The RFC came shipped in a soft-sided, foam fitted hardcase (Bull Dog 595) with “desert tan” furniture by Magpul as well as two complimenting pmags and a tan EOTech 553 optic. Now, I know having all the matching goodies does not a “shooter” make, but she sure was pretty… and nobody minds a few compliments from their buddies regarding the sexiness of a new toy. They also sell all the accessories you could want to complete your package, at dealer cost including furniture, scopes, optics, bi-pods… you name it, all at a no-mark up price.
The first thing I did was shoulder this new “lass” (as most every one of us do), and without a doubt, she was comfortable. I then proceeded to make a quick phone call, to secure 1,000 rounds of IMI 5.56 ammunition (my preferred mass-produced ammo, whose review will be coming soon) and made plans to take a trip to our private range. Now, I’ve shot quite a few different manufacturers AR’s (although I make NO claim to being an expert with them), since the many years of my experience was relegated to hunting with bolt or lever action rifles. Of course I would be remiss if I didn’t state the obvious; the AR platform can and does make a great hunting rifle.
It took a few weeks to get our plans together, which was frustrating to say the least and then life got in the way with the loss of my wife, but we finally managed to get this little darlin’ throwing some lead downrange and she did not disappoint.
I sighted in the EOTech (at 60 yards since I intended to do most of the reviews in a CQB type scenario), even though I know she is accurate at much further ranges; but the way she feels in my hands, smacks of a “door kicker’s” tools. The first day we ran 250 rounds of the IMI ammunition through an unfired receiver that had simply been lubricated with FrogLube. Scott, of course warned that it may require a “warm-up, break-in” period, but she got NO mercy from myself or my buddy, Robbie Allmon from Patriot Protection (Lead Instructor, former Marine with two Afghan deployments, LEO and SWAT instructor) as we ran her through her paces.
From beginning to end… The Renshaw RF performed flawlessly. We did not experience any failures to feed, eject or misfire (which speaks volumes for the ammunition and the precision machining of this finely crafted firearm). We took her out to 120 yards and experienced success all the way in to the 10 yard range that met or exceeded our typical shooting abilities. With the addition of a Magpul, single point sling, Robbie ran her through some of his CQB drills and the smile on his face relayed his appreciation for the attention to details Renshaw has incorporated into their AR platform RF. He stated that out of all the AR’s he has used (he wished she was full auto; and to note, she maybe be available this way in the future) this little lady is rapidly becoming one of his all-time favorites. She is comfortable and compact… Lightweight and durable… and it does not take long for her to become a complete extension of your body.
Is the Renshaw Firearms RF-15, the best thing since “perforated toilet paper”? I may not go that far, although I believe when ArmaLite had their vision back in the early 50s, they hit upon one of the most prolific platforms of all time (barring Mr. Brownings 1911), what can I say? I’m a 1911 fan. The Renshaw version of that prolific design is absolutely beautiful in looks and functionality. Is it the BEST? That is a claim I would be unwilling to put my name on, but one of the best? I can confidently place that distinction without hesitation. As for their claims: I can say, one of the biggest complaints I’ve seen on billeted lowers is their “finicky” attitude toward different magazine manufacturers. I used 5 different mags with this girl, and I didn’t see anything that I would consider “finicky”. She was able to accept steel, right along with the composite mags and she released them without incident. As for their claim to “being able to feel the difference when you shoulder their AR’s” I would tend to agree with that claim. There is a noticeable difference in the feel of this rifle. She is tight (alright, quit thinking like a teenage boy), and there is absolutely no play in the upper and lower receivers. She has a very good throw to the shoulder and is very well balanced in the shooting or carrying position.
All in all, I would say that Scott and the rest of the boys from Renshaw Firearms are “right on target” with their claims as well as their workmanship. As for their pricing, although in the upper range in the world of ARs ($1450-2000) depending on what you want them to do with it (as well as what you expect from your weapons), is extremely competitive with a majority of the custom AR manufacturers. I can only assume that with time, Renshaw is going to capture a significant portion of the custom AR market.
In this on-going review, I will continue to give my impressions as I find new and interesting ways to test her in extreme conditions. I will also be putting her in the hands of shooters who are much more capable than myself, such as Robbie Allmon and get their impressions as well. Video reviews will be forthcoming, so keep your eyes open for them as we bring them to our YouTube channel Finally, I want to thank Scott Renshaw for sending me this little gem… She is all your promised and more. The problem for you now is… prying her from my Cold Dead Hands and all I can say about that is: Good Luck!
Until next time…
Gun Up and Carry… Because this country needs more Patriots that bleed; RED, WHITE AND BLUE!
Patrick James