@@madride858585 it is a little crazy what they're charging. They make quality products but 90% of them are overpriced. The Ramjet and Guardian are about the only products I think is pretty competitive to other similar products.
I’m with ya brother…my military friend who served overseas keeps reminding me that “mil-spec” is just a “blueprint” (we are carpenters that build several story hospital additions etc) and that during the build process, sometimes it’s prudent to go above and beyond the blueprinted spec for various reasons and can be notified in the “as-builds” where at the end of the project the blueprints take the additions to write over original blueprint. “Mil-spec” doesn’t mean “the best”…it’s just “within spec”. When the military was running jeeps, a trophy truck blows by em laughing holding a beer out the window. There’s better than mil-spec. All that said look into spicetac toolcraft dlc bcg’s. Price, OCKS, etc etc.
The receiver set is super tight by Radian's design. If you put downward pressure on the upper into the lower, and push the rear takedown pin, it'll release no issues without requiring a hammer and punch to break it all apart.
I love the SLS on my scoped rifles but for my quick acquisition rifles I use the SL moe stocks the number 1 reason I love the SL line is it has a built in spring to keep them from rattling great looking rig!!!!
The SL line is becoming one of my favorite stock lines on the market. I can see the original SL being better for red dots and holographics still with QD sling points. Not sure about the K and M as I think magpul made a mistake on not putting QD sockets on those. I'm looking forward to getting this set up running. I appreciate the support like always brother.
I’m personally an str guy. Cheek weld, battery and bcg storage, AND extra clip for no rattle. Qd hole. I run it with k2+, and got all 3 inputs for oil bottle, batteries, and bcg. Between the 2, awesome. Loving these “s” line stocks.
Really nice build, you could always buy a 3/8 or 1/2” rail riser if you wanted to try a higher scope height just to try it out. Build it how you want to and don’t worry about what anyone thinks or says. If it runs good and reliable that’s all that matters. If you have a issue with the BCG then you figure it out. That’s what makes building these guns fun.
I do want to throw out some props to “Riflespeed” if you want gas control for suppression and a hand guard that’ll fit it, they sell a complete upper system (in all lengths, mine is 12.5”), with price points starting with a rosco barrel…all the way up to specialty criterion’s! Choices of hand guard ( I got geissele) and an aero upper receiver. Btw this is all built around the proprietary “Riflespeed” gas system that is adjustable between the end of rail and beginning of barrel threads. With a xeno adapter and sandman S …it’s insanely nice. Btw the rosco versions are about $750 built…criterion about $1k flat. They are excellent communicators and will go just about any way you want including your own parts sent to them. For $399 (I know it’s expensive, no denying) the will test fire and get all bugs out before shipping. I wanted my sionics bcg properly headspaced to my rosco K9 sage, and they also checked my toolcraft dlc backup bcg also. All bolts were torqued and marked. All I did was attach it to my aero lower and done!!! (I run v7 2055 buffer tube cuz it’s 11 positions and LIGHT!) with an H2 and V7 ambi 3 gun titanium 90/57 safety. And a magpul BAD lever cuz I’m righty and don’t want anyone playing with my gun…especiallly some southpaw!!! Raptor sd with np3 slide and black handles. LaRue mbt-2s straight bow trigger. Magpul mags.
I've been looking at those gas block systems. I just wish they were easier to find and finding the right length is pretty important too as they have a lot of options. Sounds like a nice build you did. If you ever decide to show it off put up a link. I'd like to see it.
I have commented way too much here, but I am not good enough at YouTubing to make my own build video. What I’ve noticed though, is that here in USA, ar-15’s are a lot like racing. You got the team engineers, that are good at specs and newest techs, you got your pit crew guys, that just enjoy “the build” and tinkering and on/off parts etc. then you got your drivers who run 3 gun competitions and other type of shooting competitions. The engineer isn’t as good as the driver at shooting…and the drivers don’t know or care about parts, they just tell the engineer, “I need it to THIS” or “that faster”. I’m a shit low driver/non educated engineer/personal pit crew kinda guy. Shooting the gun is as costly as the build in many cases. By the time you’ve gone through 5k shots…unless sponsored, you’ll be at over $1k in ammo alone. Ferraris look great in a showroom all shiny, but the reason they even exist is for the world racing tours. I, personally trust the engineers at Riflespeed to understand my wants and needs to spec out an upper, and their pit crew to build it, double check it, and send it to me. If I wasn’t so adamant on adjustable gas systems, I’m sure there are many other build teams out there like focusshootingllc that are super capable of spec and build of whatever it is you want.
random cat meows keeping my head on a swivel! I like the in depth overview, nice to hear your take on non-milspec BCGs, for the cost of those gucci ones I could buy another pistol
My cat is very talkative. She cries more when I lock her up when doing videos so I've just accepted my fate. I would shop around or wait for sales or coupon codes. Don't pay retail for these parts but I agree, getting some of the Gucci stuff can be hard to justify seeing you can get complete weapon systems for what you're putting into accessories. Me personally, I've found the more I personalize my weapon systems, the more I go out and use them. There are definitely some safe queens in my collection that I probably could've lived without where maybe the money would've been better spent on upgrading a weapon I utilize more. I can definitely see both sides.
