The Faxon Firearms ION-X Hyperlite – Semi-Auto AR-15 Rifle, 5.56 NATO, 16" Barrel, Slim 3-Port Muzzle Brake, Mid-Length Gas System, 13" Free Float M-LOK Handguard, Hiperfire EDTOM Single Stage Trigger, 30 Rounds, FX5516X (UPC 816341027442) is a purpose-built ultralight performance rifle designed for shooters who demand speed, control, and premium components straight from the factory. Weighing in at just 4.93 lbs, this rifle brings competition-grade handling to everyday range work, training, and duty use. Faxon Firearms+1
Ultralight 5.56 NATO AR-15 Built for Speed and Control
The ION-X Hyperlite is part of Faxon’s Summit Line, engineered as one of the lightest production AR-15 rifles on the market while still using real-deal duty-grade components. Faxon Firearms+1
Caliber: 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington
Barrel: 16" pencil profile 5.56 NATO barrel for fast handling and excellent accuracy
Weight: Complete rifle at approximately 4.93 lbs – incredibly light for a full-size AR-15 with a 16" barrel Faxon Firearms+1
Capacity: 30-round magazine (includes 1 magazine) Classic Firearms+1
The pencil profile barrel and skeletonized receiver set dramatically reduce front-end and overall weight, making transitions between targets faster and fatigue much lower over long strings of fire. Faxon Firearms+1
16" Pencil Barrel with Slim 3-Port Muzzle Brake
At the heart of the ION-X Hyperlite is Faxon’s renowned 16" 5.56 NATO pencil barrel, paired with a tuned gas system and brake for exceptional shootability: Faxon Firearms+1
16" pencil-profile barrel – Faxon’s lightweight contour designed for a balance of accuracy and minimal weight.
Threaded 1/2x28 muzzle capped with a slim 3-port muzzle brake that helps reduce recoil and muzzle rise for faster follow-up shots. Faxon Firearms+1
Slim brake profile lets you service the gas block or barrel nut without removing the muzzle device, simplifying maintenance and future upgrades. Faxon Firearms
Whether you’re burning down close targets or stretching out to distance, the barrel and brake combo keeps the rifle light, flat, and controllable.
Tuned Mid-Length Gas System with Adjustable Gas Block
Gas system geometry is a big part of how an AR-15 feels. Faxon equips the ION-X Hyperlite with a mid-length gas system and multi-position adjustable gas block for a smoother recoil impulse and excellent reliability: Faxon Firearms+2Palmetto State Armory+2
Mid-length gas system helps reduce recoil and wear compared to carbine systems, especially with a 16" barrel. Faxon Firearms+1
Multi-position adjustable gas block lets you tune the rifle for different ammo, shooting conditions, or suppressor setups, optimizing reliability and feel. Faxon Firearms+1
From competition loads to training ammo, you can dial in the gas for a soft yet reliable cycling experience.
13" Carbon Fiber Free-Float M-LOK Handguard
The ION-X Hyperlite uses a 13" free-float carbon fiber M-LOK handguard, giving you plenty of mounting real estate without the weight penalty of a traditional aluminum rail. Faxon Firearms+2Impact Guns+2
Carbon fiber construction for exceptional stiffness at a fraction of the weight.
M-LOK slots along the length for attaching lights, grips, bipods, and other accessories exactly where you want them.
Free-float design helps enhance accuracy by ensuring the barrel is not influenced by pressure on the handguard. Faxon Firearms+1
The 13" length pairs perfectly with the 16" barrel, offering a full, comfortable support-hand position and a modern, extended rail look.
