Bushmaster Carbon 15 rifle durability?

[artherd]

I've been looking into the bewildering array of AR-15 type weapons on the market. I've decided I want a good CQB/entry type M4 sized weapon for home defense/offence. (so 14.5" with brake for 16" barrel to stay legal, and an Aimpoint or EOtech and M6 laser/light. Capability to accept a scope a plus, but not a primary goal.)


I like the light weight offered by the Bushmaster Carbon 15. I think an AR rifle should be as light as possible (one of it's benefits is extremely high mobility/firepower ratio.)

I have some expierence with carbon fibre composits myself, so I know they are VERY strong, if a little brittle. I also know that the material itself does not define the properties, it depends much on exactly what type of CF is used. Just like "Steel" and "Hardend T7 Tool Steel" are not exactly the same thing.

What is the consensus on the Carbon 15 AR rifle? Is it a good, durable, 'only rifle' type of gun?

Is it a novelty?

What about the barrel, are the 'match' types of barrels reliable in field conditions?

 

[Carlos Cabeza]

I have some similar questions concerning durability of the "Carbon 15" material. Specifically the new Bushmaster Carbon Fifteen pistol chambered for .223/5.56 NATO. I thought I'd give this thread a little bump BTT.

 

[Cableman]

I have dumped a chinese 120 round mag of Lake City M193 ammo through my Carbon 15 pistol, and it held up to the task just fine.

 

[BillL223]

Unless Bushmaster has made a lot of improvements, I would avoid this gun. The original Professional Ordinance (sp) model was junk.

 

[TODD3465]

I agree I own one of those PO POS's.

Get a normal Bushmaster and maybe special order it with their light weight barrel.

 

[geekWithA.45]

for home defense/offence.

Planning on offending your home, are you?

 

[artherd]

Geek-

"Screw you dishwasher! Take this!"

Supposedly the PO stuff has been substantially improved upon. Basically all innards now are bushmaster. (and will now interchange with standard AR uppers/lowers.)

My main question is the durability of the Carbon 15 material as used on the lower/upper. Is it going to crack/shatter if I drop the gun on cement from 6 feet up?

 

[MiniZ]

The material itself will hold up well. The problems with the original POs were the internals, as well as the fact many parts were unique to the PO.

Bushmaster has improved the PO design, but I haven't read any long term reports yet.

Another alternative for a lightweight AR is using a Cav Arms lower with a Bushmaster carbon fiber(PO) upper(uppers should be available 1Q 2004) or build up a light weight "standard"(aluminum) upper.

 

[TODD3465]

Unless they have gone to a standard gas block, buffer assembly and bolt carrier they have improved nothing.

 

[Gary H]

I purchased my Carbon 15 shortly after it was introduced. I have not had any problems with the material so far, but I did have extraction problems. P.O. redesigned the bolt and supposedly fixed this problem before they sold the C-15 to Bushmaster. You really don't have to worry about the material, or anything else since this product is now covered by Bushmasters no-B.S. lifetime warranty. I sent my old C-15 back to Bushmaster and they refurbished it for free. I've not had any problems with it since, but haven't really put it to much of a test. I want to use it for three-gun. So, I would think that if they repaired my P.O. for free, you don't have to worry with Bushmaster selling this firearm. I love mine.. the low weight makes it very fast.. a really nice (and mine is 1 MOA) firearm.

One other thought, I live in a warmer environment. I don't really know how this material holds up in colder temperatures, or really heavy use.

 

[Derek Zeanah]

Bushmaster really does seem to care. I bought one of the original PO models earlier this month here in Jacksonville and saw ~ 6 misfeeds on the first mag (something about the bolt carrier key leaking.) I sent it back and after 2 days in-house it was back on the truck to me, with a polished feed ramp, new bolt carrier/bolt, a "new chamber" (not sure what that means) and a new takedown lever.

150 rounds later, it's back on the brown truck on its way to AZ because it's still misfeeding, though in a really inconsistent way.

I'm crossing my fingers, and will dump 500 rounds or so through it before I believe it's as reliable as it should be. It's a pain, but it was cheap (under $600) and after the back-n-forth with Bushmaster I should have a completely reliable AR workalike that weighs 4.5 pounds including the Aimpoint on top.

I'll give a full report a little later.