Based on my understanding, take with grain of salt. The uproar around the BCG is explained by TH-camr School of the American Rifle...BCGs are made by a few manufacturers which makes them to certain specs to produce mainly phosphate coated with chrome lined. The coating and lining seems to add more material than the others mentioned, which means the others will generally end with looser tolerances.
I agree and I respect Chad and what his experiences are. He's very knowledgeable and has way more hands on experience than I do. Sometimes I think his gauges can get a little overkill on putting paranoia in others if their parts aren't exactly made to spec. I personally haven't ran into a tolerance issue with my bcgs or coatings I've used. Maybe I've gotten lucky or maybe I don't put my bcg thru the paces like others do.
@@2amichaelj Yeah I agree with you. The looser tolerances to a certain extent just means less efficient gas system. Beyond a certain extent, you may run into more cycle issues, more blow by, dirtier receiver, etc. But I can't comment on the percentages. 🤷♂️
Hopefully, this comment doesn't get deleted like my last couple of replies. lol, it is an incredibly expensive hobby haha. Love that you went with the Sharps. There are too many good choices of BCGs, from JP to LMT, to Sionics and Rubber City Armory. I'm happy that you experiment around and not just get mil-spec stuff. Hodge is way overrated. Proof is excellent for competition, most of the top guys who run 3gun use them, with excellent accuracy except many claim shorter than usual barrel life. A Compass Lake Criterion or Douglas is a very good buy if you want accuracy, and obviously, a Kreiger or Bartlein is probably the best you can get. I think you'll be very happy with your 14.5" Criterion Core. Geissele SSA-E and SSA triggers can often be had for $140, I just picked up 3 SSA-E's from Palmetto State Armory's valentines sales. But I'm happy you went with Hiperfire. The installation of Hiperfire triggers has always kept me away from them, but I'm looking to try out new triggers, from the Radian Vertex (Timney) to the Triggertech Diamond, and many more. I just want to try out triggers that are not the SSA-E or Larue MBT haha, so I'll definitely look into this Hiperfire trigger. Have you ever tried out the Mantis Blackbeard Training System? I want to get one to dryfire with. I'm also getting a Credo, and would love to hear your experience with it when you shoot this. I hear they are really good glass, but that on 6x it's not as clear. I think you got a pretty good deal on this, and on your build overall. I'm really happy for you, you have your Radian build! Great content as always.
I keep forgetting about the other barrel manufacturers out there. Most the products everyone hears about are Faxon, BA/Aero, Rosco, etc. White Oak I've heard decent things about too but I'll have to look into Kreiger and some of the others you mentioned more. I'm always willing to deviate from mil spec. Hell, with Sig MCX now replacing some of our small arms In military contracts, I'm not sure what the next block or if we're staying consistent with mil spec parts anymore. I've always thought it strange how the gun community is so opposed to deviate from 60 year old specs when we don't apply this literally anything else. Imagine still driving 60 year old cars or even using 60 year old wiring, plumbing or masonry techniques and tech. I personally believe we're at a point where the AR15 platform should be evolving and already evolved for the better in the timeframe it's been around. All the triggers you mentioned I've had my eye on. Rise Armament Iconic looks interesting too but I'd rather put that much money into a Triggertech Diamond. I'm with you though. Geissele and LaRue are a little boring but man you can't really beat a sub $150 SSA-E or sub $100 MBT-2S. I appreciate the input like always M&C.
Hi there. How is your build going? Decided to build my first AR and got the Radian Brown kit, looks so freaking awesome. I also went like you on the buffer and stock system and a Rise Armament RA-535 single stage trigger, which is sweet. On the fence between a Cryptic or Radian BCG. I contacted Radian to see if they could sale me one of their barrels but you already know the answer. They did recommend criterion barrels though as they personally used them. I contacted criterion customer service about their barrels but they never answered emails, heard customer service sucks, what’s your experience with them? Have you ever heard about Stretch 16 barrels? Sorry for the long comment but couldn’t figure out how to send a private message. Looking forward to seeing your radian kit finished. Is taking all of my hooker’s allowance but I don’t regret a single penny and will be able to hug it and kiss it. Thank you for the video, very informative.
Sounds like a really nice build. I would've preferred a non black version just to mix things up a bit. I'm also in the market for a BCG. I thought about buying Radian products to do a proper Radian build but the BCG is just an Azimuth BCG which you can get a non branded Radian version for like $150. Cryptic Coatings is on my list. It's polished chrome. I personally think it's a better BCG.
@@2amichaelj I was with the same dilemma with the BCG. I do RALLY like the Cryptic ones but end up going with Radian's, the fit in to the upper receiver is amazing I will get the Mid-night black from cryptic in the future. Take care.
