipods without adding the bulk of aluminum rails.
- Ambidextrous Controls: Includes an ambidextrous charging handle and safety selector — why it matters: left-handed or right-handed family members can operate the rifle naturally without swapping parts.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for shooters who want a lightweight, accurate AR for competition, range training, or home defense without paying custom-shop prices. It’s ideal for youth shooters transitioning from .22 LR to centerfire, or for moms and dads who want one rifle that fits everyone in the family. The low weight and tuned gas system make it easy to handle for smaller-framed shooters, while the upgraded trigger and BCG satisfy experienced competitors looking for a race-ready platform.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Under 5 lbs unloaded — one of the lightest factory 5.56 ARs on the market.
- Pro: Factory-upgraded parts save you money vs. building a similar rifle piece by piece.
- Pro: Integral muzzle device reduces overall length and eliminates the need for a separate muzzle brake.
- Con: The pencil-profile barrel heats faster during sustained fire — not ideal for high-volume mag dumps, but fine for competition stages and training.
Comparison
| Feature | Faxon Ion Ultralight | Geissele Super Duty 16″ | Zev Technologies OZ9C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (unloaded) | 4 lb 15.8 oz | 6 lb 5 oz | 5 lb 2 oz (pistol) |
| Barrel Profile | Pencil-profile, integral muzzle | Government profile, separate muzzle | Fluted, threaded |
| Trigger | Hiperfire EDTDM (3.5 lb) | Geissele SSA-E (3.5 lb) | Zev Pro (4.5 lb) |
| Handguard | Carbon-fiber M-LOK | Aluminum M-LOK | Aluminum M-LOK |
| Price | $1,493.73 | $1,899.00 | $1,599.00 |
FAQ
What is the weight of the Faxon Ion Ultralight 5.56 NATO 16in 30+1 Black?
Per manufacturer specs, the rifle weighs 4 lb 15.8 oz unloaded — that’s under 5 pounds with the 30-round magazine included.
Is this rifle legal in all 50 states?
Yes, the 16-inch barrel and overall length meet federal rifle requirements. Some states may have magazine capacity restrictions — check your local laws before ordering.
Can I mount a suppressor on this barrel?
The integral muzzle device is not designed for suppressor attachment. If you need a suppressor-ready barrel, consider Faxon’s Gunner or Match Series with standard 1/2×28 threads.
Does the rifle come with iron sights?
No, the Ion Ultralight ships optic-ready with a flat-top upper receiver. You’ll need to add your own sights or red dot.
What kind of accuracy can I expect?
With match-grade ammunition, most shooters report sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. The pencil barrel maintains accuracy through competition strings of 20-30 rounds.
Ready to Lighten Your Load?
The Faxon Ion Ultralight 5.56 NATO 16in 30+1 Black is the lightweight rifle that punches above its weight class. Whether you’re introducing your family to shooting or chasing stage times, this rifle delivers consistent performance without the fatigue. Order today and feel the difference a sub-5-pound AR makes.
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Browse our full selection of AR Rifles, Upper Receivers, and Triggers.
Last updated: April 2026
FFL Transfer & Firearms Laws for Faxon Ion Ultralight 5.56 NATO 16in 30+1 Black
All firearms, including the Faxon Ion Ultralight 5.56 NATO 16in 30+1 Black, must be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer. You will be required to complete a background check and any necessary paperwork before taking possession.
How It Works
- Place your order online.
- Provide your preferred FFL dealer information.
- We ship the firearm directly to your FFL.
- You complete the background check and pickup at the FFL.
Legal Compliance
We comply with all federal and state firearm laws. It is your responsibility to ensure the Faxon Ion Ultralight 5.56 NATO 16in 30+1 Black is legal in your state. Some states may have restrictions on certain firearm models or features.
Helpful Resources
Need assistance? Contact our Miami store for help with FFL transfers and firearm compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Product
Why buy Faxon Ion Ultralight 5.56 NATO 16in 30+1 Black from Miami Shooters Supply?
We’re a trusted firearms dealer offering fast shipping, competitive pricing, and 100% compliance with U.S. federal firearm laws. All orders ship from our licensed facility with full tracking and expert customer service.
Where can I buy Faxon Ion Ultralight 5.56 NATO 16in 30+1 Black?
You can purchase this item directly on our website and have it shipped to your local FFL dealer. You can also visit us in-store in Miami, Florida.
Is Faxon Ion Ultralight 5.56 NATO 16in 30+1 Black available now?
Availability is shown live on this page. If the “Add to Cart” button is visible, this item is currently in stock and ready to ship.
What category does this product belong to?
This product is listed under: AR Rifles.
What tags or features does this product have?
Key features and tags for this product include: .
Is this product legal in my state?
It is your responsibility to ensure this item is legal in your state or locality. We ship only to valid FFL dealers in compliance with U.S. laws. Always check your local regulations.




Reviews
There are no reviews yet.