Spike's Tactical Crusader Rifle: The Ultimate "Every Man" AR-Platform for Reliability and Performance

Are you searching for a dependable, high-performance AR-15 style rifle that excels in a multitude of scenarios, from tactical training and competitive shooting to home defense and general range use? Look no further than the Spike's Tactical Crusader 223 Rem / 5.56x45mm NATO rifle, a precision-engineered firearm designed to be a balanced, lightweight, and incredibly reliable tool for the discerning shooter. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a competitive shooter, or someone prioritizing personal and home protection, the Crusader offers an unparalleled blend of features and robust construction.

What Makes the Spike's Tactical Crusader a Top Choice for AR Enthusiasts?

The Spike's Tactical Crusader is more than just another AR-style rifle; it's built with a philosophy of providing an "every man fighting rifle." This means it's engineered for consistent performance under pressure, user-friendly operation, and a design that stands the test of time and demanding conditions. It addresses the common questions users have, such as: "What's the best lightweight AR-15 for versatile use?" or "Which AR platform offers optimal reliability and customization options?" The Crusader consistently rises to the top in these categories.

Let's delve into the core components and design elements that make the Spike's Tactical Crusader a formidable and highly recommended option:

Unrivaled Barrel Quality and Precision

The heart of any accurate rifle is its barrel, and the Spike's Tactical Crusader boasts a 14.50" chrome moly vanadium (CMV) barrel. This material choice is crucial for durability and accuracy. CMV steel is renowned for its strength and resistance to wear, especially under high heat, making it ideal for sustained firing.

• Lightweight Profile: The barrel features a lightweight profile, contributing significantly to the rifle's overall maneuverability and reduced fatigue during extended use. This is a key benefit for tactical applications or dynamic shooting drills.
• Chrome Lined Bore and Chamber: For superior longevity and corrosion resistance, the barrel is chrome lined. Chrome lining enhances the barrel's lifespan, makes cleaning easier, and ensures consistent performance even after thousands of rounds, a critical feature for any reliable fighting rifle.
• Mil-Spec Phosphate Coating: An external mil-spec phosphate coating provides excellent protection against the elements, preventing rust and wear, and giving the barrel a non-reflective, matte black finish.
• 1/2x28 Threading: The barrel is threaded 1/2x28, the industry standard for AR-15 muzzle devices, allowing for easy attachment of flash hiders, compensators, or suppressors (NFA regulations apply).
• Optimal 1:7" Twist Rate: The 1:7" twist rate is ideal for stabilizing a wide range of bullet weights, particularly heavier, more aerodynamic projectiles (62-77 grain), which are often favored for their improved ballistic performance at longer distances and in various 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Rem loadings. This ensures exceptional accuracy whether you're using M855, M193, or specialized match-grade ammunition.

Robust 7075-T6 Aluminum Receivers and Free-Floating M-LOK Rail

The foundation of the Crusader's strength lies in its meticulously crafted receivers:

• 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction: Both the upper and lower receivers are precision machined from high-grade 7075-T6 aluminum. This aerospace-grade aluminum alloy is known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, providing a rigid and durable platform that can withstand rigorous use without adding unnecessary bulk.
• Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish: The receivers are finished with a military-standard hard coat anodizing, offering superior abrasion resistance, corrosion protection, and a sleek, non-reflective black aesthetic.
• Free-Floating 12" M-LOK Rail: The Crusader features a 12-inch free-floating M-LOK handguard. The free-float design ensures that no pressure from gripping or accessory attachment affects the barrel, thereby preserving the rifle's inherent accuracy. The M-LOK system provides a lightweight, modular interface for attaching a wide array of accessories, including lights, lasers, foregrips, and bipods, allowing for extensive customization to suit individual preferences and mission requirements.
• Magpul MBUS Front & Rear Sights: Out of the box, the Crusader comes equipped with reliable Magpul MBUS (Magpul Back-Up Sights). These durable, lightweight polymer sights provide an excellent co-witness or primary sighting solution, ensuring you're ready to shoot accurately right away.
• Low Shelf Lower Receiver with RDIAS Compatibility: The lower receiver features a "low shelf" design and is RDIAS (Registered Drop-In Auto Sear) compatible. This specific design aspect is a testament to Spike's Tactical's commitment to building a mil-spec compliant and versatile platform, although it is important to note that NFA regulations apply to RDIAS devices.
• Crusader Logo and Q.D. Attachment Points: A distinct Crusader logo is proudly emblazoned on the lower receiver, signifying its robust lineage. Additionally, integrated Quick Detach (Q.D.) attachment points are strategically placed for easy and secure sling attachment, enhancing user mobility and weapon retention.

Optimized Mid-Length Gas System for Smooth Operation

The operating system of the Spike's Tactical Crusader is a direct impingement design, utilizing a mid-length gas tube. This choice is deliberate for several reasons:

• Softer Recoil Impulse: A mid-length gas system, compared to a carbine-length system, provides a longer dwell time for the gas to enter the system. This results in a smoother, softer recoil impulse, making follow-up shots faster and more controllable.
• Reduced Wear and Tear: The less abrupt cycling of the mid-length system also reduces wear and tear on internal components, contributing to the rifle's overall longevity and reliability.
• Black Nitride Finish: The gas tube itself features a black nitride finish both inside and out. This advanced treatment enhances durability, corrosion resistance, and lubricity, ensuring consistent gas flow and minimal carbon buildup.