I got a Geissle tri helix spring. Supposedly it lasts longer. Just wanted something durable because I've worn out two buffer springs on two separate rifles over 7years.
How many rounds before you noticed the spring loosing tension for your buffer? Other than measuring the length of the spring, I'm not entirely sure what the tell tale signs are for a worn out buffer spring. I've been putting Super 42s in my most my builds and haven't noticed much wear. My ADM has a H1 super 42 with over 3,000 rounds down the pipe and the recoil impulse still feels smooth.
@@2amichaelj When rounds started failing to chamber. Everything was fine, then consistent failures to chamber. Changing mags didn't help. When I filled a mag with low capacity, it was fine. Then full capacity was giving me failures to chamber. Couldn't have been the BCG or gas system, it had been fine for 3k rounds. JP Enter price spring was good and cheap. That one lasted a little over 5 years. Then I decided to get the expensive Giessle spring.
Castle nuts are supposed to be staked. Sure you can take one off but they’re not designed for you to take them off and on all the time. Not sure why you would want to or need to anyway.
I’m behind the times but I run a sionics np3 bcg….and have a toolcraft dlc 9310 bcg in the grip hideaway. And 18650 (charged up rechargeable) on one side of str…and 123 disposables onthe other side. I’m looking at the newer ACS stock, to keep my batteries…but add some skittles or pouch of big league chew, while waiting on 4 legged creatures.
How is the barrel fit? Do you need a torch? I just got my radian lower considering getting the upper cause its "pretty" lol...but if the barrel goes in by hand I think ill pass
It's a press fit, not thermal fit but I had give the end of the barrel a few whacks with a mallet while pulling on the barrel to get it to seat. It did take more force than I wanted to get the barrel extension to seat the last centimeter or two. The instructions didn't say to heat the receiver so I didn't. The barrel extension definitely marked and scratched the inside of the receiver when installing and you could not just pull it out without putting some force onto it. The barrel nut does go the entire length of the chamber and is not timed like I mentioned in the video.
I bought a builder set from them. Waited 7-8 months to get it. My only gripe is that hammer pin, while KooL, walks out of my Geissele SSA-E, put the G hammer pin back in. Also I don't really care for the handguard, not my style, nothing wrong with it. I prefer Midwest Ind. 7sided mlok stuff.
Never heard of it. Just checked out their site and bcgs and you're right. They check a lot of boxes and seem like a legit company that stands by their products. Thanks for the suggestion.
@@KevinWood44 I haven't had an issue with any of the magazines I own, even the cheap ones. If a lower can't utilize stanag mags, lancers or even ETS, then it shouldn't be in production. It's fine. I ran a carbine class with lancers and didn't have an issue.
@@2amichaelj No no no, what I mean is that Radian lower was designed so that the PATTERN (that was billeted into it) would exactly match the pattern on the P-mags. Google a pic of the P-mag you'll see what I mean
@@KevinWood44 I see what you mean now. I just put a pmag in and it matches the design of the lower. It's kinda a nice detail. Thanks for pointing that out.
When you installed your handguard, did you notice any side to side play before tightening it down? Mine did and either the handguard or upper face wasn't squared off correctly and the handguard had some noticeable shift. Ended up selling my kit due to Radians lack of a timely response.
I don't have my barrel yet. Without the barrel I've noticed some play but nothing is tightened down to spec. There might be some timing involved with the barrel nut to get the handguard flush with the receiver. You'd think for a premium price that Radian would have premium customer support. Sad to hear your experiences with the receiver set. This isn't the first time I've heard others having fitment issues and lack of customer support with Radian. It's definitely noted and I appreciate your feedback. You'll see an update on this once I get my barrel in for sure.
@@2amichaelj sweet, look forward to the completed build. Just something to look for, when you get everything buttoned down with the handguard, do a side to side push against the barrel, if it looks like it returns where it should you are good to go, mine would still shift even at max torque side to side.
@@triton302 I just put this build together and I believe you got a lemon. I didn't have any side to side play. My upper also had a steel Dow rod installed onto it with the handguard having a hole drilled out to accept the dow rod making the lockup extremely sturdy imo. I'm put a 14.5 BA Hanson with a pinned gas block until the criterion core comes in but I noticed how tight the barrel extension fit into the upper receiver too. I had to heat up the upper and still used a mallet to get the barrel in all the way. Everything seems well put together and checks out to my scrutiny. Probably not what you wanted to hear. I have to suspect with demand and materials getting harder to come by radian might've rushed a bunch of stuff out that probably wasn't in spec. That doesn't justify the lack of customer support however. I don't blame you. I would've sold and moved onto another too.
A lot of manufacturers use rebranded Microbest. They're probably my go to budget BCGs. I wish I would've bought more of their full chrome BCGs when they were $80 a piece a few months ago. Solid BCGs.
Really only thing I’m on the fence about is swapping from my Holosun 503g acss with pa Pegasus 3x…to a good lpvo??? Replies for each please. I already own and run the holo/pa mag situation.
