Crypto or Raven

Jesus.C

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So im trying to scratch my ar15 itch and im on the fence about wich one I should get.

The crypto is way cheaper and dosent require extra parts to "complete". Im also aware it could eventually become label an ar15 variant. The first batch also came out purple wich to me speak of the quality control going on at crusader arms. Not a fan of their past product to say the least.

On the other hand the raven is well established and has its NR frt. The machining seem nice and all the wrinkles of the platform seem to have been address. But with all the extras im interested in it would be around 3000$ for me, wich is quite alot. And the proprietary parts made it less customizable and appealing.

Im leaning toward the crypto because its an AR and the platform has been proven over time. My issue is more with who is making it. Also note that if im going crypto im gonna "upgrade" the magwell.

So if you could only pick one, wich one will you choose? Wich one shoot better out of the box? Wich one is more reliable?
 
I owned a Raven before and it was nearly perfect out of the box. The only necessary change might be the trigger. However, my friend, who bought both rifles, told me that the original crypto part sucks and he had to replace 60% of the parts with aftermarket stuff. I believe Raven is still the best Canadian-made ARish rifle you can buy nowadays.
 
I owned a Raven before and it was nearly perfect out of the box. The only necessary change might be the trigger. However, my friend, who bought both rifles, told me that the original crypto part sucks and he had to replace 60% of the parts with aftermarket stuff. I believe Raven is still the best Canadian-made ARish rifle you can buy nowadays.
The Raven is Canadian made? That’s news to me.. I didn’t think it was.

Edit: just did my research, well I’ll be. Was not aware of that. I’m shocked to say the least given that the reviews of the Raven have been more or less favorable.
 
I have the raven and it never lets me down. Fit and finish on it are great. Almost 2k rounds through it and no wear on the parts. Never had any parts break. The only thing you really need right away is the brass deflector. Don’t do 3D printed. They’re crap, I had one and brass was still hitting my receiver. Other parts or upgrades can be done at a later date to keep costs down. I’ve handled, built one and shot the crypto. Fit and finish aren’t good. There’s movement between the upper and lower receivers and finish, well everyone knows about that already. Factory parts are garbage and break. Runs reliable with name brand parts. Mags are utterly useless. Insert the mag into the rifle and a round will pop out if you push up too fast. Rounds fall out of the bottom mag when firing. Raven you’ll be into it for $2200-2300 + tax for the rifle, top charge handle and brass deflector. Crypto you’ll be into it for just as much or more if you source out all the parts and build one. All depends on how nice of parts you use.
 
I was going to get the Raven until the Crypto came out. I like the fact that the Crypto has less proprietary parts, and it gave me a chance to build the rifle I wanted. Even if you purchased the complete rifle, it's a decent price (in this day and age) and you can swap out parts as needed. New batch of rifles seem to not have the purple anodizing issue.
 
I have a Raven and it functions and looks as good as any rifle I’ve had, including a few Modern Sprters.
For me, the proprietary Bokt Carrier don’t mean anything.

Having said that , I’ve got a crypto set on the way as I miss the excitement of the build and building a raven from scratch would be an expensive headache.

I’ll more than likely sell one once I’ve tried both
 
It seems nothing is proprietary on the crypto… except the mags, and basically the set itself.
But nothing a dremel, files and a milling machine won’t fix lol
I’m soon gonna find out
 
I can't speak to the Crypto, but I have a Raven. Took a while to get from Lockhart, but I am pleased with the fit and finish. Only 700 rounds so far, but zero issues. Likes the 62gr and up, but has fed all the ammo I have used from different mags. It came with the gen. 3 upper which has the port cover, brass deflector and closed left side. I miss using my ARs, and this certainly fills the gap. Plus, later on I can convert my .223 to 9mm, .22 and others with an exchange kit from Lockhart.

P.
 
Having had both. Raven was flawless once the gas setting was set. Crypto receiver set, gave me what I wanted from the raven and at a lighter weight. Can't go wrong eith either, I would just suggest buying a receiver set if going crypto. You will end up $200-$1000 or more above the cost of a factory rifle.
 
I owned a Raven before and it was nearly perfect out of the box. The only necessary change might be the trigger. However, my friend, who bought both rifles, told me that the original crypto part sucks and he had to replace 60% of the parts with aftermarket stuff. I believe Raven is still the best Canadian-made ARish rifle you can buy nowadays.
I don't know if I'd say they were all junk lol, the grip and stock definitely.

The handgaurd is not great but it's not terrible. The rest of it is just no name milspec parts, it's all functional and probably reliable. I did replace some parts and but more because I can see there being a shortage of parts soon and I wanted spares lol.
 
Finding a store in Canada that has all the parts you want in stock is nearly impossible. I’m looking for some stuff right now and going to have to order from 3-4 different places to get what I want. Shipping charges are gonna add up quick.
 
Id go crypto for a 556 platform. Kinda rough around the edges, but it runs. The proprietary parts on the raven kinda kill it.... It's a really nice piece of kit otherwise.

Yes I have both.
 
I have the raven and it never lets me down. Fit and finish on it are great. Almost 2k rounds through it and no wear on the parts. Never had any parts break. The only thing you really need right away is the brass deflector. Don’t do 3D printed. They’re crap, I had one and brass was still hitting my receiver. Other parts or upgrades can be done at a later date to keep costs down. I’ve handled, built one and shot the crypto. Fit and finish aren’t good. There’s movement between the upper and lower receivers and finish, well everyone knows about that already. Factory parts are garbage and break. Runs reliable with name brand parts. Mags are utterly useless. Insert the mag into the rifle and a round will pop out if you push up too fast. Rounds fall out of the bottom mag when firing. Raven you’ll be into it for $2200-2300 + tax for the rifle, top charge handle and brass deflector. Crypto you’ll be into it for just as much or more if you source out all the parts and build one. All depends on how nice of parts you use.
Which 3D printed one do you have? I got the Delta Dynamics and I have not had any issues with it yet. Also, no Issues with the Raven, aside from the weight, but that is probably my fault lol.
 
On the other hand the raven is well established and has its NR frt.
That alone is enough for me to decide which to get. I wouldn't want to be like the people who bought a RS-Q1 under the assumption they were NR only for the FRT to come out a year later calling it prohib.
 
That alone is enough for me to decide which to get. I wouldn't want to be like the people who bought a RS-Q1 under the assumption they were NR only for the FRT to come out a year later calling it prohib.
Who cares, you think you won’t end up in court because the frt says so?
Your always a Debbie Downer, real blast at office parties I bet
 
OP, the most fun part for me is the build, that’s why I ordered the crypto set.
When it’s put together I’ll sell either the crypto or the raven.
I’m leaning towards the crypto cause if you put a few dings in that who cares, the raven is almost to pretty.
 
Who cares, you think you won’t end up in court because the frt says so?
Your always a Debbie Downer, real blast at office parties I bet

Actually yes, I think my chances of ending up in court are much lower with a firearm that has an NR FRT than one with no FRT.
 
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