Radical Firearms RF15 Review
Are Radical Firearms Any Good?
Yes. Radical Firearms are fantastic rifles for the money. Built to military specifications with a lifetime warranty.
Let's take a trip down history lane
In the heart of Stafford, Texas, lies a testament to American ingenuity and passion for firearms: Radical Firearms. Starting as a humble hobby, this Title II NFA Gun Manufacturer has evolved into a frontrunner in the firearms industry, offering an extensive lineup of AR pistols, AR-style rifles, silencers, and machine guns. Unlike many in the field, Radical Firearms is not just an assembly shop but a true manufacturer with a fully equipped, modern machining facility. While they produce high end firearms as well, their real market differentiator is their budget line of firearms. My personal favorite to date is the Radical Firearms 10.5" 300 Blackout AR Pistol
Radical Firearms 5.56 Nato 16" Rifle with Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8 LPVO
The Journey from Hobby to Industry Leader
Radical Firearms began its journey in a modest retail space, focusing on FFL transfers while crafting high-end ARs and bolt guns for discerning buyers. The turning point came with the acquisition of their first CNC machines, aimed at achieving better tolerances for the parts assembled in-house. This pursuit of excellence didn't stop there; as the demand and vision grew, so did their collection of CNC machines and, consequently, their team of passionate employees, many of whom are veterans. This veteran hiring preference not only underscores their commitment to quality but also to community and service.
The evolution from a small shop to a manufacturing powerhouse was fueled by a desire to control every aspect of production. By making their parts in-house, Radical Firearms managed to slash production costs significantly, enabling them to pass those savings directly to their customers. Today, they pride themselves on offering top-tier firearms and parts that cater to a wide range of enthusiasts and professionals—from military and law enforcement personnel to 3Gun competition shooters—all at a fraction of the cost of their competitors.
Uncompromising Quality and Exceptional Value
Radical Firearms manufactures all major components of their firearms except for barrels, BCGs (Bolt Carrier Groups), stocks, small springs, and pins. For these components, they partner with highly respected vendors, such as Azimuth Technologies for BCGs, ensuring that every part of a Radical firearm meets their stringent standards for quality and performance.
One of the most compelling aspects of Radical Firearms is their commitment to affordability without sacrificing quality. Entry-level models start at around $400, offering incredible value for anyone looking to own a reliable, high-performance firearm. This commitment to affordability, coupled with uncompromising quality, has positioned Radical Firearms as a go-to manufacturer for budget-conscious buyers seeking top-notch firearms.
My first Radical Firearms Rifle was the Radical Firearms 16" 5.56 NATO, which I fell in love with. I followed it up with the Radical Firearms 10.5" 5.56 NATO AR Pistol.
Radical Firearms 5.56 50 yard group. just a bump to right and we're good to go!
Lifetime Warranty and Customer Service Excellence
Radical Firearms stands behind their products with an exclusive Lifetime Warranty on all products they manufacture, as long as you own the product. This warranty is a testament to their confidence in the quality and durability of their firearms and a promise of their commitment to customer satisfaction.
The company's dedication to customer service is evident in their responsive support team, which addresses inquiries and resolves issues promptly, often within a few hours by email. I know this from personal experience, my response time was 29 minutes. Thanks guys! This level of customer care is rare in the industry and speaks volumes about Radical Firearms' dedication to their customers' satisfaction and trust.
An ever so slight burr on the 300 blackout trigger hook
Personal Experiences and Future Endeavors
As an owner of several Radical Firearms in 300 blackout and 5.56 NATO, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. These firearms are fun to shoot, accurate, and feel on par with higher end models like the Sig M400, well over double the price. The only issue encountered, a tiny burr on the hook causing the trigger not to reset, was swiftly resolved with minimal effort, underscoring the reliability and ease of maintenance of their firearms. My next purchase will be their .308 model RF-10, and I'm also eagerly anticipating getting my hands on their .22LR model, which promises to be an excellent addition to any firearms collection.
Radical Firearms 300 Blackout 10.5 inch Pistol
Running Vortex Optics
I run Vortex Optics on all of my rifles and pistols. I prefer the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24 LPVO for my AR rifles and pistols. I have yet to really stretch their legs and see how they perform at greater distances, but performance in my use case (mainly plinking, hunting, and home defense) has been absolutely stellar. I've also a small issue with a turret on my Strike Eagle 4x24x50 which was addressed in less than 30 minutes by Vortex and replacement parts arrived two days later.
Conclusion
Radical Firearms is a shining example of American craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to the firearms community. With their veteran hiring preference, in-house manufacturing capabilities, exceptional value, lifetime warranty, and outstanding customer service, Radical Firearms is not just manufacturing guns; they're building a legacy. Whether you're in the market for an AR-style rifle, a silencer, or looking to venture into the world of machine guns, Radical Firearms offers quality, affordability, and a commitment to excellence that is hard to beat.