Battlehawk Armory has them all the time for that price. Shipping costs are high but if you order a bunch of items from the same manufacturer they'll charge you the same price for shipping as they would for 1. Same goes for Locked and loaded. G4G guns has them for that price and they're a reputable company and I can also vouch for Lanbos armory which also has them for under $60 I believe. AR15discounts had them on sale for $56 last week. I like them. They don't charge shipping on orders $150+ and no sales tax. Milspec retail had them also for that price with a 10% off everything website sale too.
I shop around a lot. I find using websites that don't charge sales tax/shipping will sometimes save more money than using sites that offer sales while charging sales tax and shipping like Primary Arms. I always factor shipping and tax into the cost. Typically, it's best to find a handful of items on sale or use drop shipping sites like Battlehawk Armory/Locked and Loaded while understanding how their shipping costs work to take advantage of their prices. Dack Outdoors has good prices and reasonable shipping but you'll be waiting a month before you get the package. Lanbos Armory has extremely quick shipping times and a flat rate shipping cost no matter how many items you have as long as you buy items from outside their shop. Battlehawk Armory will take about a week and Locked and Loaded you're looking at 2 weeks. I apologize for the long winded response. I have a very extensive background in finding the best possible pricing for basically everything I buy.
@@2amichaelj hey man, we thank you for doing the time consuming part of shopping with the math all punched up. I commented elsewhere here that I run a k2+ and str (magpul gang…I also got an afg1!! Lol) but ya, shopping is a bitch, especially when it’s at your front door and you see someone like you posting a $20+ savings!! That’s a box of m193 at least!
I’ve never seen an upper/lower set where you have to hammer out the takedown pins. Thank you for the warning never to buy a Radian setup, for as much as I take off the upper receivers and play with the bolt carriers. I actually use many Radian parts on builds and their stuff is usually perfect. Just not the upper and lowers.
There's a set screw that tightens the lower to the upper. It was tightened down way too much. After letting off the screw some, it worked just fine. Other manufacturers like PSA and Aero use the same feature actually. I find it nice and you don't have to utilize it if you don't want to.
Sigh. Everything is BASED on milspec. If you want to talk about non milspec look at the ar-10. That 3k rifle is great but a $500 ar can do everything that can do. The main difference is the look. The radian can make you faster at getting back in the fight. Milspec is about the way it is made the mating of the upper and lower the design of it. That ar 15 is the same as a ar-15 made by knights. Milspec has to do with military specifications how they wanted it. The weapon needed to be fired when wet when sandy when muddy. Look at the sig rifle that could not be adopted by all troops because it would fail in mud they need a rifle that an 18 y/o can can drop it in the mud and it not fail. And yes you can spend $500 on an ar and beat any Gucci ar 15. With all that said my build is at 4k so 😒 yea expensive hobby. Not to mention the mags the plate carriers the pouches or the ammo. Great video not trying to flame you just letting you know. Ar 10 is not milspec that is why you kinda have to buy the upper and lower together or there is 100% chance they will not mate. Take any ar-15 upper and lower and they will mate. Maybe one needs a proprietary rail but the upper and lower will always mate that is millspec. Hope that makes sense. Please exspand on my short definition of milspec if need be. But that is the jist.
I agree. Many would argue though that mil spec should be exactly the tolerances, coatings, forgings, and parts that are used by the military. Anything else is just shit hype. I've had this argument before where even if I put a Spikes tungsten powder buffer in my AR15, that I was just wasting money on that "non mil spec" part. I personally think machining and technology has progressed the AR15. While I like M4, M16, MK18, URGI, MK12 clones, I've seen and shot enough that I personally want something different and I will utilize parts that I think works better for my applications. Sometimes I just buy something because it looks cool, because I want to try it or because I want to support the manufacturer too. There is a case for both arguments. I like the way you worded your post however and there's not anything I disagree with.
The radian set looks amazing! I've always wanted one
Looks awesome but 850 for a hand guard upper receiver and charging handle is insane
@@madride858585 it is a little crazy what they're charging. They make quality products but 90% of them are overpriced. The Ramjet and Guardian are about the only products I think is pretty competitive to other similar products.
I’m with ya brother…my military friend who served overseas keeps reminding me that “mil-spec” is just a “blueprint” (we are carpenters that build several story hospital additions etc) and that during the build process, sometimes it’s prudent to go above and beyond the blueprinted spec for various reasons and can be notified in the “as-builds” where at the end of the project the blueprints take the additions to write over original blueprint. “Mil-spec” doesn’t mean “the best”…it’s just “within spec”. When the military was running jeeps, a trophy truck blows by em laughing holding a beer out the window. There’s better than mil-spec. All that said look into spicetac toolcraft dlc bcg’s. Price, OCKS, etc etc.
The receiver set is super tight by Radian's design. If you put downward pressure on the upper into the lower, and push the rear takedown pin, it'll release no issues without requiring a hammer and punch to break it all apart.
Thanks. Makes sense as that pin is pushing up on bottom of the upper receiver where the takedown pin is. I never thought about trying that.
