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/LumberjackCDN]

We're going to bring one in to start. I have a former gunsmith on staff and we'll give it a look through and post a review on here of what we think. Their rep was really pushing their improved customer service to me so we shall see.

[u/HappyCan7250 → u/LumberjackCDN]

You guys receive yours yet? Had a chancd to open it up? Mine arrives in 5 days, excited to finally have 75% of an AR! Haha.

[u/LumberjackCDN → u/HappyCan7250]

Correction they just shipped it yesterday lol so we'll see it next week id wager.

[u/HappyCan7250 → u/LumberjackCDN]

I received mine this week. Actually pretty impressed. Bolt was very tight in the BCG but it didn't seem to cause any issue when shooting. 

Put about 100rd through mine so far with one one minor failure to feed on a full mag, tried to slightly double feed. Shoofs great though otherwise, lots of fun! Post back here when you open it up and let us know what you think of yours. I thought the machining was actually pretty good, but maybe my standards are just low after seeing lots of Turkish machining. I honestly love the rifle so far.

[u/LumberjackCDN → u/HappyCan7250]

Yeah ive heard quite a few good things so far. Im excited to have a look at it on thursday.

[u/HappyCan7250 → u/LumberjackCDN]

I tried to make a post on here reviewing it now that I've shot it, but it hasn't shown up yet. Theyre honestly sweet looking rifles. I almost like the look more than the Mk15 or Carmel. Slightly purple though when outside in the sun but its not bad enough to bother me. A bit nervous about it having no FRT but I also refuse to base my purchases on fear of the government 

[u/LumberjackCDN → u/HappyCan7250]

Yeah the mods have to approve it. Itll show uop

Thats awesome. I like that its made in country and the most affordable of the 3.

Same but i also am 99% certain the govt is done trying to ban things. They had the perfect opportunity with the montreal shooting.

[u/HappyCan7250 → u/LumberjackCDN]

That's sort of the feeling I'm getting. We've had several new semi autos on the market for about a year that have stayed safe. I think they're realized their BS program is destined to fail and are just going to keep pretending it doesn't exist anymore. I think we have partially won already, they just want it to be over with. Im just hoping the RCMP doesn't class it as a variant, even if the LPC doesn't OIC or legislate it. Its pretty damn close to an AR haha

I have been super impressed with Crusaders customer service and the rifle so far. I may even end up giving up my pre-order on a mk15 if this thing keeps running so well. I think the Crusader is a bit overpriced, its not anywhere near as refined as a $2k US AR would be, but im thrilled to have a very modular, ergonomic sporting rifle in my hands finally, just with they could have used a straight buffer tube but i get why they didn't.

By the way, the stock also does not fully collapse up to the receiver which I was a bit bummed about, in its fully retracted position it still sits 1.5-2" back from the receiver.

It does seem like maybe Crusader will offer caliber swap kits at some point, just basing that off a few design choices they've made on the rifle. That would be sweet to be able to swap uppers and have a new caliber 

[u/LumberjackCDN → u/HappyCan7250]

I wouldnt compare it to a 2k US are but like a 1500 dollar one if im being honest. Our dollar sucks. So just keep that in mind is all. But yeah im excited to see this thing now.