Crusader Arms Backland Hunter Comp - Crusader getting better?

[u/HappyCan7250]

I saw someone posted the other day that they bought the new Comp model. I frankly love the look of it, minus the M4 style buffer tube. Not much info on the rifle as it just hit the shelves this week.

Decided to order one from Bullseye to play around with while waiting for the Mk15 to show up.

I have heard all the horror stories on Crusader, and ghosting guys and bad support, issues with the rifles.

I am hoping maybe they have gotten their act together and am willing to be a guinea pig on it.

I was pleasantly surprised to get an extremely fast email response from them. I emailed them yesterday evening asking about parts compatibility, and received a reply first thing this morning, on a holiday too. I was impressed by the speed. I had inquired about parts compatibility with the "shall not be named" other platform. They said the barrels, gas block, handguard, grip, bolt (not BCG), trigger, and i believe dust cover are all compatible. I was pleasantly surprised as there should be lots of possible upgrades available then.

Honestly, I really hope this is a sign they've turned the page on the new model. While they've clearly screwed customers in the past, I gave to credit them for trying to get us modern sporting and hunting rifles to Canadians. My first impression of their customer support was great, far better than the horror stories of the past.

Wish me luck with it. I took the chance and will be the next guinea pig for anyone looking at one. I still plan on getting a Mk15 as well, but this will be fun to play with in the time being.

[u/Dill_Pickle_Tears]

I’d say once they got these working out of the box and improved their customer support, you’d be hard pressed to stay with the Turkish semis we have currently (aside from cost) instead of this option.

Though, I can’t speak to accuracy or long term reliability between Turks and the BH

[u/HappyCan7250 → u/Dill_Pickle_Tears]

That's what im hoping, I was amazed how fast they responded to my email on a holiday, and they did make genuine fixes on the Gen 1 to the Elite model, so I am hoping they've further refined it on the Comp.

It also shares a ton of AR parts still, so even if accuracy isnt fantastic, the barrel can be swapped for a quality AR barrel (although for $2300 i would hope they used a quality barrel already on it).

Im willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, as they do seem to be making an effort to improve now.

I also love the look of the Comp model, and the top charging handle. Its the closest thing to an AR on the market, even including the Mk15 and Carmel. I still am getting an Mk15 as well but this will be fun to play and tinker with until then.