The Templar Thread, 5.56 by Crusader Arms / Spectre LTD

Ustauk said:
Did the play and flex in the folding stock on the Jakl noted by the guys at 9 Hole Reviews seem consistent with the one for the Templar?

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Yes. They are the same Buttstock manufactured by F5 in the USA. Their polymer is not nearly as rigid as that used by Magpul, resulting in flex where there ought not be any.
 
Bartok5 said:
Yes. They are the same Buttstock manufactured by F5 in the USA. Their polymer is not nearly as rigid as that used by Magpul, resulting in flex where there ought not be any.
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Thanks for the info! I've heard the notes about rigidity hear and elsewhere before, but this was the first I've seen it demonstrated.

It would be cool to see if the 9 Hole Reviews are right in their first impression, and there is an impact on accuracy when using the F5 versus a buffer tube stock, particularly off hand. I don't know if someone would take the time to try this on the Templar, but it would make a cool test, especially if video-ed.
 
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My piston spring also crapped out with the same results. (piston being stuck on the edges of gas block). I now realize that the dimension of the compressed piston spring is what actually limits rearward travel of the piston. I think they probably had a bad batch of springs at some point.

All that being said, I was expecting to have to continuously E-mail for weeks before getting an Answer from Crusader. Low and behold! a few minutes after sending the first E-mail, I got a reply that they would send me a free replacement spring right away!

Will see how this turns out.

Will keep you posted!

Mem
 
Update to the Templar Gen 2

Crusader Arms on Instagram said:
All new orders of Templar T2 rifles will be coming with the NEW Whiskey 1 folding stock and will have the adjustable gas block that customers have asked for! More details on the stock to come!

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A poster asked if the change applied to the Crucible and Crux going forward, and Crusader replied that is correct.

Hopefully the new Whiskey 1 Stock is more solid and has less give when shouldered then the F5 stock.
 
ADLYYC said:
I have shot now approximately 2000 rounds from my Crusader Arms - Templar Gen 1.

I wanted to share my experience with the Crusader Arms Templar Gen 1 rifle after putting 2000 rounds through it. Here's the rundown on what I've found, both the good and the not-so-good.

Accuracy:
Sub-MOA at 100 Yards: With my hand-loaded ammunition, this rifle consistently achieves sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. For a semi-auto, this is impressive, I get better groups than my R18.

Long Range Performance: Using an LPVO, hitting an 8-inch square target at 400 yards was no issue, showcasing its capability for distance shooting.

Reliability:
Initial Hiccup: Around the 300 round mark, I encountered a problem where the bolt wouldn't cycle properly. It seemed like the spring lacked the strength to fully return the bolt and chamber a new round.

Customer Service: I sent it back to Crusader Arms. They fixed it, though they didn't specify what was done. Since then, no issues whatsoever after nearly 1700 additional rounds.

Build Quality & Maintenance:
Trigger: The standard mil-spec trigger does the job for target practice. It's not match-grade, but it's reliable and feels good enough for what I need.

Durability: I make it a point to keep all screws and bolts tightened with Loctite. This has prevented any parts from loosening over time, which speaks well to the overall design's robustness when properly maintained. It is a tank, it feels well built, although the finish is not spectacular, it works and that's what matters now.

General Observations:
Recoil Management: Even with extensive shooting, the recoil management is commendable, making follow-up shots quick and manageable. This may be do to the weight of the rifle. We put a bipod and a lpvo on this rifle and it's one of our favorite rifles to take to the range.

Pros:
Exceptional accuracy for a semi-automatic rifle.
Reliable after initial fix.
Good customer service response, even if transparency could improve. I wish they had phone customer service but it's expected to be email only on startups or smaller businesses.

Solid construction that holds up well with proper maintenance.

Cons:
Early reliability issue with the bolt cycling, which might concern some users about out-of-the-box readiness.

Lack of detail from the manufacturer on the repair could be a downside for those who like to know exactly what was fixed.

I am not a fan of the slim charging handle. I wish it was a bolt style. I may CNC my own design for the handle to provide a better grip. I love that is non reciprocating.

