Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 AR-15 Semi-Auto Rifle
Welcome to this review of the Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 rifle. The 7.62 x 39mm cartridge has been a popular choice among shooters for many years due to its effectiveness in hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense. In this review, we will take a closer look at the features of the RF-15 and assess whether it lives up to the high standards set by other rifles in its class.
Table of contents
History of Radical Firearms
Founded in 2013 to produce quality, American-made firearms at an affordable price point. Radical Firearms initially focused on creating AR-15 rifles and related components but has since expanded its product line to include other types of firearms, including pistols and shotguns.
One of Radical Firearms’ distinguishing features is its commitment to using only American-made parts and components in its firearms. The company also takes a unique approach to quality control, using a proprietary software system that tracks each gun throughout the manufacturing process to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Since its founding, Radical Firearms has grown rapidly and gained a reputation for producing quality firearms at competitive prices. The company has also developed a strong following among gun enthusiasts.
History of the Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15
The Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 rifle was introduced in 2016 as part of the company’s expanding line of AR-15 rifles. The rifle was designed to take advantage of the 7.62 x 39mm cartridge, widely used in the AK-47 and other Soviet-era rifles.
The RF-15 was built with several features specifically designed for the 7.62 x 39mm cartridge, including a modified bolt carrier group and a specially designed magazine. The rifle also features a 16-inch barrel with a 1:10 twist rate, providing good accuracy and stability for the cartridge.
One of the key selling points of the RF-15 is its affordability, with a price point significantly lower than many other rifles in its class. It has become a popular choice among gun enthusiasts looking for a quality rifle at an affordable price point and among hunters and sport shooters who appreciate its versatility and effectiveness with the 7.62 x 39mm cartridge.
Unboxing
The RF-15 usually comes in a no-frills cardboard box with the Radical Firearms logo. Inside the box, you will find the rifle itself, a 30-round DURAMAG, a user’s manual, and a gun lock.
Considering the cost of the RF-15, the modest packaging seems reasonable. The rifle itself makes a great first impression. A thin layer of grease is on the gun to protect it, so you’ll want to wipe it down. But it feels well-balanced, looks sharp, and feels well-made.
Specifications
- Caliber: 7.62 x 39mm
- Barrel Length: 16 inches
- Barrel Material: 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel
- Barrel Finish: Melonite
- Twist Rate: 1:10
- Gas System: Carbine Length
- Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
- Upper Receiver: Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum
- Lower Receiver: Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum
- Handguard: Free Float Radical M-LOK
- Charging Handle: MIL-SPEC
- Bolt Carrier Group: 7.62x39mm HPT/MPI
- Trigger: MIL-SPEC
- Pistol Grip: A2-style
- Stock: 6-Position Collapsible
- Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
- Weight: 6.5 lbs (unloaded)
- Overall Length: 32.5 inches (collapsed); 36.5 inches (extended)
- SKU: FR16-7.62X39HBAR-15RPR
- UPC: 816903023011
- MFR#: RF00078
- MSRP: $463.69
Action
The Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 is a semi-automatic rifle that operates on a direct impingement gas system. It uses a standard AR-15 upper and lower receiver, allowing easy customization and compatibility with a wide variety of aftermarket parts and accessories.
The RF-15 also features a standard AR-15 charging handle and bolt carrier group.
Bolt Carrier Group
The bolt carrier group (BCG) of the Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 is made from 8620 steel and is shot-peened, and MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspected) tested to ensure it is free from any defects. The bolt is made from Carpenter 158 steel and shot-peened, and MPI tested to ensure it is strong and durable.
The carrier group features a chrome-lined gas key and a properly staked gas key to prevent gas leakage. The gas key is also properly torqued to ensure a reliable gas seal. The BCG works specifically with the 7.62x39mm cartridge. Thus, it is matched for the unique characteristics of this round.
Barrel
The Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 comes standard with a 16-inch barrel made from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel. The barrel has a Melonite finish, a salt bath nitriding process that creates a hard, corrosion-resistant surface. This finish also helps to reduce wear and tear on the barrel over time.
The RF-15 has a 16-inch barrel made from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel. The barrel has a Melonite finish, a salt bath nitriding process that creates a hard, corrosion-resistant surface. This finish also helps to reduce wear and tear on the barrel over time.
The barrel has a twist rate of 1:10, optimized for stabilizing 7.62x39mm bullets. This twist rate is commonly used in firearms chambered for this cartridge. It provides good accuracy and stabilization for many bullet weights and types.
The RF-15’s barrel also features an A2 flash hider, which reduces the muzzle flash and helps to protect the shooter’s vision in low-light conditions. The flash hider is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket muzzle devices, so shooters can easily customize their rifles to suit their preferences.
