Battle Arms Development Workhorse
Battle Arms Development, Inc. · Carbine · In Production · 2020
Also known as: BAD Workhorse, Battle Arms Workhorse AR-15, BAD-15 Workhorse
Overview
The Battle Arms Development Workhorse is a duty-grade AR-15 rifle built around BAD's forged Workhorse 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum receiver set and a free-floating M-LOK handguard. The 16-inch model is chambered in .223 Wylde (compatible with both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington), using a 4150 chrome-moly medium-profile barrel with a black nitride finish and a 1:7 twist. The rifle pairs a mid-length direct-impingement gas system with a polished nickel-Teflon single-stage match trigger, a BAD ambidextrous safety selector, and a BAD-RACK-15 ambidextrous charging handle. Furniture includes a B5 Systems Bravo stock and grip. Positioned as Battle Arms Development's no-frills, hard-use working rifle, the Workhorse delivers the company's premium component engineering at a more accessible price point than its lightweight flagship builds.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2858 g (100.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 921 mm (36.26") |
| Folded Length | 838 mm (32.99") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 20 N (4.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 945 m/s (3100 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1785 J (1317 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black Anodized |
Calibers
- .223 Wylde · primary — also known as 223 Wylde, 5.56 NATO, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Ambidextrous Safety Selector
- Features: Free Floating Handguard, M Lok Rail, Mid Length Gas System, Flat Top Receiver, Picatinny Rail, Rotating Bolt, Forward Assist, Dust Cover, Ambidextrous Charging Handle, Nickel Teflon Trigger, Enhanced Receiver Set, B5 Stock
Variants
- Workhorse 10.5" Short Barrel Rifle — Short Barrel Rifle
- Workhorse 10.5" Pistol — Ar Pistol
- Workhorse Patrol Carbine — Patrol Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Civilian Sport Shooters
Production
Production years: 2020-present
Part of Battle Arms Development's complete-rifle lineup; BAD was a 2022 Inc. 5000 honoree
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
Offered as a 16-inch rifle, a 10.5-inch short barrel rifle (SBR), a 10.5-inch pistol, and a Patrol Carbine. The 16-inch rifle weighs roughly 6.3 lb (2.86 kg) and uses a mid-length gas system; the 10.5-inch SBR uses a carbine-length gas system with a 1:8 twist. Specifications here reflect the 16-inch .223 Wylde rifle. Ships with a Magpul PMAG 30-round magazine and a soft case.
Background
Battle Arms Development was founded on July 4, 2009 in Henderson, Nevada, initially making its name with the lightweight titanium and aluminum AR-15 components such as its ambidextrous safety selectors and the ultra-light BAD-556-LW rifle. The Workhorse line represents the company's pivot to a rugged, value-oriented complete rifle built for everyday hard use rather than minimum weight.