Looking at buying one. I need some input from the fire. Good, bad, or otherwise.
Thanks,
John Boy

Early ones were considered light duty by most, hit or miss on internals being quality parts - first models were not received well, for hobby use over weekend gopher duty.

The Bushmasters have a reputation for cracking at the reciever pins in this area with the LGS, seen a couple that had to be replaced. YMMV

I'd pass.

^^ This ^^

Many more economic AR options out there. S&W M&P 15 Sport II, Ruger AR556, come to mind. If one looks hard they can be found for $100-150 more than the Bushy Carbon 15.

I had heard that the parts weren't mil spec.

That would be an understatement.

Bushmaster. That's redundant.

Still a step above DPMS (Doesn't Phlucking Meet Standards)

I own one of the newer models and never had a problem. The only commercial spec item is the stock and buffer tube. Barrel nut is different due to the thread thickness of the upper. Takedown pins are a tad longer due to the thickness of the carbon as opposed to aluminum. Worst case you buy an Anderson upper and barrel nut for $50 and swap the parts. For the right price and the recreational shooter, I wouldn't hesitate.

Always heard a ton of bad stuff about them, but the mid 1990's production model I had worked flawlessly and was actually pretty danged accurate.
Finally traded mine off for a Stag in 6.8.

The weight on the Carbon Bushmaster is only like about a 1/2 pound lighter than a aluminum AR. For my money, in today's AR-15's, I'd buy either a Ruger or a S&W M&P.
Or spend a little more and buy a Colt or a Stag.

It could work out.............

If you like 2-piece lowers.

I'll take it as consensus, no carbon 15.......

Except for all the other stuff you mentioned, and more.

Carbon - bad

Polymer - better

Aluminum - best.

I have a couple of polymer lowers and they make a nice light AR. To many horror stores about the carbon lowers breaking. If you want light I can give you a name of a polymer lower that might fit your needs.

kwg

Pass.