Has anyone had their Templar/Sentinel barrel removed for a cerakote job? Any issues getting it removed?
I think I've read about one person who removed their barrel. You have to remove something in the order of eight hex screws around the trunnion plate. [EDIT: This is incorrect - see posts below this one - you have to remove four screws and a cover plate] The way they described it it wasn't an easy process, but it wasn't impossible either.
What seems to be the consensus on these rifles - have they overcome some of the hiccups and now worth purchasing with confidence?
I've been watching most threads here and at Reddit that mention the Templar and I own a Crusader 9 Dual Caliber combo which shipped (for me) with an upper that is identical to the Gen 1 Templar. I think my impression is that generally you will not have a major problem, but there are enough small glitches (individual parts breaking, things out of spec) for most users that I wouldn't call it a "buy with confidence" level.
Their sales and general info email don't have a good track record on responses, but their warranty service is pretty decent. I'd say that you will almost certainly run into a small issue sometime in the first year of ownership, one that will probably be fixable with a small amount of intervention by the owner, or a smallish/quick warranty return process. I say that as a satisfied Crusader Arms firearm owner who also knows CA isn't a big player and doesn't have the QA and QC that maybe it should.
What I would say is that if you want a flawless rifle, you're not likely going to get one with the Crusader Templar, even the Gen 2. If you're willing to put up with a little maintenance, a little bit of loctite and maybe a small warranty return, the rifle will do right by you.
If that's outside your preferences, don't get a Templar - get a Bren or a X95. If you're willing to put a little more effort into owning a firearm that is different and Canadian made, it will work out.
