The video focuses on the Radical Firearms RAD-15 AR-15 pistol with a 7.5 inch barrel, presented as a compact option ready to run straight out of the box. The host explains that the format will cover technical specifications, a front-to-back feature rundown, verification of key measurements, and closing impressions. The RAD-15 is described as a very compact AR-15 pistol that has been used in previous range content and noted as enjoyable to shoot. The goal of this segment is to frame the discussion around what the buyer actually receives, how the configuration is set up from the factory, and how it performs in basic handling and operation.
The pistol is equipped with an A2-style birdcage flash hider that has a solid bottom and open top to help direct gas and blast upward rather than evenly around the muzzle. The barrel is 7.5 inches and is paired with an aluminum handguard that combines M-LOK slots on the bottom and sides with a full-length Picatinny rail along the top. The barrel uses a 1:7 twist rate and the flash hider is threaded 1/2x28. A pistol-length gas system is used, along with a 0.750 low-profile gas block. The handguard is free-floated, so the barrel does not contact it, and measures about 7 inches in length. This setup is intended to keep the front end compact while maintaining accessory mounting space.
Both the upper and lower receivers of the RAD-15 pistol are made from 7075-T6 aluminum with an anodized finish. The upper includes a forward assist, which the host notes some shooters prefer to have available for dealing with malfunctions. The lower is fitted with a pistol tube and brace. The pistol ships with a standard metal magazine that has a glossy finish, providing a visual contrast to the rest of the firearm. Controls include a mil-spec charging handle, a left-side 90-degree safety selector, and a standard left-side bolt release that locks the bolt to the rear and functions as expected. The host emphasizes that this configuration sits around a $400 price point and is positioned as a budget-friendly AR-15 pistol with a reputation for reliability and a few upgrades over basic A2-style builds.
The pistol comes outfitted with MFT furniture, including a pistol grip and brace. The MFT grip has a storage cavity accessible from the bottom and features moderately aggressive texturing with a contoured shape for a more secure hold. The brace includes QD sling attachment points on both sides at the rear, giving ambidextrous options for sling placement. In addition, there are more traditional sling mounting slots that allow a sling to be looped through in three different positions. The brace is adjustable via an Allen screw located on the bottom; loosening it allows the brace to be moved along the pistol tube and then locked back into place. This section focuses on how the furniture and sling options contribute to handling and carry flexibility.
The host verifies the weight and dimensions of the RAD-15 pistol using a scale and measuring tape. Without a magazine, the pistol weighs approximately 4.99 pounds, coming in just under 5 pounds. With the included metal magazine inserted, the weight is about 5.5 pounds, and the host notes that using a lighter magazine such as a polymer option could reduce this slightly. Overall length is measured at roughly 23.75 inches, effectively rounded to about 24 inches. The height of the pistol without a magazine is about 7.5 inches. With the magazine inserted, the overall height is approximately 8.5 inches. These measurements are presented to help viewers understand storage, case fit, and general handling characteristics.
The RAD-15 pistol uses a single-stage trigger. The host measures the trigger pull using a gauge, bracing the firearm and applying steady pressure. The first pull registers at about 4.1 pounds, and a second measurement comes in at approximately 3.6 pounds. Based on these readings, the trigger is characterized as relatively light with a crisp break. The reset is described as distinct and positive, contributing to a clean overall trigger feel. The host notes that this trigger setup, combined with the A2 flash hider that helps manage muzzle movement, allows the shooter to send rounds downrange quickly while maintaining good control and accuracy for this compact AR-15 pistol.
In closing, the host summarizes the Radical Firearms RAD-15 as a compact AR-15 pistol that offers a 7.5 inch barrel, A2 birdcage flash hider, free-float M-LOK and Picatinny handguard, 7075-T6 receivers, and MFT brace and grip at a budget-friendly price point. The measured weight of just under 5 pounds without a magazine and around 5.5 pounds with a metal magazine, along with a roughly 24 inch overall length, reinforces its compact profile. The single-stage trigger averages between about 3.6 and 4.1 pounds and is described as light and crisp. Viewers are encouraged to share their experiences with Radical Firearms AR-15 pistols, especially this model, and to ask questions about any details that may not have been covered in the video.
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