Timber Creek Outdoors TC556P16 Pencil 5.56 NATO 16" Black Nitride AR-15 Barrel

The Timber Creek Outdoors TC556P16 is a lightweight pencil-profile AR-15 replacement barrel chambered in 5.56 NATO and finished in a wear-resistant Black Nitride coating. Built for shooters looking to shed front-end weight on a custom build, this 16" barrel is designed as a direct replacement for a standard mil-spec AR-15 upper.

The barrel is rifled with a 1:7" twist, a versatile rate that stabilizes the full spread of common 5.56mm bullet weights, from light varmint and plinking loads to heavier 70-77 grain match and open-tip projectiles. A midlength gas system is matched to the 16" length, keeping the action cycling reliably while helping to reduce felt recoil and extend component service life. The chamber is cut with M4 feed ramps for positive, dependable feeding from standard mil-spec 5.56 NATO magazines.

Externally, the slim pencil profile trims weight where it counts on a rifle build without giving up the rigidity needed for consistent accuracy. The muzzle is threaded 1/2x28 for use with standard 5.56 muzzle devices and birdcage-style flash hiders, and a thread protector is included to keep the crown protected during installation. Installation requires a .750" gas block (sold separately). Whether you are assembling a lightweight patrol carbine or refreshing an existing build, the TC556P16 delivers a clean, modern package from Timber Creek Outdoors.