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u/OrionPax120 May 10 '23
Didn't get time to play with it yet. Came in right as I was going to work.
Have some mbus Irons that I picked up for it while waiting. May just throw an optic on it right off the hop instead.
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u/jeho22 May 10 '23
I wish there was more info on these. I really want one, but I just want to hear more about them! Post a range review asap please!
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u/GermanCommentGamer May 10 '23
There's a good thread on Canadian Gun Nutz about them. Seems like they are the best domestic AR-180 we have in Canada so far.
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u/truthdoctor bc May 10 '23
I read that the Sterling R18 is better.
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u/MacPapRonin May 10 '23
I have heard/observed the following about the R18 in relation/comparison to the Templar.
The R18 has better ambi controls (mag release, safety for sure, bolt catch = 50/50), with the exception of the charging handle, which is more ambi-friendly on the Templar.
The R18 has better fit and finish.
The Templar is heavier by about 0.7 lbs. (R18: 7.5 lbs - Templar: 8.2 lbs)
The R18 handguard is replaceable. The Templar handguard is monolithic with the upper.
I have heard of more issues with some ammo not feeding well in the R18 from more than one source, sometimes requiring gas valve adjustment. I have heard from a single source (trusted, but still only one source) that the R18 has stoppages and is "finicky". I have so far heard no issues with finicky-ness or stoppages with the Templar and/or the Crusader 9, with the exception of one report of Templars not liking Barnaul steel-case ammo.
The R18 base model ($2700) costs about $700 more than the base model Templar ($2000).
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u/OrionPax120 May 10 '23
I've looked for as much negative review content as I could on these things before buying. They do seem to be pretty solid, comparatively to what we have around right now.
I'll try to do an update once I send some rounds.
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u/Spare-Basis1983 May 10 '23
Owner of the company has a video on YouTube about it seems like he knows the issues plaguing Canadian rifles and he tried to fix it with Templar
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u/MacPapRonin May 10 '23 edited May 10 '23
Here's a review I put up a little while back after 600 rounds through the 5.56mm upper:
https://www.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/comments/12yyjct/crusader_arms_crusader_9_dual_caliber_combo/
(the Crusader 9 Sentinel and the Templar are functionally identical)
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u/OrionPax120 May 10 '23
I had read this back when you posted the review. I'm quite satisfied with what I've read up on so far. Will have it out to the range myself in a few days here. Thanks for putting up such a detailed breakdown too.
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u/MacPapRonin May 10 '23
You're welcome. Please let me know if anything I've written in that review or in my maintenance, tips and tricks thread is inaccurate or if you have a differing opinion.
I want to be objective as well as constructive about this platform. With more and more of us shooting it, we can pool knowledge.
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May 10 '23
It's a heavy firearm, but it works. And it works well.
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u/jeho22 May 10 '23
Still lighter than my Tavor 7. I really want to try one of these out
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u/Most-Violinist-6531 May 10 '23
Tavor 7 is heavier but balanced towards the rear. I can one arm my tavor 7 with an lpvo mounted with ease but when the guy at Tenda handed me a templar with red dot and magnifier I was surprised how "heavier" it felt. Still looks badass though. Waiting for non restricted bren 2 but if that falls though I'll get a templar.
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u/jeho22 May 10 '23
I definitly would prefer a bren 2... but I blew a few years budget on my Tavor 7.
And unfortunately both of my dogs just required unrelated vet trips in the same day, and that ate up my next few years gun budget 🙃
And I'm pretty sure that the bren 2 NR weighs almost the exact same as the templar, tho I can't speak to the balance, as I haven't held either
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u/captlevasseur May 10 '23 edited May 10 '23
To give an idea on the accuracy of the Templar, this is from me zeroing in a 2.5X10X44 Primary Arms scope on mine at 75 yards. 1st round was low and to the right of the head on the target. Next 9 rounds (using a Cross mag) were in the center section of the head. This is using the adj Triggertech set at about 3.5 lbs and shooting PMC 62gr Greentip.
All the ones below the neck were from my 9mm PCC that I'm having issues with the optic.
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u/OrionPax120 May 18 '23
How do you feel about sacrificing space near the charging handle with the scope on it? I grabbed an LVPO, but pretty disappointed I'd lose my slap down action forward.. May exchange for the red dot/Holo I was gonna buy.
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u/captlevasseur May 19 '23
With the scope I have I can still use the charging handle without hitting it (using a cantilever mount) It should be even better with an LPVO as the end of the scope is narrower.
I get the HK slap is nice feature but to be honest you don't really use that feature a whole lot. Last round bolt hold open, change the mag, nudge the bolt release to load next round.
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u/Business-Fennel6962 Jun 06 '23
Can you post a photo of this?? My lpvo totally makes the slap inaccessible... I'm wondering why your experience is so different
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u/MacPapRonin May 10 '23
Hope you have a good experience with it.
I've been collecting tips and tricks on maintenance and general fixes in this thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/comments/10yxu41/crusader_arms_templar_crusader_9_maintenance_tips/
If you run into issues, post to that thread so we (CA firearms owners collectively) can pool info on what keeps our firearms pew-pewing.
I am not a CA rep, and I do not work for the company.
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u/marston82 May 10 '23
It does not like steel cased Barnaul 223. I got numerous failure to fire with a round chambered. i heard a click when I pulled the trigger.
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u/MacPapRonin May 10 '23 edited May 10 '23
Interesting! Did you shoot anything else after the failure to fires with the Barnauls during the same session? Did they look like light strikes?
I'd like to include your observation in my tips and tricks thread. May I do so?
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u/marston82 May 10 '23
It works with brass cased ammunition like AE. I have no idea if they look like light strikes. CA told me to use high quality brass cased ammo. Go ahead and include it.
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u/MacPapRonin May 10 '23 edited May 10 '23
Just so I can include as much information as possible, were you using Barnaul's FMJ, SP or HP, in 55 gr or 62 gr?
Added information is linked here: https://www.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/comments/10yxu41/comment/jjlpv9c/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
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u/MacPapRonin May 10 '23 edited May 10 '23
I have used the following ammunition without issue (no failures to feed, fire or extract):
PMC Bronze 55gr, PMC X-Tac 55gr, Federal American Eagle 55gr, Hornady Frontier 55gr, Sellier & Bellot 55gr, Winchester “White Box” 55gr
I will include your observation in the tips and tricks thread.
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May 11 '23
wonder how this holds up vs lockhart raven...
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u/Business-Fennel6962 Jun 06 '23
I think everyone is wondering that... And now there are Ravens with cracked bolt carrier groups after just a couple hundred rounds. I think we're just doomed in Canada. I am starting to wonder if I should put my money towards a type 81 and just build it out really really nice.
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u/Western-Heretic May 10 '23
Only have about 200 rounds through mine, but loving it so far