Conclusion:
The Crusader Arms Templar Gen 1 has proven to be a fantastic rifle after overcoming an early hiccup. Its accuracy is top-notch for a semi-auto, and with the right care, it's incredibly reliable. If you're in the market for a high-performing AR-180 style rifle and are willing to possibly navigate an early issue (which might be isolated), this rifle could be a great choice. Just keep an eye on those initial rounds and ensure everything is tight and well-lubricated.

Would love to hear from others who've had experience with this rifle or similar issues with other firearms.
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Hi ADLYYC - I was a relatively early adopter of the CA Crusader 9 Dual Caliber Combo. The 5.56mm upper I got with the Dual Caliber Combo package is, as far as I can tell, identical to a Gen 1 Templar upper.

I agree with most of your observations. While I wouldn't call it a "fantastic" rifle - it's definitely quite heavy and has a few idiosyncracies, but after 1600+ rounds through the 5.56mm upper and 2500+ rounds through the 9mm upper, I personally wouldn't say my particular rifle is a typical "Canadian Garbage Rod". Accuracy is good, and after a few initial teething problems related to the first gen bolt catch release lever, which were easily dealt with without a call to the warranty team, it's been completely reliable. I haven't had a single stoppage in over 1300 rounds since that was resolved.

I believe the biggest issue with the Gen 1 rifle is the weight, which is a good 1.5-2 lbs heavier than most 5.56mm rifles, and the secondary issue is communications with the company, though the Spectre Arms service department is actually quite good (at least in my interactions).

I enjoy shooting it, it's decently accurate for a gas-piston semi-auto and I can HK slap it!

My more in-depth review is here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/comments/12yyjct/crusader_arms_crusader_9_dual_caliber_combo

In case you're interested, ADLYYC - I wrote a post on my maintenance discoveries and current routine with the Crusader 9, and since my upper is a Gen 1 Templar for all intents and purposes, they should apply for you as well:
https://www.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/comments/10yxu41/crusader_arms_templar_crusader_9_maintenance_tips

After almost two years of ownership, I do not regret the decision to buy it. As a lower-priced, introductory rifle that I could swap uppers for and shoot both 5.56mm and 9mm it offers me the flexibility to shoot either cailber at less than the cost to buy both a NR 5.56 semi and a 9mm PCC separately. I've since purchased a Bren 2 Ms 7.62x39mm 11", and while it's very clear to see every area where the CZ rifle is superior in craftsmanship, I'm pleased that I own something that was designed and manufactured in Canada, shoots well, and behaves for me.

Now, I wouldn't buy the Crusader Crux, personally, it seems to have too many extractor issues, and the Crucible doesn't seem to have enough users yet to make clear whether it belongs in the same category, but I think that the Crusader Templar Gen 2, especially with the new stock and gas block changes mentioned above, would be a very decent non-restricted semi-auto alternative for someone who didn't want a Bren 2, X95 or Lockhart Tactical Raven.
 
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I had good luck with the Gen 1 Templar. I'd buy the Gen 2, but only if it was actually in a store (versus a pre order).

The Crucible, WK 181 and M+M are firearms that I'd like to use my AK mags on, but they all seem to have issues to date. If I could, I'd get a Mutant (if they still make them AND if the laws get changed)
 
Another thread had got me thinking..
Has anybody noticed any wobble in their barrels? Gen1

Measuring with my calipers im able to notice a 0.050", close to 1/16", wobble when moving the barrel with one finger, in any direction. Its not flex in the barrel or handguard, effort to move the barrel is quite minimal and there is a distinct almost clunk feeling. Can also be felt if the rifle is shaken.
Ive checked everything is tight, and bolts have been witnessed..

It doesnt seem to affect accuracy so i havent been all that concerned, but i know slop beating against it self over and over tends to only get worse..
 
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Just so everyone is aware, crusader has a contact number for warranty concerns now. I got voicemail the first time i tried them, but they got back to me within 30 minutes.
They asked if i could share it for them, so here it is.

1-833-870-2390

My call was regarding the wobbly barrel. They informed me either the trunion or the barrel nut was loose. I had already inspected them both and both apeared to be tight. It wasnt until i took a brass punch and some persuasion to the barrel nut did it tighten up and remove the slop in the barrel.
 
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