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).
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/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.