Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly Review

Let’s Talk About Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly

The Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly offers an accessible entry point into the world of AR-15 builds chambered in the versatile .300 Blackout cartridge. Radical Firearms aims to provide a law-enforcement grade upper, ready to drop onto any mil-spec AR-15 lower, and at a price point that’s hard to ignore. It boasts features like a forward assist, ejection port door, and a free-float handguard.

I’ve been itching to build a dedicated .300 Blackout AR for suppressed shooting and hog hunting. My primary focus was on finding a reliable upper that wouldn’t break the bank while still offering decent accuracy and features. I needed something that could handle both supersonic and subsonic ammunition effectively.

Upon receiving the Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly, I was initially impressed with the fit and finish. The upper felt solid, and the free-float handguard was surprisingly lightweight.

I considered uppers from Aero Precision and Palmetto State Armory, but the Radical Firearms option won out because of the price and the inclusion of a 15-inch M-LOK handguard. The price point, coupled with the features, made it an attractive option for a budget build.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited to start the build, but I also knew that budget-friendly components sometimes come with compromises. The real test would be at the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly at an outdoor range in central Texas. The conditions were hot and dry, with temperatures hovering around 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

The upper performed well with both supersonic and subsonic ammunition. I experienced no failures to feed or extract during the initial 100-round test.

The upper was easy to install on my existing AR-15 lower. No special tools or gunsmithing was required. The fit was snug, and the rifle felt balanced in my hands.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use and approximately 500 rounds fired, the Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly continues to perform reliably. I’ve used it in a variety of conditions, including a couple of light rain showers, with no issues.

There are a few minor signs of wear on the finish, particularly around the ejection port. The A2 flash hider shows some carbon buildup, but that’s to be expected.

Cleaning the upper is straightforward. Standard AR-15 cleaning procedures and solvents work perfectly. It has performed admirably, meeting my expectations for a budget-friendly .300 Blackout upper.

Breaking Down the Features of Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly

Specifications

• Caliber: .300 AAC Blackout This caliber offers versatility for both supersonic and subsonic ammunition, making it suitable for a variety of applications, including hunting, home defense, and suppressed shooting.
• Barrel Length: 16 inches A 16-inch barrel provides a good balance of maneuverability and ballistic performance in the .300 Blackout cartridge.
• Barrel Profile: HBAR The HBAR (Heavy Barrel) profile adds rigidity and helps to dissipate heat, potentially improving accuracy during sustained fire.
• Gas System Length: Pistol Length The pistol-length gas system is typical for .300 Blackout AR-15s, ensuring reliable cycling with a wide range of ammunition.
• Barrel Twist Rate: 1-8 The 1-8 twist rate is well-suited for stabilizing both supersonic and subsonic .300 Blackout bullets.
• Threads per Inch: 5/8×24 The 5/8×24 thread pitch is the standard for .30 caliber AR-15 barrels, allowing for the use of a wide variety of muzzle devices and suppressors.
• Handguard Type: Free-Float A free-float handguard isolates the barrel from external pressure, which can improve accuracy.
• Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider The A2 flash hider is a common and effective muzzle device that reduces muzzle flash.
• Finish: Matte Black The matte black finish provides a non-reflective surface and helps to protect against corrosion.
• Handguard Length: 15 inches The 15-inch handguard provides ample space for mounting accessories.
• Gun Rail: M-LOK The M-LOK rail system allows for easy attachment of accessories such as lights, lasers, and foregrips.
• Barrel Material: 4140 Chrome Moly Vanadium 4140 CMV steel is a durable and commonly used barrel material.

These specifications are essential because they influence the rifle’s accuracy, reliability, and overall performance. For example, the 1-8 twist rate ensures proper stabilization of various bullet weights commonly used in .300 Blackout. The free-float handguard enhances accuracy by eliminating pressure points on the barrel, and the M-LOK system allows for versatile customization.

Performance & Functionality

The Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly performs its job adequately, providing acceptable accuracy and reliability for its price point. I have achieved consistent 2-3 MOA groups with quality ammunition.

Its strengths include reliable cycling with both supersonic and subsonic ammunition, as well as the comfortable and lightweight M-LOK handguard. The weaknesses are the basic A2 flash hider and potentially the long-term durability of the finish.

It mostly meets expectations. For a budget-conscious build, it offers good value.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price. The materials used are standard for AR-15 components. The upper feels relatively lightweight.

The design is straightforward and user-friendly. There isn’t a steep learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, the Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly should last for several thousand rounds. The finish may show wear over time, but the core components should remain functional.

Maintenance is easy. Standard AR-15 cleaning procedures work well.

Accessories and Customization Options

The upper comes with a standard A2 flash hider and a Radical Firearms FCR (Slim Rail System) M-LOK handguard. You can easily add optics, lights, lasers, foregrips, and other accessories to the M-LOK handguard.

The upper is compatible with any mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver, as well as a wide range of aftermarket triggers, charging handles, and other components. Aftermarket barrels, muzzle devices, and bolt carrier groups will also work.

Pros and Cons of Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly

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Who Should Buy Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly?

This upper is perfect for budget-conscious AR-15 enthusiasts looking to build a .300 Blackout rifle for recreational shooting, hog hunting, or home defense. It’s also a good option for those who are new to AR-15 builds and want a simple and affordable starting point.

Those seeking match-grade accuracy or who demand the highest level of durability should skip this product.

Must-have accessories include a quality optic (red dot or scope), a reliable .300 Blackout magazine, and a sling. A suppressor is highly recommended to take full advantage of the .300 Blackout’s subsonic capabilities.

Conclusion on Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly

The Radical Firearms 16 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly provides a solid foundation for a budget-friendly .300 Blackout AR-15 build. It offers acceptable performance and reliability at an affordable price.

The price is justified for what you get. It’s an excellent value for those on a tight budget.

I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an inexpensive and reliable .300 Blackout upper receiver. If you’re looking to build a reliable .300 Blackout AR without breaking the bank, give the Radical Firearms upper a try!