Let’s Talk About Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly
The Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly offers an entry into the world of short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and AR pistols without breaking the bank. Radical Firearms has built a reputation for providing budget-friendly AR components, and this upper assembly continues that trend. It’s a complete upper, including the barrel, handguard, and upper receiver itself, ready to drop onto your existing AR-15 lower. With its 8.5-inch barrel and chambering in the versatile .300 AAC Blackout, it promises maneuverability and effective performance, especially when suppressed.
I was looking for a compact upper to build a dedicated suppressed AR pistol for home defense and hog hunting. The .300 Blackout caliber seemed ideal for its subsonic capabilities and effectiveness at shorter ranges. After seeing the price point of the Radical Firearms upper, I was intrigued.
Unboxing the upper, I was pleasantly surprised. The finish was consistent, and the Forward Guard Shield (FGS) handguard felt solid. The weight was manageable, as expected from a shorter barrel.
I considered uppers from Aero Precision and Ballistic Advantage, known for their quality and precision. However, the price difference was significant, and I was willing to try the Radical Firearms option for a budget build. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. It certainly looked the part.
Real-World Testing: Putting Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip was primarily a function test. I mounted the Radical Firearms upper onto a pistol lower with an SB Tactical SBA3 brace. I used both supersonic and subsonic .300 Blackout ammunition.
The upper performed reliably with supersonic rounds, cycling smoothly. I had a few initial hiccups with subsonic ammunition failing to lock back on an empty magazine. This was easily remedied with an adjustable gas block to fine-tune the gas system.
After the first 50 rounds, the handguard did get a little warm, even with moderate firing. It was manageable, but something to consider for extended shooting sessions. I was cautiously pleased with its performance, though the subsonic cycling issue needed addressing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use and approximately 500 rounds, the Radical Firearms upper has proven surprisingly reliable. With the adjustable gas block properly tuned, both supersonic and subsonic ammunition cycle consistently, even with a suppressor attached.
There are some minor signs of wear on the finish, particularly around the ejection port, but nothing excessive. The barrel has held up well and cleaning is straightforward. It easily meets the requirements for a budget-friendly .300 Blackout pistol build.
In comparison to previous experiences with higher-end uppers, the accuracy isn’t quite as precise. However, for its intended purpose of close-quarters engagements and hog hunting within 100 yards, it performs adequately. Overall, I’m satisfied with its durability and reliability for the price.
Breaking Down the Features of Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly
Specifications
The Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly features an 8.5-inch HBAR profile barrel chambered in .300 AAC Blackout. The barrel is constructed from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel. It is finished with a matte black coating for corrosion resistance.
The upper receiver is made from forged 7075-T6 aluminum. It includes a forward assist and ejection port door. The handguard is Radical Firearms’ own Forward Guard Shield (FGS), a 7-inch free-float design with M-LOK slots for accessory attachment. This allows for mounting lights, lasers, and other essential gear. The upper also includes an A2 flash hider. It is important to note that a bolt carrier group (BCG) and charging handle are not included.
These specifications result in a compact and relatively lightweight upper that is well-suited for use in AR pistols and short-barreled rifles. The .300 Blackout caliber provides excellent stopping power and subsonic capabilities for suppressed use. The M-LOK handguard offers ample space for customization.
Performance & Functionality
The Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly performs its job adequately, providing reliable cycling and acceptable accuracy for its intended purpose. With proper gas system tuning, it cycles both supersonic and subsonic ammunition reliably.
The accuracy is sufficient for close-quarters engagements. I consistently achieved groupings of around 2-3 inches at 50 yards with supersonic ammunition and a red dot sight. Subsonic ammunition typically produced slightly larger groupings. One area that could use improvement is the included A2 flash hider, which is functional but not particularly effective at reducing flash signature, especially with .300 Blackout.
Overall, the upper meets expectations for a budget-friendly .300 Blackout build. The performance is not exceptional but is reliable enough for its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly is straightforward and functional. The build quality is decent for the price point, with no major flaws in the finish or assembly.
The weight is manageable, making it comfortable to handle in an AR pistol configuration. The FGS handguard is relatively slim and comfortable to grip. The only potential downside is that it can get warm during extended firing. There is a minimal learning curve, as it’s a standard AR-15 upper that installs easily on any compatible lower receiver.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience and the experiences of other users, the Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly appears to be reasonably durable. While the finish may show some wear over time, the core components are built to withstand typical use.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only regular cleaning and lubrication of the barrel, bolt (when you add it) and other moving parts. I expect this upper to last for several thousand rounds with proper care. The fact that the gas block is pinned is a definite plus for long-term durability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly is highly customizable. The M-LOK handguard provides ample space for mounting accessories such as lights, lasers, vertical grips, and bipods.
The upper receiver is compatible with any standard AR-15 charging handle and bolt carrier group (BCG). I used a Spike’s Tactical BCG and charging handle. Many users upgrade the flash hider to a more effective muzzle device. A suppressor is a popular addition for maximizing the .300 Blackout’s subsonic capabilities. The compatibility with standard AR-15 accessories makes it easy to tailor this upper to your specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it an accessible entry into the .300 Blackout world.
- Reliable cycling with both supersonic and subsonic ammunition (with gas block tuning).
- M-LOK handguard provides ample space for accessory attachment.
- Compact and lightweight design is well-suited for AR pistols.
- Pinned gas block adds to the overall durability.
Cons
- Bolt carrier group (BCG) and charging handle not included.
- A2 flash hider is not very effective, especially with .300 Blackout.
- Handguard can get warm during extended firing.
Who Should Buy Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly?
The Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly is perfect for budget-conscious shooters looking to build an AR pistol or short-barreled rifle in .300 Blackout. It’s also a good choice for hog hunters who want a compact and maneuverable rifle for close-range engagements.
This product may not be suitable for competitive shooters demanding extreme accuracy or those who prioritize premium components. Anyone looking for top-tier performance out of the box should look elsewhere. Must-have accessories include a quality bolt carrier group, charging handle, and potentially an adjustable gas block for optimal subsonic performance.
Conclusion on Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly
The Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly offers a solid value proposition for those looking to build a budget-friendly AR pistol or SBR. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end options, it provides reliable performance and acceptable accuracy for its intended purpose.
The price is definitely justified, making it an attractive option for first-time .300 Blackout builders or those on a tight budget. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and functional upper assembly.
If you’re ready to jump into the .300 Blackout game without breaking the bank, give the Radical Firearms 8.5 in. 300 AAC Blackout Upper Assembly a try. Just remember to factor in the cost of a BCG and charging handle!