Radical Firearms RF-15
| RF-15 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Radical Firearms |
| Produced | 2016-present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 6.5 lbs (unloaded) |
| Barrel length | 16 inches |
| Caliber | |
| Action | Direct impingement |
| Feed system | 30-round detachable STANAG magazine |
The Radical Firearms RF-15 is an AR-15–style rifle assembled in Stafford, Texas, U.S. by Radical Firearms, originally released in 2016 at SHOT Show. Marketed at a competitively low price, it is considered to be a budget or entry level rifle designed for American consumers optimized for home defense or competition, usually chambered in 5.56/.223 and .300 Blackout.[1][2][3]
The RF-15 is considered a competitor to other affordable AR-15-style platforms on the civilian market along with the Hi-Point HP-15 and the Palmetto State Armory PA-15.[4][5]
Design
It uses a direct impingement gas system, has a 16-inch barrel with a 1:7 inch twist, has a 15-inch free-floated handguard with M-LOK attachment points, and an adjustable stock, while the upper receiver has a Picatinny top rail.[6]
Users
Criminal use
There have been three recorded shootings involving the Radical Firearms RF-15:
- 2022 Bend, Oregon shooting: A 20-year-old gunman entered the shopping center armed with an RF-15, opened fired at a Safeway grocery store, killing two and wounded another two before committed suicide.
- 2023 Louisville bank shooting: An employee legally purchased an Radical Firearms RF-15 from a local store and opened fire during a morning staff meeting. Five bank executives killed and eight others injured before the shooter was fatally shot by responding officers.
- 2024 Charlotte shootout: A heavily armed fugitive opened fire with an RF-15 on a task force serving an arrest warrant for unlawful possession of a firearm. Four law enforcement officers killed and four others wounded before the shooter was killed by returning fire from officers during the prolonged standoff.
Lawsuit
Families of victims from the Louisville bank shooting are suing River City Firearms, alleging the gun store negligently sold an RF-15 to the shooter just days before the attack. A judge denied a motion to dismiss the case in May 2025, allowing the lawsuit to proceed toward a 2027 trial date.[8]
References
- ↑ Reese, Kevin. "Review: Radical Firearms RF-15 .223 Wylde". shootingsportsretailer.com. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
- ↑ Adelmann, Steve. "Buying a Budget AR-15". shootingillustrated.com. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
- ↑ "Radical Firearms RF-15: Is this AR Accurate?". Guns.com. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
- ↑ "Affordable AR-15 Rifles Under $750". Guns.com. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ↑ "Don't Own an AR-15 Rifle? Here Are 6 You Need to Look At". theoutdoorwire.com. Retrieved March 24, 2025.
- ↑ Roberts, Wilburn. "Radical Firearms AR-15: Quality and Features Without the Price". cheaperthandirt.com. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
- ↑ Olive, Ronaldo (8 August 2018). "Major foreign guns purchase by Brazilian LE market". thefirearmblog.com. Retrieved 29 March 2026.
- ↑ Press, Associated (2024-01-24). "Families sue Kentucky gun shop that sold AR-15 used in 2023 bank shooting that killed 5". The Indiana Lawyer. Retrieved 2026-08-07.