I love the SLS on my scoped rifles but for my quick acquisition rifles I use the SL moe stocks the number 1 reason I love the SL line is it has a built in spring to keep them from rattling great looking rig!!!!
The SL line is becoming one of my favorite stock lines on the market. I can see the original SL being better for red dots and holographics still with QD sling points. Not sure about the K and M as I think magpul made a mistake on not putting QD sockets on those.
I'm looking forward to getting this set up running. I appreciate the support like always brother.
@@2amichaelj My SL-S and SL-moe both have the QD cup but definitely agree if it is coming from Magpul a QD should definitely be on everything
I’m personally an str guy. Cheek weld, battery and bcg storage, AND extra clip for no rattle. Qd hole. I run it with k2+, and got all 3 inputs for oil bottle, batteries, and bcg. Between the 2, awesome. Loving these “s” line stocks.
Really nice build, you could always buy a 3/8 or 1/2” rail riser if you wanted to try a higher scope height just to try it out. Build it how you want to and don’t worry about what anyone thinks or says. If it runs good and reliable that’s all that matters. If you have a issue with the BCG then you figure it out. That’s what makes building these guns fun.
The best argument against Mil-Spec is to mention the A2 grip. Usually ends the discussion, not everything Mil-Spec is a great idea or part.
I do want to throw out some props to “Riflespeed” if you want gas control for suppression and a hand guard that’ll fit it, they sell a complete upper system (in all lengths, mine is 12.5”), with price points starting with a rosco barrel…all the way up to specialty criterion’s! Choices of hand guard ( I got geissele) and an aero upper receiver. Btw this is all built around the proprietary “Riflespeed” gas system that is adjustable between the end of rail and beginning of barrel threads. With a xeno adapter and sandman S …it’s insanely nice. Btw the rosco versions are about $750 built…criterion about $1k flat. They are excellent communicators and will go just about any way you want including your own parts sent to them. For $399 (I know it’s expensive, no denying) the will test fire and get all bugs out before shipping. I wanted my sionics bcg properly headspaced to my rosco K9 sage, and they also checked my toolcraft dlc backup bcg also. All bolts were torqued and marked. All I did was attach it to my aero lower and done!!! (I run v7 2055 buffer tube cuz it’s 11 positions and LIGHT!) with an H2 and V7 ambi 3 gun titanium 90/57 safety. And a magpul BAD lever cuz I’m righty and don’t want anyone playing with my gun…especiallly some southpaw!!! Raptor sd with np3 slide and black handles. LaRue mbt-2s straight bow trigger. Magpul mags.
I've been looking at those gas block systems. I just wish they were easier to find and finding the right length is pretty important too as they have a lot of options.
Sounds like a nice build you did. If you ever decide to show it off put up a link. I'd like to see it.
I have commented way too much here, but I am not good enough at YouTubing to make my own build video. What I’ve noticed though, is that here in USA, ar-15’s are a lot like racing. You got the team engineers, that are good at specs and newest techs, you got your pit crew guys, that just enjoy “the build” and tinkering and on/off parts etc. then you got your drivers who run 3 gun competitions and other type of shooting competitions. The engineer isn’t as good as the driver at shooting…and the drivers don’t know or care about parts, they just tell the engineer, “I need it to THIS” or “that faster”. I’m a shit low driver/non educated engineer/personal pit crew kinda guy. Shooting the gun is as costly as the build in many cases. By the time you’ve gone through 5k shots…unless sponsored, you’ll be at over $1k in ammo alone. Ferraris look great in a showroom all shiny, but the reason they even exist is for the world racing tours. I, personally trust the engineers at Riflespeed to understand my wants and needs to spec out an upper, and their pit crew to build it, double check it, and send it to me. If I wasn’t so adamant on adjustable gas systems, I’m sure there are many other build teams out there like focusshootingllc that are super capable of spec and build of whatever it is you want.
random cat meows keeping my head on a swivel! I like the in depth overview, nice to hear your take on non-milspec BCGs, for the cost of those gucci ones I could buy another pistol
My cat is very talkative. She cries more when I lock her up when doing videos so I've just accepted my fate.
I would shop around or wait for sales or coupon codes. Don't pay retail for these parts but I agree, getting some of the Gucci stuff can be hard to justify seeing you can get complete weapon systems for what you're putting into accessories.
Me personally, I've found the more I personalize my weapon systems, the more I go out and use them. There are definitely some safe queens in my collection that I probably could've lived without where maybe the money would've been better spent on upgrading a weapon I utilize more.
I can definitely see both sides.
Based on my understanding, take with grain of salt. The uproar around the BCG is explained by TH-camr School of the American Rifle...BCGs are made by a few manufacturers which makes them to certain specs to produce mainly phosphate coated with chrome lined. The coating and lining seems to add more material than the others mentioned, which means the others will generally end with looser tolerances.
I agree and I respect Chad and what his experiences are. He's very knowledgeable and has way more hands on experience than I do. Sometimes I think his gauges can get a little overkill on putting paranoia in others if their parts aren't exactly made to spec.
