PSA: Crusader Crux

[u/ParalyzedNeckUp]

I bought this rifle as soon as it came out and was really excited as I’ve been enjoying my Templar. My first impressions were not great. When it got here the bolt carrier group was locked forward and stuck. I had to dismantle it and when I did the rear takedown pin just fell out. Then I had to beat the shit out of the lower receiver to get it to even separate from the upper due to there being too much friction between the upper and lower. I had to use a pair of pliers to remove the BCG from the chamber because it was stuck for a reason I cannot figure out.

Today I took it out for the first time. My first 15 rounds went fine and I was really impressed with the accuracy at 100m with the standard iron sights, and the trigger felt great. In my next 5 rounds I had 3 failure to extract issues resulting in the BCG ramming a live round into the back of the empty casing in the chamber, resulting in the casing of the live round being dented and the bullet being shoved down into the casing. On my 5th and final mag, I fired one shot, which resulted in my extractor snapping off.

When I got home and examined the rifle further, I noticed two of the bipod MLOK nuts had backed off, pieces of my extractor fragmented in the upper receiver, and an extraordinary amount of brass inside the rifle, like a ton.

I paid $3954 for this rifle. Basically $4000. So I’m obviously not thrilled that it feels so cheap and that it broke after literally 21 shots. I will be attempting to reach out to crusader for a new/better extractor. I am attempting to manage my expectations and frustrations.

TLDR: difficult to take down, feels really cheap for the price, and the extractor breaks after ~20 shots.

[u/LowBudgetSalt]

If any one is having issues contacting crusader arms to return their rifle for warranty, it's better to contact through to spectre. I had the exact same issue as OP.

First 60 rounds and the extractor extracted itself, sent the rifle in they ONLY replaced the extractor and shipped it back to me in less than two weeks. I then proceeded to take it to the range the day after I got it back to blow out the extractor again. This time they took two months and replaced the whole bolt carrier group. I just got it back this week, but I'm not home to try it out again.

Looking back at my issues and what they replaced, I would definitely say it's a headspace issue. Hopefully they start hammering out replacements for people and that solves this problem. I would love to make it through a range trip without a bunch of cussing lol

[u/ParalyzedNeckUp → u/LowBudgetSalt]

I’m preparing for the non stop shipping fights and warranty nonsense. Like you said I’m convinced it’s a headspace issue, I’ve never seen this much brass in my gun before. Even way back by the return springs there is brass sprayed all over the upper. There’s no way they tested these rifles before selling them

[u/LowBudgetSalt → u/ParalyzedNeckUp]

They were actually very good for dealing with this whole issue. I had quick replies and answers the whole time, they sent me a return label the day I emailed and was able to ship it out the same day. Just be polite and they are very good to deal with in my experience.

[u/ParalyzedNeckUp → u/LowBudgetSalt]

I’m always very patient and respectful with customer service reps, I’ve worked customer service before and I feel bad for anyone who still does