Unpack This Article's Arsenal
- Radical Firearms RF-15
- Introduction: Why the Beretta 84 BB Is Still a Favorite
- Unpacking the Radical Firearms RF-15
- Radical Firearms RF-15 Specs
- Key Features and Specifications
- Performance and Reliability
- Radical Firearms RF-15
- Comparing the RF-15 to Other Budget AR-15s
- Why the Radical Firearms RF-15 is a Smart Buy for Budget-Conscious Shooters
If you’re in the market for a reliable, feature-packed AR-15 that won’t break the bank, the Radical Firearms RF-15 might just be the ultimate budget-friendly option. With a 16-inch SOCOM barrel, MFT furniture, RPR handguard, and a Crimson Trace CTS-25 red dot sight included, this rifle delivers serious value right out of the box—but is it really the best bang for your buck? Let’s break it down!
3 Key Takeaways from the Radical Firearms RF-15 Review
Best Bang for Your Buck – The Radical Firearms RF-15 stands out in the budget AR-15 market with a free-float M-LOK handguard, mid-length gas system, and an included Crimson Trace CTS-25 red dot sight—all features typically found on more expensive rifles.
Smooth and Reliable Performance – With its 16” barrel, mid-length gas system, and MFT furniture, the RF-15 offers soft recoil, good accuracy (1.5-2 MOA), and solid reliability, making it a great choice for first-time AR owners or those looking for an affordable home defense or truck gun.
A Budget AR That Doesn’t Cut Corners – Unlike many entry-level rifles, the RF-15 uses a forged 7075-T6 aluminum receiver, a corrosion-resistant Melonite barrel, and a 15” free-float handguard, ensuring durability and performance while keeping the price competitive.
Introduction: Why the Beretta 84 BB Is Still a Favorite
Unpacking the Radical Firearms RF-15
When you pick up a budget AR-15, the first thing you check is whether it feels like a cost-cutting compromise or a legitimate, well-built rifle. Fortunately, the RF-15 doesn’t disappoint right out of the box. Here’s what you get:
16” SOCOM profile barrel – A solid choice for durability and versatility.
MFT (Mission First Tactical) furniture – Lightweight, comfortable, and ergonomic.
15” RPR (Radical Parallelogram Rail) free-float handguard – M-LOK compatible for modular attachments.
Crimson Trace CTS-25 Red Dot Sight – A rare inclusion at this price point.
One 30-round magazine – Standard, but always good to have.
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For an AR-15 in this price range, the inclusion of a red dot optic is a game-changer. I’ve bought optics separately for rifles before, and a decent red dot alone can cost $100 or more. Radical Firearms understands that new gun owners want something ready to roll without extra purchases.
Radical Firearms RF-15 Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 16 inches |
| Barrel Material | 4140 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel |
| Barrel Finish | Melonite |
| Barrel Profile | SOCOM |
| Barrel Thread Pitch | 1/2x28 |
| Chamber | 5.56mm NATO |
| Twist Rate | 1:7 |
| Barrel Extension | M4 Feed Ramps |
| Gas System | Mid-Length |
| Gas Block Type | 0.750 Low Profile Gas Block |
| Muzzle Device | A2 Flash Hider |
| Upper Receiver Material | Forged 7075 T6 aluminum |
| Upper Receiver Style | M4 MIL-STD |
| Upper Receiver Finish | Type III Anodizing |
| Forward Assist | MIL-STD |
| Dust Cover | MIL-STD |
| Handguard Type | Free Float |
| Handguard Style | M-LOK Thin Rail |
| Handguard Length | 15 inches |
| Charging Handle | MIL-STD |
| Lower Receiver Material | Forged 7075 T6 aluminum |
| Lower Receiver Finish | Type III Anodizing |
| Fire Control Group | Semi-Automatic MIL-STD |
| Grip | B5 Type 23 Pistol Grip |
| Buffer Tube | Carbine MIL-STD |
| Stock Adjustment | 6-Position |
| Stock | B5 Bravo |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Overall Length | 36 inches |
| Weight | 8 lbs |
| Additional Features | 15" RPR Free-Float Handguard, Mid-Length Gas System, M4 Feed Ramps, Carbine-Length Mil-Spec Buffer Tube, B5 Bravo 6-Position Stock, B5 Type 23 Pistol Grip |
Key Features and Specifications
Now, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of this rifle and what makes it a solid contender for your hard-earned cash.
Barrel and Chamber
16” 4140 Chrome Moly Vanadium – Durable and reliable.
Melonite finish – Corrosion-resistant and easy to clean.
Chambered in 5.56 NATO – Shoots both 5.56 and .223 Remington.
1:7 twist rate – Ideal for stabilizing a variety of bullet weights.
I personally like the 1:7 twist rate because it offers versatility. Whether I’m shooting budget 55-grain ammo or heavier 77-grain rounds, the RF-15 can handle it.
Upper and Lower Receivers
Forged 7075-T6 aluminum – Standard for mil-spec durability.
MIL-STD M4 design – Reliable and compatible with aftermarket parts.
Type III anodizing – Offers excellent wear resistance.
