A Closer Look at the Crusader Arms Backland Hunter
In a recent shop teardown, we took a deeper look at the Crusader Arms Backland Hunter to see what’s really going on under the hood—and there were a few interesting findings worth sharing.
Action system: internally, the Backland Hunter uses a Benelli M4–style captive return spring system, often seen on M4 or Turkenelli platforms. This setup allows the rifle to accept a wide range of Benelli M4–compatible stocks, including adjustable and collapsible options, with some simple alignment and adjustment. For shooters who care about fit and ergonomics, this opens the door to customizing length of pull and stock position without reinventing the wheel.
We also confirmed that the magazine catch is AR-style, which means ambidextrous magazine releases and familiar aftermarket solutions will work here. For left-handed shooters or anyone who prefers ambi controls, that’s a welcome feature. The platform also shows compatibility with common bolt-release accessories, making it feel intuitive for anyone used to modern semi-auto layouts.
During inspection, one concern that came up was the factory trigger group retaining pin, which can be loose enough to walk under field use. To address this, we’ve produced a brass anti-walk pin design that secures the trigger group without risking damage to the aluminum receiver or internal polymer components. It’s a simple solution aimed at real-world reliability, especially for hunters who don’t want surprises in the bush. You can purchase it here:
Golden Pin (Crusader Backlands Antiwalk Pin Prototype)
$29.99 - PURCHASE LINKOverall, the Backland Hunter's internal design allows for meaningful parts compatibility, familiar controls, and user-driven customization—without unnecessary complexity. As we continue testing and documenting parts interchangeability, we’ll be sharing more insights on how this platform holds up long-term.
As always, thank you for being a part of the TNA Army
-True North Arms
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