Ergonomic Magpul CTR Stock and Spike's Pro Grip

Operator comfort and control are paramount, and the Crusader delivers with premium Magpul components:

• Magpul CTR Stock: The rifle is fitted with a 6-position adjustable Magpul CTR (Compact/Type Restricted) stock. The CTR stock is highly regarded for its robust construction, anti-snag design, and friction lock system that minimizes wobble, providing a solid and stable cheek weld.
• Extended Butt Pad: An extended butt pad on the CTR stock enhances shooting comfort by distributing recoil more broadly, making it more pleasant to shoot, especially during high-volume training sessions.
• 6-Position Mil-Spec Buffer Tube: The stock is mounted on a mil-spec buffer tube, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket AR-15 stocks and providing six positions of length-of-pull adjustment to accommodate various shooter sizes and gear configurations.
• Spike's Pro Grip: The rifle is equipped with Spike's own Pro Grip, designed for enhanced ergonomics and a secure hold, even in adverse conditions. This ensures excellent weapon manipulation and comfort during extended use.

Responsive Single-Stage Spike's Tactical Battle Trigger and Ambidextrous Safety

The trigger and safety mechanisms are critical for user interface and control:

• Single-Stage Spike's Tactical Battle Trigger: The Crusader features a single-stage Spike's Tactical battle trigger. This trigger is designed for consistent, clean breaks, promoting accuracy and quick follow-up shots. While not a match-grade trigger, it provides a significantly improved feel over standard mil-spec triggers, making it ideal for a tactical or fighting rifle where reliability and a predictable pull are essential.
• Ambidextrous Safety: For maximum versatility and ease of use for both left and right-handed shooters, the Crusader includes an ambidextrous safety selector. This feature ensures rapid and intuitive manipulation of the rifle's safety, critical in dynamic shooting environments.

Durability and Portability: The Included Hard Case

The Spike's Tactical Crusader comes complete with a durable hard case, offering excellent protection for your investment during transport and storage. This demonstrates Spike's Tactical's commitment to providing a complete package, ready for action from the moment it's unboxed. The rifle itself is remarkably lightweight at 6.20 lbs, making it easy to carry for extended periods and highly maneuverable.

Why Choose the Spike's Tactical Crusader for Your Needs?

The Spike's Tactical Crusader is perfectly suited for a variety of applications, making it a highly desirable asset for any firearms owner:

• Home and Personal Defense: Its lightweight nature, compact 14.5" barrel (when pinned and welded to 16"), and intuitive controls make it an excellent choice for home defense scenarios, offering maneuverability in confined spaces.
• Tactical Training and Drills: The durable components, reliable operation, and extensive customization options make it an ideal platform for rigorous tactical training, allowing shooters to hone their skills with a dependable rifle.
• Competitive Shooting: While primarily a fighting rifle, its inherent accuracy, smooth recoil impulse, and customizable M-LOK rail make it adaptable for certain competitive shooting disciplines where reliability and quick target acquisition are key.
• General Range Shooting: Enjoy a comfortable and accurate shooting experience at the range, perfecting your marksmanship with a rifle designed for consistent performance.
• Versatile Ammunition Compatibility: Chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO, it safely and effectively fires both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition, providing flexibility in ammo choice.

Spike's Tactical has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, dependable firearms that shooters can trust. The Crusader is a prime example of this commitment, built with attention to detail and using robust materials that ensure long-term reliability and performance. When you invest in a Spike's Tactical Crusader, you're acquiring a rifle that is truly an "every man fighting rifle" – ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Find your Spike's Tactical Crusader rifle, SKU STR5525M2D, along with a wide selection of accessories and ammunition, available for purchase at DEGuns.com. Our knowledgeable staff can help you with any questions and ensure you find the perfect firearm to meet your needs.

Spike's Tactical Crusader 5.56x45mm NATO Rifle Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Spike's Tactical
Model	Crusader
Caliber	5.56x45mm NATO
Action	Semi-Automatic
Barrel Length	14.50"
Barrel Material	Chrome Moly Vanadium
Barrel Finish	Black Phosphate
Twist Rate	1:7"
Receiver Material	7075-T6 Aluminum
Receiver Finish	Black Hard Coat Anodized
Operating System	Direct Impingement
Gas System	Mid-Length, Black Nitride Gas Tube
Stock Description	6 Position Magpul CTR
Stock Material	Synthetic
Stock Finish	Black
Grips	Black Polymer (Spike's Pro Grip)
Sights	Magpul MBUS Front & Rear
Trigger	Single-Stage (Spike's Tactical Battle)
Safety	Ambidextrous
Hand	Right Hand
Gun Platform	AR-Style
Weight	6.20 lbs
OAL (Overall Length)	32"- 35"
Capacity	No Magazine Included
UPC	810083266541
SKU / MPN	STR5525M2D