Description
You’re a hunter or a long-range shooter on a budget, staring down the cost of a dedicated precision rifle. The numbers are daunting—until you see a platform that bridges the gap between the ubiquitous AR-15 and serious downrange performance without breaking the bank. That’s the niche the Radical Firearms AR-15 FHR 6.5 Grendel 20″ MBA-1 Black Stock Black Hard Coat Anodized rifle fills. It’s a value-oriented, long-barreled AR built for the efficient 6.5 Grendel cartridge, offering hunters and target shooters a capable system at a practical price point of $751.99.
Here’s the thing—this rifle isn’t about flashy, proprietary parts. It’s built on proven, mil-spec compatible architecture. That means you get a familiar AR-15 platform that’s drop-in ready for a wide range of standard accessories and parts. The heart of the system is that 20-inch barrel chambered in 6.5 Grendel, a cartridge renowned for its flat trajectory and retained energy at distance, making it a superb choice for medium game like whitetail deer or steel targets out to 600 yards and beyond. Weighing in at approximately 8.5 lbs unloaded, it’s built for stability from a bench or bipod, not run-and-gun maneuvers.
Key Features & Practical Trade-Offs
The standout feature is undoubtedly the 6.5 Grendel chambering paired with a 20-inch barrel. This length allows the cartridge to reach its full potential velocity, maximizing its ballistic advantage over rounds like .223/5.56. You’re buying into a system that fundamentally shoots flatter and hits harder at range than a standard AR. The fixed MBA-1 stock provides a solid, consistent cheek weld and length of pull, critical for precision work. The black hard coat anodized finish is a durable, budget-conscious choice—it’ll handle field use, though it may not have the corrosion resistance of more expensive coatings.
Look, the value proposition is clear. For under $800, you’re getting a complete, specialized upper and lower assembly ready for your optic and bipod. You could spend hundreds more for a similar setup from other brands. The trade-off? Radical Firearms uses cost-effective manufacturing to hit this price. You might find the finish is utilitarian, and the trigger is a basic mil-spec unit—a perfectly serviceable place to start, but also the first thing many shooters upgrade. The rifle ships with a single 10-round magazine, a common capacity for hunting regulations.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 6.5 Grendel |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Stock | Fixed MBA-1 Style |
| Finish | Black Hard Coat Anodized |
| Overall Length | Approx. 38.5-40.5″ (Stock Adjusted) |
| Receiver Material | 6061-T6 Aluminum |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional ballistic performance for the price. Complete rifle ready for optics. Uses affordable, readily available AR-15 components for maintenance and upgrades. The 20″ barrel optimizes the 6.5 Grendel round. Fixed stock aids in consistent shooting. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases through licensed dealers like us.
Cons: Basic mil-spec trigger. Utilitarian finish. On the heavier side for carrying all day. 6.5 Grendel ammo is more expensive and less common than .223.
Who This Rifle Is For
This rifle is ideal for the budget-conscious hunter looking to take deer-sized game at extended ranges, or the recreational shooter who wants to explore longer-distance target shooting without investing in a custom bolt-action. It’s also a smart choice for someone who already has AR-15 lowers and wants to build a dedicated upper for a new purpose—this complete rifle offers a simpler path. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this upper fit on any AR-15 lower?
A: Yes, with a caveat. It is designed for a standard mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver. However, because it is chambered in 6.5 Grendel, you must use dedicated 6.5 Grendel magazines for reliable feeding—standard 5.56 PMAGs will not work correctly.
Q: Is the 6.5 Grendel good for deer hunting in Missouri?
A: Absolutely. The 6.5 Grendel delivers more than enough ethical energy for whitetail deer well beyond typical Missouri hunting distances. Its flat trajectory also helps minimize hold-over in open fields or across clear cuts.
Q: What kind of optic should I put on this?
A: Given its 20-inch barrel and precision-oriented design, a variable-power scope in the 3-9x, 4-12x, or similar range is a perfect match. You’ll want something capable of magnification to take full advantage of the cartridge’s long-range potential.
If you’ve been considering a step up into a more capable mid-range platform but needed a path that respected your budget, this Radical Firearms build presents a compelling argument. See the full details and availability on our site.
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