Capacity, Magazines Caliber
The Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 has a standard magazine capacity of 30 rounds like many other rifles chambered in this caliber. The standard AR-15 magazine makes it easy to find replacement magazines and customize the rifle to suit the shooter’s preferences.
The RF-15 is chambered in 7.62x39mm, which is a popular cartridge for use in semi-automatic rifles. This cartridge was originally made for use in the AK-47. It has become popular with many other firearms manufacturers due to its versatility and availability.
Overall, the RF-15’s magazine capacity and caliber make it a good choice for shooters who value firepower and versatility, whether for hunting, sport shooting, or tactical applications.
Controls
The Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 features standard AR-15 controls, including a safety selector, magazine release, and bolt release. These controls are located in the same positions as on most AR-15s, which makes the RF-15 familiar and easy to use for shooters already familiar with this platform.
The safety selector is located on the left side of the receiver, just above the pistol grip. It has two positions, “safe” and “fire,” and can be easily manipulated with the shooter’s thumb. The magazine release is located just behind the magazine well and can be easily pressed with the shooter’s trigger finger.
The bolt release is on the receiver’s left side, just above the magazine release. It allows the shooter to release the bolt carrier group and load a new round into the chamber quickly and easily.
Finish
The Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 features a durable and attractive finish designed to withstand heavy use and harsh environments.
The upper and lower receivers are made from 7075-T6 aluminum alloy and are hard-coat anodized to provide a tough and durable finish. The anodized finish helps protect the metal from scratches, dings, and other types of wear and tear that can occur during regular use.
Frame
The Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 frame consists of the upper and lower receivers, both made from high-quality 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.
The upper receiver is a flattop design with a Picatinny rail to easily attach optics and other accessories. The lower receiver is also a standard AR-15 design compatible with a wide range of aftermarket components and accessories.
The upper and lower receivers are precision-machined to ensure a tight and secure fit. The receivers are also hard coat anodized to provide a tough and durable finish that helps protect the metal from wear and tear.
Grips
The Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 has a standard AR-15 A2-style pistol grip. This grip is comfortable and provides a secure hold on the rifle, even during extended shooting sessions. The grip also has a storage compartment in the bottom, which can store small items such as spare batteries, cleaning patches, or other small accessories.
Handguard
The RF-15 handguard is modular, which means it can be customized and accessorized with various aftermarket components, such as rails, sling mounts, and grips. This allows the shooter to tailor the rifle to their specific needs and preferences.
The RF-15 handguard also features a full-length Picatinny rail on top. It allows the shooter to mount optics or other accessories easily.
Safety
The Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 rifle has a safety selector. It allows the shooter to engage or disengage the safety mechanism. It’s located on the left side of the lower receiver and can be manipulated with the shooter’s thumb.
The safety selector has three positions: Safe, Semi-Automatic, and Automatic (if the rifle has a full-auto or binary firing capability). If the safety selector is in the Safe position, the trigger mechanism is disengaged, and the gun cannot be fired. When the safety selector is in the Semi-Automatic position, the rifle can be fired one shot at a time.
Sights
The Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 rifle does not come with any iron sights or optics by default. However, the rifle is compatible with a variety of sights and optics.
Stock
The Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 rifle has a six-position adjustable stock. The stock provides a comfortable and customizable fit for the shooter.
The six-position adjustable stock allows the shooter to adjust the length of the pull. This is the distance from the trigger to the end of the stock. The stock is adjusted by pressing a release button and sliding the stock to the desired position.
The stock is attached to the rifle buffer tube, which can be replaced or upgraded. There are also a variety of aftermarket stocks available for the AR-15 platform. Some options include fixed, collapsible, and adjustable options. Allowing for further customization of the rifle.
Final Thoughts
The Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 is a versatile rifle with various shooting applications. The rifle’s 7.62x39mm chambering suits it for hunting, target shooting, and tactical use. Further, its compatibility with AR-15 components allows for easy customization and upgrading.
The RF-15 features several components and features that make it an attractive buy for the price. It’s six-position adjustable stock, and standard AR-15 upper and lower receivers provide a comfortable and customizable shooting experience. The chrome-moly steel barrel and chrome-lined bolt carrier group ensure durability and reliability.
Overall, the Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 looks like a good choice for anyone in the market for a versatile and reliable rifle. As always, it is essential to receive proper training and follow all safety procedures when handling any firearm.
Radical Firearms 7.62 x 39mm RF-15 FAQs
The effective range of the RF-15 depends on a variety of factors. For example, the shooter’s skill, the quality of the ammunition, and the specific shooting conditions. However, the 7.62 x 39mm cartridge is generally effective to 300-400 yards.
Yes, the RF-15 is compatible with standard AK-47 magazines, including those made by other manufacturers.
Radical Firearms offers a limited lifetime warranty for the RF-15, which covers defects in materials and workmanship.
