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Radian Weapons: Innovation You Can Feel
When you hear the name Radian Weapons, you probably think of quality charging handles, safeties, and custom AR-15 builds. While its AR-15 components may be what it’s most known for, Radian has ensured it doesn’t remain stagnant by pushing out some seriously innovative new offerings.
Radian Model 1 rifle. source
Radian Weapons started in 2009 as AXTS Weapon System before rebranding in 2016. Located in Redmond, Oregon, Radian is a powerhouse in the firearms world, with its AR-15 components being synonymous with high quality.
You’ll find its parts on the firearms of all types of gun owners. Tactical professionals, competitive shooters, and regular folks all find a place for Radian parts in their collections.
We are going to dive into what makes Radian, Radian. Look at the parts and gear it’s known for, and let you know what you should add to your cart to get the most out of your firearms.
Radian Model 1 Complete Rifle
Simply making high-quality parts for other people’s rifles is not all that Radian offers. They also make their own flagship rifle, the Model 1. The Model 1 is designed to be the ultimate example of what an AR-15 can be.
The Radian Model 1 is an example of Radian’s top-notch quality. Source
The Model 1 features an ADAC lower with an ambidextrous bolt catch and mag release. As you would expect, it has a Raptor-SD charging handle and Talon safety selector. The barrel is made of 416R stainless steel and is housed within a proprietary extended handguard with tons of M-LOK slots. Radian even backs the Model 1 with a sub-MOA guarantee when using high-quality ammunition.
Every single rifle is hand-assembled, test-fired, and built to be a precision instrument. Want a premium rifle where you know no corners were cut? The Model 1 is the answer. This also means the rifle comes with a lead time. Last time I checked, it was 13 weeks.
Rifle Parts
Radian Raptor Charging Handles
Charging handles put Radian on the map. The Raptor series of charging handles is fully ambidextrous and made from aircraft-grade aluminum. I have put Radian charging handles on several of my ARs, and will likely continue to for many builds to come. There is a reason that the Radian Raptor is the gold standard for charging handles.
The original Radian Raptor. Source
Radian has added several variants to the Raptor line, giving you options for suppressed, lightweight, and standard builds alike.
Popular Variants:
Radian Raptor: This is the OG. A bombproof classic.
Raptor-LT: Lightweight variant with overmolded polymer handles.
Raptor-SD: If you like shooting suppressed, this is your charging handle.
Radian Weapons Raptor-SD Ambidextrous Charging Handle
Price range: $134.95 through $139.95
Raptor-SL: A slim-line model for a lower profile.
The Raptor delivers, and most charging handles are available for both AR-15 and AR-10 style rifles.
Radian Talon Safety Selector
Radian Weapons Talon 45/90 Ambidextrous Safety Selector 2 Lever Kit
Price range: $64.95 through $69.95
Want a high-quality safety selector that is versatile and blows your basic mil-spec safety out of the water? Look no further than the Radian Talon, which is one of the best out there. It is ambidextrous, easy to install, and configurable for 45- or 90-degree throws.
It performs well and looks good. Best of both worlds. Source
Other Rifle Components
Radian doesn’t just sell completed rifles and charging handles; other parts are available as well. In addition to Raptor charging handles and Talon safeties, Radian makes triggers, lowers, handguards, and more. Most of these parts are sourced directly from Radian and are staples in custom builds across the nation.
Radian makes most of the parts you need to customize your AR. Source
Pistol Accessories
RAMJET + AFTERBURNER Combo
Radian’s RAMJET barrel and AFTERBURNER compensator combo reduces recoil, improves control, and is easy to install. The benefits of the combo are hard to ignore. It has up to 44% recoil reduction with a negligible increase in the length of your firearm.
Glock 19 with the RAMJET + AFTERBURNER. source
The barrel is match-grade and fluted, which results in competition-level accuracy. Radian manufactures the AFTERBURNER + RAMJET combo for the Sig P365, as well as multiple Glock pistols, including the Glock 19, Glock 43, and Glock 48.
The AFTERBURNER + RAMJET combo is now available for your favorite Glock pistols. Source
Other Parts
While not as notable, Radian does have some smaller products for pistols as well. Radian also offers recoil springs and mag wells, such as this backstrap magazine well combo, for the SIG P365-XMACRO.
We haven’t seen these become extremely popular (yet), but I have a feeling we will soon.
What Makes Radian Stand Out
Plenty of companies make AR parts. In the crowded firearms marketplace, you need to do things in a way that gets people’s attention and stands out. Radian does this by producing superior designs and delivering impeccable quality.
Now that is an AR build worthy of a social media post. Source
Making its products ambidextrous by default, and right here in the United States, are just a couple of the ways Radian stands out. Plus, they offer a lifetime warranty and have quality customer service.
Last Words
One of my AR-15s with a Radian Raptor charging handle
Radian Weapons has earned its place in the upper echelon of firearm component manufacturers. Its gear doesn’t just look good, it performs under pressure. Whether you’re outfitting a duty rifle, chasing better times for competition, or simply want parts that feel good and work right every time, Radian’s parts will do the trick and don’t feel like they were made to turn a quick buck. Instead, they feel like someone who likes shooting took the time to make parts that other shooters would want on their firearms.