I personally haven't ran into a tolerance issue with my bcgs or coatings I've used. Maybe I've gotten lucky or maybe I don't put my bcg thru the paces like others do.
@@2amichaelj Yeah I agree with you. The looser tolerances to a certain extent just means less efficient gas system. Beyond a certain extent, you may run into more cycle issues, more blow by, dirtier receiver, etc. But I can't comment on the percentages. 🤷♂️
Hopefully, this comment doesn't get deleted like my last couple of replies. lol, it is an incredibly expensive hobby haha. Love that you went with the Sharps. There are too many good choices of BCGs, from JP to LMT, to Sionics and Rubber City Armory. I'm happy that you experiment around and not just get mil-spec stuff.
Hodge is way overrated. Proof is excellent for competition, most of the top guys who run 3gun use them, with excellent accuracy except many claim shorter than usual barrel life. A Compass Lake Criterion or Douglas is a very good buy if you want accuracy, and obviously, a Kreiger or Bartlein is probably the best you can get. I think you'll be very happy with your 14.5" Criterion Core.
Geissele SSA-E and SSA triggers can often be had for $140, I just picked up 3 SSA-E's from Palmetto State Armory's valentines sales. But I'm happy you went with Hiperfire. The installation of Hiperfire triggers has always kept me away from them, but I'm looking to try out new triggers, from the Radian Vertex (Timney) to the Triggertech Diamond, and many more. I just want to try out triggers that are not the SSA-E or Larue MBT haha, so I'll definitely look into this Hiperfire trigger. Have you ever tried out the Mantis Blackbeard Training System? I want to get one to dryfire with.
I'm also getting a Credo, and would love to hear your experience with it when you shoot this. I hear they are really good glass, but that on 6x it's not as clear. I think you got a pretty good deal on this, and on your build overall. I'm really happy for you, you have your Radian build! Great content as always.
I keep forgetting about the other barrel manufacturers out there. Most the products everyone hears about are Faxon, BA/Aero, Rosco, etc. White Oak I've heard decent things about too but I'll have to look into Kreiger and some of the others you mentioned more.
I'm always willing to deviate from mil spec. Hell, with Sig MCX now replacing some of our small arms In military contracts, I'm not sure what the next block or if we're staying consistent with mil spec parts anymore. I've always thought it strange how the gun community is so opposed to deviate from 60 year old specs when we don't apply this literally anything else. Imagine still driving 60 year old cars or even using 60 year old wiring, plumbing or masonry techniques and tech. I personally believe we're at a point where the AR15 platform should be evolving and already evolved for the better in the timeframe it's been around.
All the triggers you mentioned I've had my eye on. Rise Armament Iconic looks interesting too but I'd rather put that much money into a Triggertech Diamond. I'm with you though. Geissele and LaRue are a little boring but man you can't really beat a sub $150 SSA-E or sub $100 MBT-2S.
I appreciate the input like always M&C.
Y’all gotta check out LaRue triggers. Price vs quality.
Hi there.
How is your build going? Decided to build my first AR and got the Radian Brown kit, looks so freaking awesome. I also went like you on the buffer and stock system and a Rise Armament RA-535 single stage trigger, which is sweet. On the fence between a Cryptic or Radian BCG. I contacted Radian to see if they could sale me one of their barrels but you already know the answer. They did recommend criterion barrels though as they personally used them. I contacted criterion customer service about their barrels but they never answered emails, heard customer service sucks, what’s your experience with them? Have you ever heard about Stretch 16 barrels? Sorry for the long comment but couldn’t figure out how to send a private message. Looking forward to seeing your radian kit finished. Is taking all of my hooker’s allowance but I don’t regret a single penny and will be able to hug it and kiss it.
Thank you for the video, very informative.
Sounds like a really nice build. I would've preferred a non black version just to mix things up a bit. I'm also in the market for a BCG. I thought about buying Radian products to do a proper Radian build but the BCG is just an Azimuth BCG which you can get a non branded Radian version for like $150. Cryptic Coatings is on my list. It's polished chrome. I personally think it's a better BCG.
@@2amichaelj I was with the same dilemma with the BCG. I do RALLY like the Cryptic ones but end up going with Radian's, the fit in to the upper receiver is amazing I will get the Mid-night black from cryptic in the future. Take care.
I got a Geissle tri helix spring. Supposedly it lasts longer. Just wanted something durable because I've worn out two buffer springs on two separate rifles over 7years.
How many rounds before you noticed the spring loosing tension for your buffer? Other than measuring the length of the spring, I'm not entirely sure what the tell tale signs are for a worn out buffer spring.
I've been putting Super 42s in my most my builds and haven't noticed much wear. My ADM has a H1 super 42 with over 3,000 rounds down the pipe and the recoil impulse still feels smooth.
