Radical Firearms 16in, 450 MHR Complete Upper Receiver Group Review

Let’s Dive into Radical Firearms 16in, 450 MHR Complete Upper Receiver Group

The Radical Firearms 16in, 450 MHR Complete Upper Receiver Group promises to deliver big-bore power in a familiar AR-15 platform. Radical Firearms aims to provide an affordable entry point into the world of .450 Bushmaster, known for its devastating stopping power on large game. This complete upper receiver group offers a straightforward way to convert your existing AR-15 lower into a potent hunting or defensive weapon.

I’ve been searching for a dedicated deer hunting upper that offered more punch than my existing 5.56. The .450 Bushmaster has a solid reputation for taking down large game with authority, and I wanted to see if this Radical Firearms upper could live up to the hype without breaking the bank. I considered building a custom upper, but the ease of a complete receiver group was too tempting.

Unboxing the upper was a no-frills experience. The assembly appeared solid, with a Mil-Spec finish and a clean, functional design. The weight felt reasonable for a 16-inch barrel, and the included Panzer Brake looked aggressive and ready to tame recoil.

I briefly considered a Bear Creek Arsenal .450 Bushmaster upper and a similar offering from Anderson Manufacturing. I chose the Radical Firearms 16in, 450 MHR Complete Upper Receiver Group because of its balance between price, features (like the MHR handguard), and the generally positive reputation of Radical Firearms for providing reliable, if not always cosmetically perfect, products. It seemed like the best bet for a budget-conscious build.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t the prettiest AR upper I’ve ever seen, but it felt solid and ready to go. I was eager to get it mounted on my lower and head to the range to see if it performed as well as it looked.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Radical Firearms 16in, 450 MHR Complete Upper Receiver Group to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range on a crisp autumn day. The air was cool, the sun was bright, and I was ready to see what this Radical Firearms upper could do. I mounted the upper on my standard AR-15 lower receiver and used a magazine specifically designed for .450 Bushmaster.

The upper performed flawlessly through the first 50 rounds. The action was smooth, and the Panzer Brake did an admirable job of mitigating the significant recoil of the .450 Bushmaster cartridge. Accuracy was acceptable out to 100 yards with the iron sights I had temporarily installed.

I experienced one minor issue after about 30 rounds: the handguard seemed to loosen slightly. This was easily remedied with a quick tightening of the mounting screws.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple range trips and a deer hunting season, the Radical Firearms 16in, 450 MHR Complete Upper Receiver Group has proven to be reasonably reliable. It has fired several hundred rounds without any major malfunctions. The handguard screw issue has not recurred after the initial tightening.

There are some signs of wear and tear on the finish, particularly around the ejection port. However, the wear is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the functionality of the upper. The barrel shows no signs of excessive wear or pitting.

Cleaning the upper after each range session is fairly straightforward. Standard AR-15 cleaning procedures apply. I pay particular attention to cleaning the gas system and the chamber, as the .450 Bushmaster can leave behind a fair amount of residue.

Compared to my previous deer hunting rifle, a bolt-action .30-06, this Radical Firearms upper offers comparable power in a significantly more compact and maneuverable package. It’s not as refined or accurate as a high-end bolt gun, but it’s certainly a capable and practical hunting tool.

Breaking Down the Features of Radical Firearms 16in, 450 MHR Complete Upper Receiver Group

Specifications

• Caliber: .450 Bushmaster. This big-bore cartridge delivers significant stopping power, making it suitable for hunting large game like deer, hogs, and even bear in some regions.
• Barrel Length: 16 inches. This length offers a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.
• Gas System Length: Pistol Length. The shorter gas system is necessary to cycle the .450 Bushmaster cartridge reliably.
• Muzzle Device: Panzer Brake. This aggressive muzzle brake is designed to reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise.
• Finish: Mil-Spec. The standard Mil-Spec finish provides decent corrosion resistance and durability.
• Color: Black. A classic and versatile finish.
• Handguard Length: 7 inches. The shorter handguard keeps the overall weight down and provides ample space for mounting accessories.
• Included Accessories: Standard. The upper receiver group comes complete with a bolt carrier group and charging handle.
• Condition: New. Ensures you are getting a product free from prior use or damage.
• Magazine Included: No. You will need to purchase .450 Bushmaster magazines separately.

These specifications combine to create an upper receiver group that is well-suited for hunting and defensive applications. The .450 Bushmaster cartridge provides ample stopping power. The 16-inch barrel ensures good ballistic performance while maintaining maneuverability.

Performance & Functionality

The Radical Firearms 16in, 450 MHR Complete Upper Receiver Group performs its intended job adequately. It reliably cycles the .450 Bushmaster cartridge and delivers acceptable accuracy for hunting purposes.

The primary strengths of this upper are its affordability and its ease of installation. It offers a relatively inexpensive way to enter the world of .450 Bushmaster ARs. The main weakness is its lack of refinement.

It meets expectations for a budget-oriented upper receiver group. It’s not a match-grade target rifle, but it’s a reliable and functional hunting tool.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate. The materials used are standard AR-15 components. The upper receiver feels solid, but the finish is not particularly durable. The weight is reasonable for a 16-inch barreled upper.

The ergonomics are generally good. The MHR (M-LOK Hybrid Rail) handguard provides a comfortable and secure grip. There is a slight learning curve associated with shooting the .450 Bushmaster cartridge, due to its significant recoil.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, this upper should last for many years. The barrel is likely the component that will wear out first.

Maintaining the upper is relatively easy. Standard AR-15 cleaning procedures apply. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to ensure reliable operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The upper receiver group comes with a standard bolt carrier group and charging handle. There are numerous customization options available for the AR-15 platform.

The MHR handguard is compatible with M-LOK accessories, allowing you to easily mount lights, lasers, and other tactical equipment. The upper is also compatible with a wide variety of AR-15 optics and triggers.

Pros and Cons of Radical Firearms 16in, 450 MHR Complete Upper Receiver Group

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Who Should Buy Radical Firearms 16in, 450 MHR Complete Upper Receiver Group?

This upper receiver group is perfect for budget-conscious hunters who want a powerful and maneuverable AR-15 platform for deer, hogs, or other large game. It’s also suitable for individuals who want a dedicated home defense weapon with significant stopping power.

Individuals seeking a precision target rifle or those who prioritize aesthetic perfection should skip this product. If you require match-grade accuracy or demand flawless cosmetic finishes, this is not the upper for you.

A .450 Bushmaster magazine is a must-have accessory. A quality optic, such as a low-power variable scope, is also highly recommended. A more comfortable pistol grip might be desirable to better manage the recoil.

Conclusion on Radical Firearms 16in, 450 MHR Complete Upper Receiver Group

The Radical Firearms 16in, 450 MHR Complete Upper Receiver Group offers a solid value proposition for those seeking an affordable entry into the world of .450 Bushmaster ARs. It’s a reliable and functional hunting tool that delivers significant stopping power in a compact and maneuverable package.

The price is justified by its performance and ease of use. While it may not be the most refined or aesthetically pleasing upper on the market, it gets the job done without breaking the bank.

I would personally recommend this upper to budget-conscious hunters and shooters who are looking for a reliable and powerful AR-15 platform. If you’re looking to put some serious stopping power in your AR-15, give the Radical Firearms 16in, 450 MHR Complete Upper Receiver Group a shot!