An implant delivery syringe includes a barrel, a plunger assembly, and a barrel adapter. A barrel adapter mountable to a syringe barrel includes a barrel tip, needle retraction mechanism, needle assembly and stylet slidably disposed within the needle lumen. The needle retraction mechanism includes a biasing member, actuable locking arrangement and locking mechanism. When the actuable locking arrangement is actuated, the biasing member causes the needle to axially translate over the stylet during retraction to cause delivery of an implant to a target location. The stylet may be retracted following delivery. Methods of assembling, manufacturing, and using are also provided.