First rifle

[BBDI]

From my point of view - for 5.56mm caliber semi-autos:

Best value for money, in terms of reliability, durability, support, and available customization of components: IWI Tavor X95

Highest Quality: B&T APC 223-SA

"One step up" Tier of Quality: Bren 2 NR

Lightest, best suited for CQB: Bren 2 8" barrel (restricted, requires RPAL)

Best Canadian 5.56 rifle in the $2000-2500 range: Crusader Templar (also heaviest )

Best Canadian 5.56 rifle in the $2500-3500 range: Sterling Arms R18 MkII - if Lockhart Tactical works out its BCG issues, the Lockhart Tactical Raven 5.56

Best Canadian 5.56 rifle in the $1500-2000 range: BCL Siberian SRV2

Best Canadian 5.56 rifle value for money: Crusader Templar, or Lockhart Tactical Raven if BCG gets fixed

If you want a rifle that will shoot well, is very reliable and durable and doesn't cost an arm and a leg, IWI X95 $2400 (sale)-2750 (typical)
If you want to support Canadian firearms manufacturers and are willing to put up with some QA/QC issues, buy a Crusader Templar ($2000-2250) or a Lockhart Tactical Raven 5.56 ($2250-2700 depending on options)
If you want to spend a little more - Bren 2 ($3000-3500 range)
If money is no object and you want the best (non-prohibited) quality available in Canada, B&T APC 223-SA ($5000+)
If you are really strapped for cash and must have a 5.56 rifle, WK180C Gen 2 ($1500), but replace the gas valve and really read up on the mods you have to do to prevent piston breakage. I would personally get a Siberian for $250 more.
If you are strapped for cash and don't mind 7.62x39, the WK181 ($1500) is looking promising - much more reliable than any of the other AR-180-based Canadian designs so far (10,000 rounds tested through CFET)

Just grabbed a Lockhart 5.56 Gold for ~$2054 + Free Shipping brand new. So Lockhart is in the 2000-2500 range.

Add in the upgrades to platinum plus some accessories and you will be closer to the $2500 mark, but still in the 2000-2500 range.

BCG Issues are expected to be replaced by Lockhart, so hopefully they come through with the replacement BCG

 

[Ranger77]

The WC181 seems like it is much more solid than the other Kodiak offerings. I already have some 7.62 in the collection. May be an option for sure.

 

[Fubarge]

Thanks for this write up, BBDI. Any thoughts on the sl-8? Trying to narrow down from it, the tavor, and the templar.

 

[Sniffer]

Thanks for this write up, BBDI. Any thoughts on the sl-8? Trying to narrow down from it, the tavor, and the templar.

Can only speak about the SL8 & Tavor (X95).

Very different rifles, the SL8 is one of the most accurate semis out there but it is quirky with the thumbhole stock, it is also front heavy with the long thick barrel profile.

The X95 is very compact and is better balanced IMO with a rearward weight bias. Its definitely not as accurate as the SL8 but its fine for what it is.

Both are very reliable and well made.

I preferred the X95 hands down.

 

[MacPapRonin]

Based on some feedback from Bartok5, who has range and maintenance time with both the Bren 2 and APC 223, and whose opinion seems well founded and trustworthy, I am amending my summary post above.