Bushmaster Carbon 15 16” 5.56 Pencil Barrel AR-15 Rifle Carbon Fiber
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB251230ST016
Make: Bushmaster Firearms Inc.
Model: Carbon 15
Serial Number: E03267
Year of Manufacture: 2009-2015
Caliber: 5.56mm
Action Type: Semi Automatic, Direct Impingement, fed by detachable AR pattern magazines.
Barrel Length: 16″ with QD muzzle device
Sights / Optics: The top of the receiver has a 6” picatinny rail for the mounting of optics and accessories. No sights or optics are included
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set on this rifle consists of a fixed position carbon buttstock, A2 style textured pistol grip, and 8 1/2″ smooth oval carbon handguard. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. There is minor handling wear but no major damage. Overall this stock is in Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: AR-15 pattern magazines. This rifle includes one 20 rd Pmag.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. The feed ramps show minor copper fouling and debris. The muzzle is clean. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its original finish. There are light handling marks and a few light scuffs on the barrel. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: one magazine as described above.
Our Assessment: The Bushmaster Carbon 15 represents a modern departure from traditional AR-15 construction, utilizing lightweight carbon fiber composite receivers in place of standard forged aluminum. Originally developed to reduce weight while maintaining the familiar ergonomics of the AR platform, the Carbon 15 series reflects an era of experimentation aimed at enhancing portability without sacrificing function. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, a cartridge introduced in the mid-20th century and widely adopted for its velocity and controllability, this rifle continues the lineage of the AR-15 as a versatile, lightweight semi-automatic system. The 16” pencil-profile barrel further emphasizes this design intent, offering reduced front-end weight and improved handling characteristics.
This example features a streamlined configuration with a fixed carbon buttstock, carbon handguard, and A2-style pistol grip, all contributing to its notably lightweight feel. The 16” barrel is fitted with a quick-detach muzzle device, while the upper receiver incorporates a short Picatinny rail section for optics mounting. The absence of iron sights allows for a clean, uncluttered profile, ready for user customization. The rifle retains approximately 97% of its original finish, with only light handling marks and minor scuffs on the barrel, while the furniture remains in excellent condition with no notable damage. The included 20-round PMAG complements the rifle’s practical configuration.
The bore is in excellent condition, showing bright surfaces and sharp rifling with no visible erosion and only minor copper fouling present on the feed ramps, earning a 9.5/10 rating. The muzzle remains clean, and overall indications suggest limited use. Mechanically, the rifle functions correctly with proper operation of the action. This Bushmaster Carbon 15 stands as a strong example of a lightweight AR-15 variant, combining modern materials with a minimalist configuration that highlights the adaptability and continued evolution of the platform. MF