Carbon-15 Type 97 Rifle. What's the story?

C

coal-cracker

New member
Thinking about picking up a C-15 Type 97 from Professional Ordnance. Sitting on the fence for weeks now 'cause of lack of information on the rifle. Haven't been able to get alot of feedback on them.
Have heard they jam if anything but thermold/canadian mags are used.
Does anyone here own one? How is the overall quality?Reliability? Accuracy?
How does it compare to "typical" AR15s.
Please, someone either talk me into or out-of buying one.
You responses would be very appreciated.
Thanks,
Hep
 
In the process of selecting my first AR15, I read just about everything in the forums at http://www.ar15.com .

They have a forum dedicated to the Professional Ordnance carbon ARs. The general consensus is that they suck. Some lucky buyers have had good performance, but most have been sorely disappointed. Apparently there are a number of proprietary parts and design elements. PO's record on customer service seems to be poor.

Because so much of the gun is not mil-spec, you're locked in to PO for any service or parts.

I wound up w/ a Bushmaster carbine because 1) it is a fine mil-spec gun with many happy owners and 2) Bushmaster's customer service is excellent.
 
FWIW, during a two day tactical rifle class the only student who had weapon problems was the one with a Carbon-15.
 
Thanks Glockaroo and Eric. You may have just saved me from throwing away a considerable ammount of money on something I would end up being unhappy with.
I'm new to the "AR Scene". Spent last couple of months shooting Ak's (SAR1, SAR2) which I have been more than happy with, especially as far as reliability goes. Now I want to expand and get something a little more, uhmm.... advanced, I guess. My next choice was a Colt Comp. HBAR. Maybe I'll just go with that.
What's up with AR15.com? Haven't been able to log on to the forums.
Thanks, guys,
Hep
 
well coal-cracker, i'd say go with the Colt Comp HBAR. i was looking at the Carbon-15 some time back, i was going to sell my Colt Match Target HBAR at the time, and i said hey i mit buy one this, it's cool looking Rifle, but in the end i got some more info on from AR15.COM and i said no way, i will stay with my Colt Match Target HBAR. i look back from time to time, and it looks that there is no good news on the Carbon-15 at this time, but you don't know, in a year or two the Carbon-15 mit be a good buy, but at this time it is not. and i'd for your frist AR15 go with the Colt, you will not be sorry.
 
I had a Carbon 15 before. Mine didn't have any real flaws. It didn't jam anymore than any other AR-15 I have shot. But there is a sore lack of accessories for it compared to a standard AR.

As for mil-spec parts, don't be fooled by the "mil-spec" stamp. Mil-spec means made by the lowest bidder (I'm in the Nat'l Guard and use an M16 made by General Motors). Buy quality parts!
 
I have a type 97 rifle, and love it.

I've put a bout 500 rounds through it, no jams unti the extractor broke. Called them up the next day and they sent one out right away, no problem. The thing is a kick to shoot and carry, only 4lbs!

I think they have worked out most of the problems which have dogged them in the past.

they also have heavy duty bolt/extractor parts available which are made for there Full auto guns.


my .02

TC
 
You alredy have gotten some good replies, but I will add in my experience. I have a Colt pre-ban AR and Bushmaster pre ban AR type, the Dissipator, and tried the Carbon 15. It malfunctioned every few rounds, generally either a double feed or a "crushing" of the unfired cartridge as it was ejected (probably another manifestation of an attempted double feed?). I sent it back to PA, and upon return it did the same stuff, whereupon I returned it for good. I had several of my partners shoot it as well, and they had the same problem (one tried to use it at one of L. Awerbuck's urban rifle classes, but changed to an AR). If it had not malfunctioned, I would have liked the rifle due to its appearance. The weight, on the other hand, is almost too light, and the felt recoil of the 223 ALMOST is painful(an unusual experience!). I hope this helps.
 
some beefs I had with it...

I sold mine when I needed college cash, but other than that I liked it. I did have some beefs though.

-No iron sights
-No sling ($60 for a sling attachment kit from PO)
-You need an allen wrench to remove the forearm

I did like the detachable buttstock. But at 3.9lbs, you really feel the recoil of .223, and yes, that's an unusual experience.
 
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