Let’s Talk About Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider
The Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider is a pre-assembled AR-15 upper receiver, designed to drop onto any MIL-STD lower receiver. Radical Firearms aims to deliver an accessible and reliable upper, making it a potentially attractive option for both novice builders and experienced shooters seeking a budget-friendly solution. It boasts a 10.5-inch barrel, M-LOK handguard, and a standard A2 flash hider.
My journey to this particular upper assembly began with a desire to build a compact AR pistol for close-quarters training and home defense. I wanted something maneuverable, chambered in 5.56 NATO for readily available ammunition, and, crucially, something that wouldn’t break the bank. I was looking for a balance between affordability and reliability.
Upon unboxing, the Radical Firearms upper presented itself as a no-frills, functional piece of equipment. The anodized finish appeared even, and the handguard felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The weight felt appropriate for a 10.5-inch barreled upper.
I considered several other options, including offerings from Palmetto State Armory and Aero Precision. I ultimately chose the Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider because it offered a complete upper assembly at a significantly lower price than the Aero Precision and had a more attractive handguard design than the comparable PSA option. The decision came down to balancing cost and feature set.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential of building a reliable and affordable AR pistol, but also aware that budget-friendly options can sometimes be a gamble. I hoped the Radical Firearms upper would deliver on its promise of being a functional and reliable component.
Real-World Testing: Putting Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range on a moderately warm and sunny day. I mounted the Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider onto a lower receiver I had assembled previously and paired it with a quality bolt carrier group and charging handle (neither included with the upper). The first few magazines were a mix of 55-grain and 62-grain 5.56 NATO ammunition.
Performance was generally acceptable, with no immediate malfunctions or failures to extract. However, the accuracy at 50 yards wasn’t stellar. I noticed a slight tendency for shots to group a little wider than I would have liked compared to my other AR platforms.
The upper was easy to use; installation was straightforward, and the M-LOK handguard provided ample space for attaching accessories. The only surprise was the amount of muzzle flash produced by the 10.5-inch barrel, which is expected with a shorter barrel but was still quite noticeable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips spanning a few months, the Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider has held up reasonably well, but some concerns have surfaced. There have been no catastrophic failures, but I have experienced a few more failures to extract with lower-quality ammunition.
The anodized finish has shown some wear around the ejection port and charging handle area, which is typical. However, I’ve noticed a slight loosening of the handguard screws, requiring occasional tightening to maintain a secure fit. The steel barrel itself appears to be holding up well.
Maintenance is straightforward; a standard AR-15 cleaning kit is all that’s needed. However, I’ve found that the barrel requires more frequent cleaning than some of my other uppers to maintain consistent performance. Compared to my higher-end uppers from Daniel Defense and Bravo Company, the Radical Firearms offering falls short in terms of overall reliability and accuracy. However, given the price difference, this is not entirely unexpected.
Breaking Down the Features of Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider
Specifications
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO. This is the standard chambering for AR-15 rifles, offering wide availability of ammunition.
- Barrel Length: 10.5 inches. Shorter barrel length provides increased maneuverability in close quarters.
- Barrel Twist Rate: 1-7. This twist rate effectively stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights, from lighter 55-grain rounds to heavier 77-grain projectiles.
- Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider. This standard flash hider helps to reduce muzzle flash, but is not as effective as some aftermarket options.
- Finish: Anodized. The anodized finish provides a durable and corrosion-resistant layer of protection.
- Color: Black. The black finish is standard for most AR-15 components and is non-reflective.
- Gun Model: M4. The M4 designation refers to the standard AR-15 platform.
- Handguard Length: 10 inches. The 10-inch handguard offers ample space for mounting accessories.
- Gun Rail: M-LOK. The M-LOK rail system allows for direct attachment of accessories without the need for Picatinny rail adapters.
- Gun Make: AR Platform. This upper receiver is designed for use with any standard AR-15 lower receiver.
- Additional Features: A2 Flash Hider. A basic muzzle device included.
- Included Accessories: Standard. The upper receiver includes a forward assist and ejection port cover.
- Magazine Included: No. Magazines are not included with the upper receiver.
- Model: 10in First-Gen Parallelogram Rail System – RPR. Refers to the specific handguard design.
These specifications highlight the Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider as a compact and versatile option for AR-15 builds. The 10.5-inch barrel and M-LOK handguard make it well-suited for close-quarters applications, while the 1-7 twist rate ensures compatibility with a wide range of ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider generally performs its job adequately, but there are some areas where it falls short of higher-end options. Accuracy is acceptable for close-quarters engagements, but not ideal for precision shooting at longer distances.
Reliability is generally good, but I have experienced occasional failures to extract with lower-quality ammunition, which is a weakness. Usability is excellent due to the M-LOK handguard, which provides ample space for attaching accessories. However, the significant muzzle flash can be uncomfortable in low-light conditions.
The upper meets the basic expectations for a budget-friendly AR-15 component, but it doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price point. The anodized finish is even and provides a decent level of protection, but the materials used are not as high-grade as those found in premium uppers. The weight is manageable, making it comfortable to handle.
The Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The M-LOK handguard makes it easy to attach accessories, and the overall design is straightforward and functional.
Durability & Maintenance
The Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care and maintenance. However, the components are not as durable as those found in higher-end uppers, so it may require more frequent maintenance and eventual replacement of certain parts.
Maintenance is relatively easy. A standard AR-15 cleaning kit is sufficient for keeping the upper in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The upper receiver comes with a standard A2 flash hider, which can be easily replaced with aftermarket options such as muzzle brakes or suppressors. The M-LOK handguard provides ample space for mounting accessories such as lights, lasers, and foregrips.
The Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider is compatible with most standard AR-15 accessories from other brands. Users can easily customize the upper to suit their individual needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious builders.
- M-LOK handguard provides ample space for accessory mounting.
- 10.5-inch barrel offers increased maneuverability in close quarters.
- 1-7 twist rate effectively stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Accuracy is not as good as higher-end uppers.
- May experience occasional failures to extract with lower-quality ammunition.
- Significant muzzle flash can be uncomfortable in low-light conditions.
Who Should Buy Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider?
The Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider is perfect for budget-conscious AR-15 builders, those seeking a compact AR pistol for close-quarters training, and individuals prioritizing affordability over top-tier performance. It can also suit casual range shooters.
Those who demand pinpoint accuracy, require absolute reliability in high-stress situations, or prioritize premium components should skip this product. Those users should consider spending more for a higher-quality upper from a more reputable manufacturer.
Must-have accessories or modifications include a quality bolt carrier group and charging handle (as the upper ships without these), a more effective muzzle device to mitigate muzzle flash (especially for use in low-light environments), and a reliable optic suitable for close-quarters engagements.
Conclusion on Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider
The Radical Firearms RF Upper Assembly 10.5in 5.56 M4 Contour w/ A2 Flash Hider is a decent budget-friendly option for those looking to build a compact AR pistol. While it doesn’t offer the same level of performance or reliability as higher-end uppers, it provides acceptable functionality at an affordable price.
The price is justified for what it offers, a functional, complete upper receiver that gets you started on an AR build. However, buyers should be aware of its limitations and potential need for upgrades.
I would recommend it to those on a tight budget or looking for a basic AR pistol for recreational shooting. However, I would caution them to temper their expectations and consider upgrading certain components (such as the bolt carrier group and muzzle device) for improved performance. If you need utmost reliability and accuracy, look elsewhere.