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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
AR15/10 Rifles
Radical firearms any good?
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<blockquote data-quote="mman350" data-source="post: 2428145" data-attributes="member: 121586"><p>For a bit of context, I've built between 350 and 400 AR's of various calibers at this point. I don't use any fully built rifles, but have used some prebuilt uppers for builds. I've used Proof Research, Christensen, Criterion, Rainier, Faxon, BA/Aero, PSA, Radical, and all the way down to BCA (yeah, I know...) I've used a few lesser known brands that I was very happy with as well, but the sample size is too low for those to really count. </p><p></p><p>Statistically, I've had some really good and some pretty bad RF experiences. Overall, I've been pretty happy for the price, but I don't usually suggest them if someone asks about them for a new build. Why? Because I used to be more cavalier about my recommendations, but then I realized that I have a lot of hours of experience, as well as shelves of parts that I can swap in to test with. A lot of people only have one or maybe two AR's, so one of them not running well is very detrimental, and they don't have the experience and parts to get it running. </p><p></p><p>Specifically for RF, I've dealt with probably 30? FWIW, I haven't had any issues with 300BLK uppers from them. All of them cycled, and maintained acceptable accuracy for a 16" barrel. I have seen/helped with a 5.56 midlength upper that wouldn't run some decent commercial ammo (undersized gas port), a 7.62x39 that had atrocious accuracy (even by 7.62 standards), and a 6.5 Grendel that was extremely particular about ammo to get any accuracy out of it (TBF, 6.5G is kinda known for being picky). All that being said, I've seen some good shooters from RF, so it's definitely a mixed bag. I do think you could get their support to give you a replacement if you had one that wouldn't cycle commercial ammo, or if it was key-holing. Some people aren't willing to deal with support, or aren't willing to be without a rifle for a while - that's for you to decide. </p><p></p><p>Maybe I am just lucky with PSA, but I have <strong>never</strong> had one that didn't run, and they have always had acceptable accuracy. By that, I mean that some have been stupid accurate and some have just been capable of being "hunting accurate". For people wanting to save money, I typically suggest them because I've never had to work on getting one to run. During the craziness of 2020 their prices went up, but some of them are starting to work their way down, and you can find good deals occasionally. </p><p></p><p>I've had good luck with accuracy on BA/Aero barrels, but I currently have an 18" .223 Wylde Premium Black with a seemingly undersized gas port that won't cycle. It is a fluke from my experience, but the point is that even mid to upper tier manufacturers can have their issues. </p><p></p><p>Only you know what your budget, willingness to deal with issues, technical level, etc are. I do think that RF will give you a hunting capable rifle, but just know the caveat that you may be more likely to have to deal with their support than if you bought a PSA or Aero. For me, I am at the point where I am willing to pay extra for a BA or Faxon barrel, and a good quality BCG, because I am more particular about wanting even my plinking rifles to be accurate.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="mman350, post: 2428145, member: 121586"] For a bit of context, I've built between 350 and 400 AR's of various calibers at this point. I don't use any fully built rifles, but have used some prebuilt uppers for builds. I've used Proof Research, Christensen, Criterion, Rainier, Faxon, BA/Aero, PSA, Radical, and all the way down to BCA (yeah, I know...) I've used a few lesser known brands that I was very happy with as well, but the sample size is too low for those to really count. Statistically, I've had some really good and some pretty bad RF experiences. Overall, I've been pretty happy for the price, but I don't usually suggest them if someone asks about them for a new build. Why? Because I used to be more cavalier about my recommendations, but then I realized that I have a lot of hours of experience, as well as shelves of parts that I can swap in to test with. A lot of people only have one or maybe two AR's, so one of them not running well is very detrimental, and they don't have the experience and parts to get it running. Specifically for RF, I've dealt with probably 30? FWIW, I haven't had any issues with 300BLK uppers from them. All of them cycled, and maintained acceptable accuracy for a 16" barrel. I have seen/helped with a 5.56 midlength upper that wouldn't run some decent commercial ammo (undersized gas port), a 7.62x39 that had atrocious accuracy (even by 7.62 standards), and a 6.5 Grendel that was extremely particular about ammo to get any accuracy out of it (TBF, 6.5G is kinda known for being picky). All that being said, I've seen some good shooters from RF, so it's definitely a mixed bag. I do think you could get their support to give you a replacement if you had one that wouldn't cycle commercial ammo, or if it was key-holing. Some people aren't willing to deal with support, or aren't willing to be without a rifle for a while - that's for you to decide. Maybe I am just lucky with PSA, but I have [B]never[/B] had one that didn't run, and they have always had acceptable accuracy. By that, I mean that some have been stupid accurate and some have just been capable of being "hunting accurate". For people wanting to save money, I typically suggest them because I've never had to work on getting one to run. During the craziness of 2020 their prices went up, but some of them are starting to work their way down, and you can find good deals occasionally. I've had good luck with accuracy on BA/Aero barrels, but I currently have an 18" .223 Wylde Premium Black with a seemingly undersized gas port that won't cycle. It is a fluke from my experience, but the point is that even mid to upper tier manufacturers can have their issues. Only you know what your budget, willingness to deal with issues, technical level, etc are. I do think that RF will give you a hunting capable rifle, but just know the caveat that you may be more likely to have to deal with their support than if you bought a PSA or Aero. For me, I am at the point where I am willing to pay extra for a BA or Faxon barrel, and a good quality BCG, because I am more particular about wanting even my plinking rifles to be accurate. [/QUOTE]
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Radical firearms any good?
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