Professional Ordnance Carbon-15: A Super-Light AWB AR-15

Published on September 1, 2017
Duration: 11:14

This review of the Professional Ordnance Carbon-15, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, details its construction as an extremely lightweight AR-15 variant designed to circumvent the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban. Despite its innovative use of polymer and carbon fiber for a 4 lb weight, the rifle suffered from significant quality control issues, making it more of a historical artifact than a practical firearm.

Quick Summary

The Professional Ordnance Carbon-15 is an exceptionally lightweight AR-15 variant, weighing just 4 lbs, developed during the 1994-2004 Assault Weapons Ban. It utilizes carbon fiber-filled polymer extensively and features proprietary components. However, it is widely criticized for poor build quality and reliability issues, making it more of a historical curiosity than a practical firearm.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and AWB Context
  2. 01:25Carbon-15 Pistol vs. Rifle
  3. 03:08Construction and Weight Reduction
  4. 06:06Upper Receiver and Bolt Carrier Group
  5. 09:18Reliability and Quality Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Professional Ordnance Carbon-15 so lightweight?

The Carbon-15 achieved its extreme lightness, weighing only 4 lbs, through extensive use of carbon fiber-filled polymer for its receivers, buttstock, and handguard. It also featured a proprietary lightweight buffer and recoil spring system and omitted features like the forward assist and dust cover.

What were the main drawbacks of the Professional Ordnance Carbon-15?

Despite its innovative lightweight design, the Carbon-15 was notorious for poor build quality. Common issues included broken charging handles, receivers, and bolts, significantly impacting its reliability and overall desirability as a firearm.

How did the Carbon-15 relate to the Assault Weapons Ban?

The Carbon-15 was developed during the 1994-2004 US Assault Weapons Ban. Its extremely light weight and use of polymer materials were partly driven by the ban's regulations, particularly weight restrictions intended for pistols, pushing manufacturers to create lighter rifle platforms.

Are the parts on a Carbon-15 compatible with standard AR-15 parts?

No, the Carbon-15 features proprietary components, including a non-standard bolt carrier group with a unique bolt and rounded locking lugs, and a buffer system not retained by a detent. These differences mean it is not compatible with standard AR-15 bolts or barrels.

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