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

Published on September 1, 2017
Duration: 11:14

The Professional Ordnance Carbon-15 is an exceptionally lightweight AR-15 variant designed to circumvent the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban's weight restrictions. It utilizes extensive carbon fiber-filled polymer for its receivers, handguard, and stock, achieving a mere 4-pound weight. However, this innovation came at the cost of significant quality control issues and proprietary parts, making it incompatible with standard AR-15 components and prone to failures.

Quick Summary

The Professional Ordnance Carbon-15 is an exceptionally lightweight AR-15 variant, weighing only 4 pounds, due to its extensive use of carbon fiber-filled polymer receivers and components. Developed during the Assault Weapons Ban, it featured proprietary parts and design choices, but suffered from significant quality control issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & 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 extremely light 4-pound weight through extensive use of carbon fiber-filled polymer for its upper and lower receivers, buttstock, and handguard. It also featured a proprietary lightweight buffer system and omitted non-essential parts like the forward assist and dust cover.

Why was the Carbon-15 developed during the Assault Weapons Ban era?

The 1994-2004 US Assault Weapons Ban imposed restrictions on firearms, including weight limits for pistols. Companies like Professional Ordnance created ultra-lightweight rifles like the Carbon-15, using polymer materials to potentially circumvent these regulations and offer a distinct product.

Is the Professional Ordnance Carbon-15 compatible with standard AR-15 parts?

No, the Carbon-15 is not compatible with standard AR-15 parts. It features a proprietary bolt carrier group, bolt with rounded locking lugs, and barrel, meaning standard AR-15 bolts, barrels, and other components will not interchange.

What were the main quality issues with the Carbon-15?

Professional Ordnance gained a reputation for poor build quality with the Carbon-15. Common reported failures included broken charging handles, receivers, and bolts, significantly impacting its reliability despite its innovative design.

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