Ballistic Advantage Performance Series 13.7" Hanson 5.56 NATO AR-15 Barrel
Model: BABL556036F • Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO • UPC: 819747020833 Ballistic Advantage+1
The Ballistic Advantage Performance Series 5.56x45mm NATO 13.70" Threaded Hanson Profile Barrel is purpose-built for shooters who want a compact, smooth-shooting AR-15 barrel that doesn’t sacrifice accuracy or durability. Featuring the proprietary BA Hanson profile, a midlength gas system, and an included pinned low-profile gas block, this 13.7" CMV barrel is an ideal foundation for high-performance general-purpose carbines, duty builds, and training rifles—when configured and used lawfully. JSE Surplus+3Ballistic Advantage+3Cheaper Than Dirt+3
Machined from Chrome Moly Vanadium (CrMoV) steel and finished in black QPQ (nitride) for corrosion resistance, it brings together Ballistic Advantage’s manufacturing quality with a feature set tailored for serious AR-15 shooters. Classic Firearms+3Ballistic Advantage+3Cheaper Than Dirt+3
Key Features – At a Glance
Why a 13.7" Hanson Midlength Barrel?
The 13.7" barrel length is a popular choice among AR-15 builders who want a maneuverable rifle without giving up too much velocity or terminal performance. It strikes a balance between shorter CQB barrels and full-size 16" setups, offering: Cheaper Than Dirt+2Ammunition Depot+2
Improved handling in tight spaces compared to longer barrels
Better ballistic efficiency than many ultra-short 5.56 options
A common base length for pin & weld muzzle device builds that reach a legal 16" overall barrel length, where allowed by law (always confirm and comply with NFA/ATF regulations). Ballistic Advantage+2Ballistic Advantage+2
Paired with Ballistic Advantage’s Hanson profile and midlength gas system, this barrel is tuned for smooth cycling, controlled recoil, and excellent on-target performance.
BA Hanson Profile – Balanced, Accurate, and Easy to Shoot
Ballistic Advantage’s Hanson profile is designed to minimize barrel whip, shifting weight away from the muzzle and creating a more neutral balance without going ultra-thin. That means: Ballistic Advantage+2GunMag Warehouse+2
Less muzzle-heavy feel compared to traditional government profiles
Improved shot-to-shot consistency, especially during rapid strings
A barrel that feels lively and fast onto target, yet still rigid enough for precision work
Many shooters report the Hanson contour offering a noticeable difference in how the rifle tracks through recoil and transitions between targets, especially when combined with a quality compensator or flash hider.
Midlength Gas System & Pinned Low-Profile Gas Block
A standout feature of this model is the midlength gas system paired with a factory-included, pinned low-profile gas block. Blackstone Shooting Sports+3Ballistic Advantage+3Cheaper Than Dirt+3
Benefits include:
Smoother recoil impulse than comparable carbine-gas barrels, which can reduce wear and make the rifle more controllable
Pinned gas block for rock-solid reliability—no set screws to work loose under heat and vibration
A low-profile gas block that tucks neatly under free-float handguards, giving you more rail space and a clean look
This barrel is not designed for aftermarket piston kits, and is meant to run on direct-impingement gas systems as Ballistic Advantage intended. Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore+3Ballistic Advantage+3GunMag Warehouse+3
CMV Steel with QPQ Nitride – Built to Last
The Performance Series 13.7" Hanson barrel is machined from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium (CrMoV) steel, a proven barrel steel chosen for its combination of strength, heat resistance, and durability under repeated firing. Classic Firearms+3Ballistic Advantage+3Arm or Ally+3
It’s then finished with a QPQ (quench-polish-quench) nitride treatment, inside and out, which: Ballistic Advantage+2Ammunition Depot+2
Increases surface hardness and wear resistance
Provides excellent corrosion resistance compared to traditional blued or park’d finishes
Reduces friction, helping with cleaning and long-term maintenance
For shooters who train hard, shoot in varying weather, or run high round counts, this combination of CMV and QPQ contributes to a barrel that can stand up to the abuse.
Performance Series Details – HP/MPI Tested & NiB Feed Ramp Extension
Ballistic Advantage’s Performance Series adds features beyond the basic spec sheet to support reliability and consistency: Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore+3Ballistic Advantage+3GunMag Warehouse+3
Nickel Boron–coated extended M4 feed ramp extension for smoother, more reliable feeding from a variety of magazines and ammo types
HP (High Pressure) and MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspection) testing to help ensure the barrel is free from hidden defects
Tight quality control backed by BA’s reputation and accuracy guarantee program on many of their barrels
These upgrades make the Performance Series especially attractive for builders who want confidence in their barrel as the core of a serious-use AR-15.
1:7" Twist – Versatile for Modern 5.56 Loads
The 1:7" twist rate is optimized for stabilizing a wide spectrum of bullet weights commonly used in 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington—particularly heavier projectiles in the 62–77 grain range that many shooters prefer for defensive, duty, or extended-range roles. Rainier Arms+3Ballistic Advantage+3Cheaper Than Dirt+3
At the same time, it still performs well with quality 55-grain loads, making this barrel a versatile choice if you run mixed ammunition for training and match use.
Ideal Builds & Use Cases
Configured and used lawfully, the Ballistic Advantage 13.7" Hanson Midlength Performance Series barrel is an excellent choice for: TheGunZone+2Ammunition Depot+2
General-purpose AR-15 carbines with a balance of maneuverability and reach
Lightweight duty or home-defense training rifles (when paired with appropriate components)
Recce-style builds that favor mobility and mid-range accuracy
Compact rifles where you may legally pin and weld a muzzle device to reach 16" overall barrel length
Always ensure your final configuration complies with all NFA/ATF, federal, state, and local regulations, especially regarding barrel length and overall firearm classification.
Technical Specifications – BABL556036F
From Ballistic Advantage and major retailers, core specs include: Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore+4Ballistic Advantage+4Cheaper Than Dirt+4
Manufacturer: Ballistic Advantage
Series: Performance Series, Hanson
Model / SKU: BABL556036F
UPC: 819747020833
Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Rem compatible)
Barrel Length: 13.7"
Profile: BA Hanson
Gas System Length: Midlength
Material: 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium (CrMoV) Steel
Finish: Black QPQ corrosion-resistant nitride
Twist Rate: 1:7"
Gas Block Journal: 1.015" seat for .750" low-profile gas blocks only
Gas Block: Pinned low-profile gas block included
Muzzle Threads: 1/2x28
Weight: 25 oz (including low-pro gas block)
Testing: HP and MPI tested
If you’re looking for a compact, midlength AR-15 barrel that offers excellent shootability, long-term durability, and premium features like a pinned low-pro gas block and NiB feed ramps, the Ballistic Advantage Performance Series 5.56x45mm NATO 13.70" Hanson Profile barrel (BABL556036F) deserves a spot at the top of your list—especially for high-quality, lawful AR-15 builds where the barrel truly is the heart of the rifle.
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