Radical Firearms RF-15 .300 AAC Blackout was first introduced in 2015 as a versatile option for both recreational and tactical shooting. The rifle is based on the popular AR-15 platform but with some key upgrades and modifications to enhance its performance and reliability.

The .300 AAC Blackout cartridge, initially developed for military use, has recently gained popularity among civilian shooters due to its versatility and effectiveness at short and long ranges. The RF-15 was designed to take full advantage of the cartridge’s capabilities, offering shooters a reliable and customizable platform for various shooting scenarios. Since its introduction, the RF-15 has become one of Radical Firearms’ most popular products and has earned a reputation as a top-performing rifle in its class.

Unboxing

Upon opening the box of the Radical Firearms .300 Blackout Semi-Automatic AR-15 Rifle, I liked the look of the rifle right off the bat. The gun features a 16″ barrel with a heavy profile for enhanced accuracy and a 15″ M-LOK handguard for customizable accessory attachment.

Included in the box were one 30-round magazine, a user manual, and a Radical Firearms sticker. The magazine was easily inserted into the magwell, and the rifle was lightweight and balanced.

My first impression of the Radical Firearms .300 Blackout Semi-Automatic AR-15 Rifle was positive.

Action

The action of the Radical Firearms .300 Blackout is a semi-automatic action, which means that it fires one round each time the trigger is pulled and automatically ejects the spent casing and loads a new round from the magazine.

In addition, the rifle features a Mil-Spec bolt carrier group and charging handle.

Barrel and Handguard

The Radical Firearms .300 Blackout has a 16-inch heavy profile barrel constructed from 4140 Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel. The barrel is also treated with a Melonite finish, which provides additional protection against corrosion and abrasion.

The barrel’s twist rate of 1:8 inches is optimized for the .300 AAC Blackout cartridge, ensuring that the rifle can take full advantage of the cartridge’s capabilities.

The rifle’s handguard is a 15″ Free Float Radical Firearms M-LOK FHR, which allows for easy and customizable attachment of accessories such as lights, lasers, and bipods. The M-LOK system provides a secure and stable platform for attaching accessories, and also helps to reduce weight by eliminating the need for bulky rails. The handguard is also free-floating, which means that it does not touch the barrel, allowing for maximum accuracy and reducing the risk of heat-induced warping.

Capacity, Caliber, Magazines

This rifle has a standard capacity of 30 rounds, which is typical for AR-15 rifles. However, some states and localities have restrictions on magazine capacity, so it’s important to check your local laws before purchasing and using this firearm. Some retailers will ship with compliant magazines.

The caliber of the Radical Firearms .300 Blackout rifle is, as the name suggests, .300 Blackout. This caliber was designed to provide a more effective and versatile round for the AR-15 platform, particularly in short-barreled rifles. It offers excellent performance in both supersonic and subsonic loads, making it ideal for a variety of hunting and shooting applications.

In terms of magazines, the Radical Firearms .300 Blackout rifle is designed to accept standard AR-15 magazines. These magazines come in a variety of capacities, ranging from 5 to 100 rounds. It’s important to choose a magazine that’s appropriate for your intended use and complies with any local regulations.

Controls

The controls on the AR-15 were typical to any other AR-15. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key controls on this firearm.

Magazine Release: The magazine release on the Radical Firearms .300 Blackout Rifle is on the right side of the lower receiver, just behind the trigger guard. It’s a standard AR-15 design and can be easily manipulated with the trigger finger.

Safety Selector: The safety selector on the Radical Firearms .300 Blackout Rifle is located on the left side of the lower receiver. It features a 90-degree throw and can be easily manipulated with the thumb. The safety selector has three positions: Safe, Fire, and a unique third position known as Binary Fire, which allows for pull and release. Although the selector has a notch for this feature, you must install a binary trigger to get that functionality.

Charging Handle: The charging handle is located on the rear of the upper receiver and is used to manually cycle the action of the rifle.

Bolt Catch: The bolt catch on the Radical Firearms .300 Blackout Rifle is located on the left side of the lower receiver, just above the magazine release. It’s used to hold the bolt carrier group in the rearward position, which allows for easy reloading.

Trigger: The trigger on the Radical Firearms .300 Blackout Rifle is a standard AR-15 design and can be easily customized to suit the shooter’s preferences. It has a crisp and clean break and a short reset, making it ideal for rapid fire.

Ergonomics

The RF-15 Rifle is ergonomic are comfortable. From the shape of the pistol grip to the placement of the controls. The gun is a comfortable weight, the adjustable stock and quality handguard, leave an overall comfortable feel when shouldering the firearm.

Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to ARs, you would find the Radical Firearms RF-15 an ergonomic gun.

Fit and Finish

From a fit and finish perspective I find the components fit precise. No play, gaps, or hard edges.

The finish on the rifle also looks quality, with an anodized coating that’s both durable and corrosion-resistant. The finish is smooth, even, with no visible imperfections or flaws and no variance from component to component. I mention that because I have seen far more expensive firearms with variance in the finish on the receivers. So, it’s not a deal breaker for me. If the functional quality is there, but I’d be lying if I said, “I don’t even notice it.”

The attention to detail in the machining and assembly process is also evident in the overall quality of the rifle. Every component looks and feels carefully machined to exacting specifications.

Frame

The frame of the Radical Firearms .300 Blackout Semi-Automatic AR-15 Rifle is the foundation upon which the firearm is built. The lower receiver, is made from high-strength aluminum alloy.

In addition to providing a solid platform for the rifle’s components, it is also designed to be highly customizable.

The lower receiver is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories. You can tailor the rifle to your specific needs and preferences.

Sights

The RF-15 provides a full-length Picatinny Rail for mounting optics or sights but does not include any. Clearly, it boosts the price a bit depending on the solution you’re after, but I can’t say I found it surprising at the price point this rifle sells for. Lastly, knowing this, it’s not uncommon to be able to negotiate sights in on the purchase. Indeed, more challenging online but very doable at your local gun shop or a show.