So, like I'm hanging around Shooters Choice today and I really wanted a good SKS. Well, I look up and there like an angel (barely dressed!) is this sweet little package! Now this was a totally impulse buy. It's used, but I don't know if it was really taken out at all. It's perfect, not a mark. I was in lust.I have handguns that weigh more then this honey. So tell me that this was cool and I won't be disappointed. I don't know anyone else who has one. Range report to follow.
The company spin on it: :wink:
"Of our Carbon 15 models, the Type 97S is the "Top of the Line". At 4.3* pounds, this high tech feather-weight features Receivers, Buttstock and Forend molded of Carbon Fiber material that offers incredible durability, strength and ultra-light weight. Carbon 15 material is unaffected by sunlight, water, oxidation or corrosion, and requires only minimal lubrication.
The Bushmaster Carbon 15 Type 97S Rifle has a fluted, stainless steel, 16" match grade barrel offering light weight, outstanding accuracy, and corrosion resistance. It is fitted with a unique Quick Detach Compensator that reduces muzzle rise and felt recoil. This 1 x 9 rifled barrel is chambered for the powerful 5.56mm NATO Cartridge but also accepts the more common .223 Remington. Barrel fluting - eight deep longitudinal grooves - offers increased cooling and further reduces barrel weight. An optional flashlight or laser mounting attachment is designed to clamp directly to the barrel by means of the fluting grooves (consult your Bushmaster salesperson about this option).
The Type 97S Upper Receiver and Forend features an anodized aluminum Picatinny rail that is the full length of both receiver and forend. It includes integral front and rear iron sights. The windage adjustable Rear Sight is a combination ghost ring and precision 200 yard aperture flip-up. The square post front sight offers elevation adjustments for fine zeroing. The Picatinny rail allows the option of mounting a wide variety of auxiliary sighting systems such as long eye relief or standard scopes, red dot, holographic, or laser sights.
Function controls on the Carbon 15 Type 97S Rifle operate much like standard AR15 type rifles. The exceptions are a unique release lever allowing the removal of the Carbon Fiber buttstock for storage and carrying convenience, and an Ambidextrous Safety Selector Lever. Selector markings are color-coded on both sides of the Lower Receiver for quick firing status checks. The magazine release button, Carbon 15 charging handle and takedown and pivot pins all function like the standard AR15. For ergonomic comfort, the Lower Receiver is fitted with a Hogue OverMolded pistol grip, and the Carbon Fiber Forend is molded in a comfortable oval shape with a non-slip stipple finish."
Okay, don't kick my ass too hard for the ####ty pics. I only had my cell phone. The carbon 15 is a very well made gun. I'm at 500 rounds of Americian Eagle 55 gr FMJ and 100 rounds of winchester 55 SP. I have yet to have a feed issue, nothing. I am using 2 different mags,, from different manufactures. I also haven't cleaned the gun in the time peroid. This gun functions flawlessly. The bottom of the barrel opening seems to have deep feed ramps, I think this is a M4 design? Not really sure. The trigger is clean and tight. It is a joy to shoot, it's a keeper. For fun I threw on a old bushnell trophy with a see thru mount. Great to shoot steel spinners at 50, 75 and 100. I think I may put on a EOTech.
The issues:
No freaking buffer retainer for the buffer and spring. What a mightmare to take apartand put back together! The front sight is way to short. Not sure if the previous owner had changed it for some reason. But I have put a longer one in and I'm hitting the target again, with iron sights. I actually would have liked it without iron sights, then I could have a choice of detachable flip sights. I am tempted to have the sights machined off, but why bother. I am aslo thinking about changing to a telescoping butt stock. This seems easy, just need the regular bolt carrier and stock.
The pics show it beside a Storm, it is a very small package. If you have a VZ58, it's the same length, but much lighter. I took out my old colt A1 and switch the uppers and bolts around. So in the pic you have a A2 lower with the carbon upper. It shot just fine, no issues at all. Then I sold the colt.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy another type carbon firearm. Hmm, HK SL8.