@@2amichaelj When rounds started failing to chamber. Everything was fine, then consistent failures to chamber. Changing mags didn't help. When I filled a mag with low capacity, it was fine. Then full capacity was giving me failures to chamber. Couldn't have been the BCG or gas system, it had been fine for 3k rounds. JP Enter price spring was good and cheap. That one lasted a little over 5 years. Then I decided to get the expensive Giessle spring.
Castle nuts are supposed to be staked. Sure you can take one off but they’re not designed for you to take them off and on all the time. Not sure why you would want to or need to anyway.
I’m behind the times but I run a sionics np3 bcg….and have a toolcraft dlc 9310 bcg in the grip hideaway. And 18650 (charged up rechargeable) on one side of str…and 123 disposables onthe other side. I’m looking at the newer ACS stock, to keep my batteries…but add some skittles or pouch of big league chew, while waiting on 4 legged creatures.
How is the barrel fit? Do you need a torch? I just got my radian lower considering getting the upper cause its "pretty" lol...but if the barrel goes in by hand I think ill pass
It's a press fit, not thermal fit but I had give the end of the barrel a few whacks with a mallet while pulling on the barrel to get it to seat. It did take more force than I wanted to get the barrel extension to seat the last centimeter or two.
The instructions didn't say to heat the receiver so I didn't. The barrel extension definitely marked and scratched the inside of the receiver when installing and you could not just pull it out without putting some force onto it.
The barrel nut does go the entire length of the chamber and is not timed like I mentioned in the video.
I bought a builder set from them. Waited 7-8 months to get it. My only gripe is that hammer pin, while KooL, walks out of my Geissele SSA-E, put the G hammer pin back in. Also I don't really care for the handguard, not my style, nothing wrong with it. I prefer Midwest Ind. 7sided mlok stuff.
I definitely prefer 7 sided mlok as well. I never had an issue with the hammer pin but I also dislike that it's proprietary.
Hop just hates everything… including himself 😂
you should check out Modern armory BCG, its very solid and not that bad of a price
Never heard of it. Just checked out their site and bcgs and you're right. They check a lot of boxes and seem like a legit company that stands by their products. Thanks for the suggestion.
Why have a Radian Build without using P-Mags? Do people not realize the entire design of the Radian lower was the match the patter of the P-mag???
@@KevinWood44 I haven't had an issue with any of the magazines I own, even the cheap ones. If a lower can't utilize stanag mags, lancers or even ETS, then it shouldn't be in production. It's fine. I ran a carbine class with lancers and didn't have an issue.
@@2amichaelj No no no, what I mean is that Radian lower was designed so that the PATTERN (that was billeted into it) would exactly match the pattern on the P-mags.
Google a pic of the P-mag you'll see what I mean
@@KevinWood44 I see what you mean now. I just put a pmag in and it matches the design of the lower. It's kinda a nice detail. Thanks for pointing that out.
@@2amichaelj Sure thing. I agree....that's a rather brilliant design. I didn't notice it at first either
When you installed your handguard, did you notice any side to side play before tightening it down? Mine did and either the handguard or upper face wasn't squared off correctly and the handguard had some noticeable shift. Ended up selling my kit due to Radians lack of a timely response.
I don't have my barrel yet. Without the barrel I've noticed some play but nothing is tightened down to spec. There might be some timing involved with the barrel nut to get the handguard flush with the receiver.
You'd think for a premium price that Radian would have premium customer support. Sad to hear your experiences with the receiver set. This isn't the first time I've heard others having fitment issues and lack of customer support with Radian. It's definitely noted and I appreciate your feedback. You'll see an update on this once I get my barrel in for sure.
@@2amichaelj sweet, look forward to the completed build. Just something to look for, when you get everything buttoned down with the handguard, do a side to side push against the barrel, if it looks like it returns where it should you are good to go, mine would still shift even at max torque side to side.
@@triton302 I just put this build together and I believe you got a lemon. I didn't have any side to side play. My upper also had a steel Dow rod installed onto it with the handguard having a hole drilled out to accept the dow rod making the lockup extremely sturdy imo.
I'm put a 14.5 BA Hanson with a pinned gas block until the criterion core comes in but I noticed how tight the barrel extension fit into the upper receiver too. I had to heat up the upper and still used a mallet to get the barrel in all the way.
Everything seems well put together and checks out to my scrutiny. Probably not what you wanted to hear. I have to suspect with demand and materials getting harder to come by radian might've rushed a bunch of stuff out that probably wasn't in spec. That doesn't justify the lack of customer support however. I don't blame you. I would've sold and moved onto another too.
@@2amichaelj Yea I ended up selling my Radian kit, the company took too long to get back to me and I couldn't find a way to fix it.
Hop hates the SL-S but loves the SL
Did you get the 14.5 barrel
14.5" Criterion hybrid with a pinned gas block.
BCM uses a microbest. You can get a microbest bcg right around 100 and they'll last
A lot of manufacturers use rebranded Microbest. They're probably my go to budget BCGs. I wish I would've bought more of their full chrome BCGs when they were $80 a piece a few months ago. Solid BCGs.