X-Tra Lite Forged Receiver Set – 7075-T6, Skeletonized & Tuned
Faxon’s X-Tra Lite receiver set is a key reason this rifle hits sub-5-lb territory without compromising strength: Faxon Firearms+1
Material: 7075-T6 forged aluminum, honed and trued in-house at Faxon’s Cincinnati facility. Faxon Firearms+1
Enhanced forged receiver set with tensioning screw to tighten upper/lower fit and eliminate wobble. Faxon Firearms+1
Skeletonized Picatinny rail and magwell, plus carefully milled surfaces to shed weight while preserving rigidity. Faxon Firearms
Forward assist deleted to save weight and streamline the upper. Faxon Firearms
Finished in a tough black anodized coating, the receiver set offers a sleek, modern look with real-world durability. Faxon Firearms+1
Gunner Lightweight M16 BCG & Premium Hiperfire Trigger
Inside the rifle, Faxon selects components that complement the ultra-light concept without sacrificing reliability:
Faxon Gunner Lightweight M16 Bolt Carrier Group with Superfinish for smoother cycling and easier cleaning. Faxon Firearms+2Faxon Firearms+2
Hiperfire EDTOM single-stage trigger (Summit-series listing describes EDTDM; retailers list EDTOM) – a clean, consistent, duty-grade single-stage trigger optimized for fast, predictable breaks. Faxon Firearms+2Classic Firearms+2
This combination delivers a short, predictable trigger press and a slick operating feel that serious shooters appreciate during high-round-count sessions.
Ambidextrous Controls & Lightweight Furniture
Faxon rounds out the ION-X Hyperlite with ergonomic, ambidextrous controls and minimalist furniture: Faxon Firearms+1
Ambidextrous charging handle for easy manipulation from either side.
Radian Talon ambi 45/90-degree safety selector – configurable for your preferred throw. Faxon Firearms
MFT Minimalist-style stock for a secure shoulder weld with minimal weight. Faxon Firearms+1
Magpul MOE-type grip or similar, providing a comfortable, modern grip angle. Faxon Firearms+1
These features make the rifle very friendly to left-handed shooters and those who prefer modern ambi setups for defensive or competition use.
Made in the USA & Backed by Faxon’s Lifetime Guarantee
The ION-X Hyperlite is designed, machined, and assembled in-house at Faxon’s Greater Cincinnati, Ohio facility using top-quality materials and tight QC standards. Faxon Firearms+1
Made in the USA with in-house machining and assembly.
Covered by the Faxon Lifetime Guarantee, which protects against defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product. Faxon Firearms+2Faxon Firearms+2
For serious shooters, that means confidence in the rifle on day one and years down the line.
Key Specs – Faxon ION-X Hyperlite 5.56 Rifle FX5516X
From Faxon and major authorized dealers: yellowstone-armory.com+3Faxon Firearms+3Hinterland Outfitters+3
Manufacturer: Faxon Firearms
Model: ION-X Hyperlite
Part Number: FX5516X
UPC: 816341027442
Action: Semi-automatic AR-15
Caliber: 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington
Barrel Length: 16" pencil profile
Muzzle Device: Slim 3-port muzzle brake, threaded 1/2x28
Gas System: Mid-length with multi-position adjustable gas block
Handguard: 13" free-float carbon fiber M-LOK handguard
Receiver Set: 7075-T6 X-Tra Lite forged upper and lower with tensioning screw, skeletonized rail and magwell
Bolt Carrier Group: Faxon Gunner Lightweight M16 BCG with Superfinish
Trigger: Hiperfire EDTOM single-stage trigger
Controls: Ambi charging handle, Radian Talon ambi 45/90° safety
Furniture: MFT-style minimalist stock; Magpul MOE-style grip (or similar)
Finish: Black anodized
Magazine: 1 included, 30-round capacity
Overall Weight: Approx. 4.93 lbs complete rifle
Ideal Uses for the ION-X Hyperlite
The Faxon ION-X Hyperlite is an excellent choice for:
3-Gun and action shooting competition, where a light, fast AR with a good trigger and flat recoil is a real advantage.
High-volume training and carbine classes, where low weight reduces fatigue and a tuned gas system keeps the rifle pleasant to run all day.
General-purpose / modern sporting rifle roles, from target shooting to practical drills, where reliability and handling matter.
Pair the ION-X Hyperlite with a quality LPVO or red dot and you have a top-tier lightweight 5.56 AR-15 package that’s ready to perform right out of the box.
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