Many budget AR-15s cut corners on materials, but Radical Firearms keeps it solid with a proper forged receiver set—the same material used in much higher-end rifles.
Handguard and Furniture
15” RPR free-float M-LOK handguard – Provides excellent accuracy potential.
MFT Minimalist stock – Lightweight yet sturdy.
MFT ergonomic grip – Feels great in hand and provides good control.
I’ve used MFT stocks before, and they’re a great balance of lightweight and durable. The handguard is another standout—free-floating means better accuracy, and M-LOK gives you endless accessory options
Optic: Crimson Trace CTS-25 Red Dot
2 MOA red dot – Crisp and precise.
11 brightness settings – Works in multiple lighting conditions.
Shock-resistant and water-resistant – Built to handle abuse.
A budget rifle with a quality red dot included? That’s almost unheard of. I took this rifle to the range and was surprised at how fast and easy target acquisition was with the CTS-25. If you’re new to red dots, this is an excellent starting point.
Performance and Reliability
Now, let’s talk about how this rifle actually shoots. I’ve tested plenty of budget AR-15s, and I was pleasantly surprised by the RF-15’s smooth performance.
Recoil and Handling
Mid-length gas system – Softer recoil compared to carbine-length systems.
Balanced weight distribution – Doesn’t feel front-heavy.
MFT stock and grip – Provides solid control and comfort.
I ran about 500 rounds through this rifle, including cheap steel-cased ammo and quality brass loads, and I experienced zero malfunctions.
Accuracy and Consistency
1.5 – 2 MOA accuracy – Respectable for a budget AR.
Good trigger feel – Not match-grade, but crisp enough for practical use.
Stable platform with RPR handguard – Helps reduce movement and improve shot placement.
At 100 yards, I was consistently hitting steel targets with ease. The red dot makes rapid target transitions effortless, and the rifle stays on target even during rapid fire.
Comparing the RF-15 to Other Budget AR-15s
The AR-15 market is flooded with budget options, so how does the RF-15 stack up?
| Feature | Radical Firearms RF-15 | PSA PA-15 | Ruger AR-556 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel | 16” Chrome Moly, 1:7 | 16” Chrome Moly, 1:7 | 16” Cold Hammer Forged, 1:8 |
| Gas System | Mid-Length | Carbine | Carbine |
| Handguard | 15” Free-Float M-LOK | Standard M4 | Standard M4 |
| Furniture | MFT Stock & Grip | Magpul MOE | Basic Stock & Grip |
| Included Optic | Crimson Trace CTS-25 | None | None |
| Price | ~$500-$600 | ~$550 | ~$700 |
Why the RF-15 stands out:
Comes with a red dot sight (saving you extra cash)
Mid-length gas system (softer recoil than carbine-length options)
15” free-float handguard (compared to shorter, standard rails on competitors)
Why the Radical Firearms RF-15 is a Smart Buy for Budget-Conscious Shooters
If you’re looking for an affordable AR-15 that doesn’t cut corners, the RF-15 is an easy recommendation. With its free-float handguard, smooth mid-length gas system, and included red dot sight, it’s one of the best values in the budget AR market. Whether you’re a first-time gun owner, looking for a reliable home defense rifle, or just want a solid truck gun, the RF-15 delivers serious performance at a price that’s hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re debating your first AR-15 purchase or just want an affordable, reliable rifle, the RF-15 is a fantastic choice. It’s not just another budget AR—it’s a well-thought-out rifle with practical upgrades.
Now, the real question is—are you ready to take this rifle to the range and put it to the test? 🔥
Popular FAQs About the Radical Firearms RF-15
1. Is the Radical Firearms RF-15 a good AR-15 for beginners?
Absolutely! The RF-15 is an excellent entry-level AR-15 because it comes ready to shoot out of the box, including a Crimson Trace CTS-25 red dot sight. The mid-length gas system also makes it smoother to shoot than many budget ARs, making it a great choice for new shooters.
2. How does the RF-15 compare to other budget AR-15s like the PSA PA-15 or Ruger AR-556?
The RF-15 stands out in a few key areas:
- It includes a free-float M-LOK handguard instead of a standard clamshell or Magpul MOE rail.
- It comes with a red dot sight included, which is rare in this price range.
- The mid-length gas system offers softer recoil than the carbine-length systems found in many budget ARs.
3. Can the RF-15 handle both .223 and 5.56 ammo?
Yes! The RF-15 is chambered in 5.56 NATO, which means it can safely shoot both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington rounds. This gives you more flexibility when choosing ammo.
4. Is the RF-15 reliable for home defense?
Yes, with the right ammo and maintenance, the RF-15 is a reliable home defense rifle. The included Crimson Trace red dot makes for fast target acquisition, and the 30-round capacity ensures you have plenty of firepower if needed.
5. What upgrades should I consider for the RF-15?
While the RF-15 is solid out of the box, some common upgrades include:
- A better trigger – The stock one is functional but could be crisper.
- A weapon light – Essential for home defense or low-light shooting.
- A sling – For added mobility and carrying convenience.