@@2amichaelj yup same here. I shoulda grabbed a bunch
Try the Unity fast lpvo. It’s $300 but I think the height is 2.05
I think eventually I'll try Unity and Badgers mounts as I hear they're the cats meow.
Really only thing I’m on the fence about is swapping from my Holosun 503g acss with pa Pegasus 3x…to a good lpvo??? Replies for each please. I already own and run the holo/pa mag situation.
Is the Pegasus with acss? How do u like it?
Love my credo 1-8
May I ask where you found that sl-s stock for $55, I’ve been looking and haven’t seen them below $70.
Battlehawk Armory has them all the time for that price. Shipping costs are high but if you order a bunch of items from the same manufacturer they'll charge you the same price for shipping as they would for 1.
Same goes for Locked and loaded. G4G guns has them for that price and they're a reputable company and I can also vouch for Lanbos armory which also has them for under $60 I believe.
AR15discounts had them on sale for $56 last week. I like them. They don't charge shipping on orders $150+ and no sales tax.
Milspec retail had them also for that price with a 10% off everything website sale too.
I shop around a lot. I find using websites that don't charge sales tax/shipping will sometimes save more money than using sites that offer sales while charging sales tax and shipping like Primary Arms.
I always factor shipping and tax into the cost. Typically, it's best to find a handful of items on sale or use drop shipping sites like Battlehawk Armory/Locked and Loaded while understanding how their shipping costs work to take advantage of their prices. Dack Outdoors has good prices and reasonable shipping but you'll be waiting a month before you get the package.
Lanbos Armory has extremely quick shipping times and a flat rate shipping cost no matter how many items you have as long as you buy items from outside their shop. Battlehawk Armory will take about a week and Locked and Loaded you're looking at 2 weeks.
I apologize for the long winded response. I have a very extensive background in finding the best possible pricing for basically everything I buy.
@@2amichaelj hey man, we thank you for doing the time consuming part of shopping with the math all punched up. I commented elsewhere here that I run a k2+ and str (magpul gang…I also got an afg1!! Lol) but ya, shopping is a bitch, especially when it’s at your front door and you see someone like you posting a $20+ savings!! That’s a box of m193 at least!
That's their lower end model trigger they got much nicer triggers
Mil spec just means "cheap enough for the government"
How does it shoot w/o a barrel?
It shoots so fast and far I can't even see it, although the MOA sucks. I can't even hit the paper.
I’ve never seen an upper/lower set where you have to hammer out the takedown pins. Thank you for the warning never to buy a Radian setup, for as much as I take off the upper receivers and play with the bolt carriers.
I actually use many Radian parts on builds and their stuff is usually perfect. Just not the upper and lowers.
There's a set screw that tightens the lower to the upper. It was tightened down way too much. After letting off the screw some, it worked just fine. Other manufacturers like PSA and Aero use the same feature actually. I find it nice and you don't have to utilize it if you don't want to.
Sionics NP3 BCG is where it’s at.
I’m using ripcord Gass hole gasblock
Woulda been cool to actually SEE the whole rifle but…
Sigh. Everything is BASED on milspec. If you want to talk about non milspec look at the ar-10. That 3k rifle is great but a $500 ar can do everything that can do. The main difference is the look. The radian can make you faster at getting back in the fight. Milspec is about the way it is made the mating of the upper and lower the design of it. That ar 15 is the same as a ar-15 made by knights. Milspec has to do with military specifications how they wanted it. The weapon needed to be fired when wet when sandy when muddy. Look at the sig rifle that could not be adopted by all troops because it would fail in mud they need a rifle that an 18 y/o can can drop it in the mud and it not fail. And yes you can spend $500 on an ar and beat any Gucci ar 15. With all that said my build is at 4k so 😒 yea expensive hobby. Not to mention the mags the plate carriers the pouches or the ammo. Great video not trying to flame you just letting you know. Ar 10 is not milspec that is why you kinda have to buy the upper and lower together or there is 100% chance they will not mate. Take any ar-15 upper and lower and they will mate. Maybe one needs a proprietary rail but the upper and lower will always mate that is millspec. Hope that makes sense. Please exspand on my short definition of milspec if need be. But that is the jist.
I agree. Many would argue though that mil spec should be exactly the tolerances, coatings, forgings, and parts that are used by the military. Anything else is just shit hype.
I've had this argument before where even if I put a Spikes tungsten powder buffer in my AR15, that I was just wasting money on that "non mil spec" part. I personally think machining and technology has progressed the AR15. While I like M4, M16, MK18, URGI, MK12 clones, I've seen and shot enough that I personally want something different and I will utilize parts that I think works better for my applications.
Sometimes I just buy something because it looks cool, because I want to try it or because I want to support the manufacturer too. There is a case for both arguments. I like the way you worded your post however and there's not anything I disagree with.
Why buy a radian and cheap out on an optic?!?
Get a Criterion
No safety check
Safety on fire mode..
am i the only one who deosnt really like the upper receiver? I almost bought one but didnt liek the upper receiver