RADICAL FIREARMS RF-15
Posted Jun 16, 2023
5.56 NATO
Radical Firearms is an up and coming firearms manufacturer with a unique take on their products. Their RF-15 5.56 NATO rifle is no exception, offering a good mix of quality and affordability that make it an attractive option to many shooters.
At first glance, the RF-15 looks like many other AR-15s on the market today. It’s a black rifle featuring a Mil-Spec A3 upper receiver, featuring a forward assist and dust cover. It has the standard M4-style flat top rail with Picatinny rails at the three, six, nine, and twelve o’clock positions.
Upon closer inspection, however, some important details stand out. The RF-15 is constructed from aircraft grade aluminum, making it one of the most rugged AR-15s on the market today. The barrel assembly is held in place with proprietary Free Float Radical Firearms Radical Muzzle Brakes, and the upper and lower receivers are closely matched and expertly finished.
The furniture is another one of the RF-15’s main advantages. It features a full length handguard designed for increased ventilation and comfortable gripping. The black stock is made of glass-filled nylon and the pistol grip is made of polymer. This combination gives the rifle a great feeling in the hand and provides a comfortable platform for shooting.
The rifling inside the barrel is something that sets the RF-15 apart from other rifles in its price range. It features 5R rifling, which helps to reduce the bullet’s spin and increase accuracy down range. The stainless steel finish makes the rifle more resistant to corrosion and ensures consistent performance.
When it comes to shooting, the RF-15 performs admirably. It is accurate, reliable, and feels great to shoot. At the range, you can expect the rifle to hold tight groups out to 100 yards in most conditions. It also offers a solid recoil impulse, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods.
The one potential downside of the RF-15 is its cost. At around $800, it is one of the most expensive AR-15s in its price range. However, for this price, you are getting a quality-constructed AR-15 that offers a lot of features and performs well in most conditions.
Overall, the Radical Firearms RF-15 5.56 NATO is a great rifle that offers quality construction, great features, and good performance at the range. While it is an expensive option, it is well worth the money if you are looking for an AR-15 with serious build quality.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Lightweight and easy to carry.
• It comes with a solid 7075 T-6 Anodized receiver featuring a 4-position adjustable buttstock and Mil-Spec buffer system for enhanced accuracy.
• The flash hider is mounted on a 16” nitro-met alloy barrel and is 5.5-7.5 inches in length.
• The RF-15 has a flat-top rifle length rail for mounting optics, with a Magpul MBUS2 folding rear sight and 1/2 MOA matching Magpul MBUS2 front sight included.
• The RF-15 also features a mil-spec trigger group and two-stage safety selector.
Cons:
• The rifle does not come with a magazine, which must be purchased separately.
• Limited aftermarket customization options.
• Not as many safety features as other guns on the market.
• May be difficult to find spare parts if needed.
Who Should Buy
Those who should buy the Radical Firearms RF-15 include hunters, target shooters, and firearm enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly option for AR-15-style firearms. Those who should not buy it include new gun owners looking for an entry-level rifle and those wanting higher-end components for their firearm.
Comparisons
| Feature | RADICAL FIREARMS RF-15 | SPRINGFIELD ARMORY HELLION BULLPUP | PALMETTO STATE ARMORY PA-10 | PALMETTO STATE ARMORY PSAK47 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 16" | 16.2" | 20" | 16" |
| Weight Without Mag | 6.2lbs | 6.43lbs | 8.3lbs | 7.65lbs |
| Caliber | 5.56 NATO | .308 Winchester | .308 Winchester | 7.62x39mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 Rounds | 20 Rounds | 20 Rounds | 30 Rounds |
| Handguard | 12" M-Lok Rail | 13" M-Lok Free-Floated Rail | 15" M-Lok Free-Floated | 16" Stamped Receiver |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
• Barrel Length: 16"
• Twist Rate: 1:8
• Gas System: .750 Carbine
• Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
• Handguard: 15" Free Float RadiRad Radical Strut
• Receiver Material: 7075-T6 Billet Aluminum
• Receiver Finish: Type III Hardcoat Anodized
• Bolt Carrier Group: M16-Type Mil-Spec Phosphate
• Charging Handle: Mil-Spec Charging Handle
• Buffer Assembly: H Buffer
• Stock: Magpul MOE 6-Position Stock
• Pistol Grip: Magpul MOE Grip
• Magazine: One 30-Round Magazine Included
Popular Accessories
The three most popular accessories for the Radical Firearms RF-15 are: a optics package, a tactical flashlight, and a buttstock. An optics package includes an optic of your choice, such as an EOTech sight, as well as mounts and other necessary components. A tactical flashlight is designed to help you see in low light situations. Lastly, a buttstock is designed to help improve your shooting stability and accuracy.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the Radical Firearms RF-15 is excellent. It is a mid-range semi-automatic AR-style rifle, so it is designed to shoot accurately out to around 400 yards. The gun uses a large, mid-length gas system that helps to increase reliability, accuracy, and cycle rate. It also features a free-floated forend with a full-length top rail and additional rail-cover panels for mounting optics and other accessories. The gun is capable of consistently putting rounds on target out to 300 yards and beyond. For this price range, the quality and accuracy of the Radical Firearms RF-15 is hard to beat.
