Description
The Radian Model 1 17.5 Inch Black is a hand-assembled .223 Wylde AR-15 from Radian Weapons, built on billet 7075-T6 receivers with a 17.5-inch match-grade 416R stainless barrel and a full set of ambidextrous controls. The upper, lower, and handguard are finished in Radian Black Cerakote as one matched set. The 17.5-inch barrel and intermediate-length gas system make the Radian Model 1 17.5 Inch Black the longest .223 Wylde configuration in the Model 1 line, aimed at shooters who spend more time at distance than in close quarters.
Hand built and Cerakoted as a matched set
Every Radian Model 1 rifle is assembled one at a time by a single gunsmith who inspects it, test fires it, and cleans it before it leaves the shop. That is a different process from a production line, and it shows in the details: tight upper-to-lower fit, a handguard that is pinned to the upper so it cannot rotate, and controls that feel crisp from the first round. Radian backs the Model 1 with a lifetime guarantee, and it is designed and manufactured in the USA.
Because the receivers and handguard are coated together, the Radian Black Cerakote matches across all three parts instead of nearly matching. Radian Black is a deep, even black, and the Cerakote adds a layer of corrosion and wear resistance over the anodized aluminum. On a longer rifle like the Radian Model 1 17.5 Inch Black, the matched finish from receiver to handguard is especially noticeable.
Radian Model 1 17.5 Inch Black specifications
- Radian part number: R0045
- UPC: 817093020996
- Caliber: .223 Wylde (fires .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO)
- Barrel: 17.5-inch match-grade 416R stainless steel, threaded 1/2×28
- Muzzle device: Dead Air KeyMo flash hider, threaded and removable
- Gas system: direct impingement, intermediate-length
- Upper receiver: billet 7075-T6 with M4 feed ramps and lightweight forward assist
- Handguard: Radian extended aluminum, M-LOK, integrated stainless anti-rotation pin
- Bolt carrier group: enhanced black nitride, M16 profile
- Charging handle: Radian Raptor-SD ambidextrous
- Lower receiver: billet 7075-T6, integral trigger guard, flared magazine well
- Controls: A-DAC ambidextrous bolt catch and release, ambidextrous magazine release, Talon 45/90 safety
- Trigger: Radian Vertex CBX
- Stock and grip: Magpul stock on a 6-position receiver extension with QD end plate and H2 buffer, Magpul K2 grip
- Magazine: one Magpul PMAG 30 Gen M3 Window
- Finish: Radian Black Cerakote on upper, lower, and handguard
- Weight: 6.0 to 8.0 lb depending on configuration (Radian figure)
- Accuracy: sub-MOA guarantee with Black Hills match ammunition
- Warranty: Radian lifetime guarantee
Why the 17.5-inch barrel and intermediate gas
An extra inch and a half over a 16-inch rifle buys more velocity, which helps heavier match bullets stay supersonic and buck the wind at longer range, and a longer barrel pairs naturally with a magnified optic. Radian matches it with an intermediate-length gas system, a step between mid-length and rifle-length that keeps the recoil impulse soft. Anyone looking for a 17.5 inch AR-15 for precision work or practical rifle matches should put this one on the short list.
The Radian Model 1 17.5 Inch Black is less handy indoors than the 14.5 or 16-inch versions, and it is the heaviest of the three. For a rifle that lives on a bench, in a match bag, or in a varmint blind, that trade is worth making. The flash hider is threaded rather than pinned, so you can fit a competition brake or the suppressor mount of your choice.
An ambidextrous AR-15 without the add-ons
Radian made its name selling control upgrades, and this rifle is built almost entirely from them. The Raptor-SD charging handle latches from either side and is shaped to cut gas to the face when suppressed. The A-DAC lower lets you lock the bolt back and release it from the right side, and the magazine release works from both sides. The Talon safety can be set for a short 45-degree or standard 90-degree throw. For left-handed shooters this is a true ambidextrous AR-15; for right-handed shooters it means faster reloads and malfunction clearing without breaking your grip.
The Vertex CBX trigger gives a clean, consistent break that suits both fast strings and slow precision work. Out of the box the Radian Model 1 17.5 Inch Black needs only an optic and a sling, which is the whole point: you are not paying for a base rifle and then replacing half of it.
Accuracy and the barrel
Radian guarantees sub-MOA accuracy with Black Hills match-grade ammunition. The .223 Wylde chamber handles both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO safely while giving match ammunition the tighter throat it prefers, which is why so many precision-minded builders choose a 223 Wylde AR-15. The barrel is threaded 1/2×28 and runs a direct impingement intermediate-length gas system, which keeps the Radian Model 1 17.5 Inch Black shooting soft and flat for quick follow-up shots at distance.
Honest trade-offs before you buy
The Radian Model 1 17.5 Inch Black sits at the top of the AR-15 market on price, and you are paying for machining, finish, and hand assembly as much as function. A well-built mid-tier carbine will run just as reliably. No sights or optic are included. At 17.5 inches it is also the longest and heaviest .223 Wylde Model 1, so it is not the pick for home defense or vehicle carry.
Check your state before you order. The rifle ships with a 30-round Magpul PMAG, which is not legal in states with magazine capacity limits, and some states restrict featured semi-automatic rifles outright. Adding a suppressor requires an approved ATF Form 4 and registration, plus a wait, and suppressors are not legal in every state. MAG5 does not sell NFA items, but we are happy to talk through the process.
Who the Radian Model 1 17.5 Inch Black suits
The Radian Model 1 17.5 Inch Black makes sense for precision-minded shooters, practical rifle competitors, and varmint hunters who want a premium semi-auto that pairs well with a magnified optic. It is less compelling if you want a budget rifle to learn on, or if you prefer to build your own and pick every part yourself.
Buy the Radian Model 1 17.5 Inch Black from MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL dealer in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. This rifle is in stock, while Radian builds Model 1 rifles to order with a lead time of around 30 business days when bought direct. Federal law requires a background check and transfer through a licensed dealer: pick it up at our shop by appointment, or we can ship to your local FFL where legal. See other finishes in our Radian Weapons collection, or read the factory details on the Radian Model 1 product page. Questions? Call 610-943-0010 or email [email protected].
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