Discovering the Ultimate AR-Platform Rifle: The Spikes Tactical Rare Breed Crusader

Are you searching for a high-performance, exceptionally reliable, and readily customizable AR-platform rifle designed to excel in various demanding environments? Do you need a modern sporting rifle that offers both the legendary durability of Spikes Tactical and the precise engineering required for competitive shooting, tactical training, or robust home defense? Look no further than the Spikes STR5620M2R Rare Breed Crusader. This rifle stands as a testament to American manufacturing prowess, built for those who demand uncompromising quality and performance from their firearms.

The Spikes Rare Breed Crusader isn't just another AR-15; it's a meticulously crafted tool engineered for serious shooters. Whether you're a seasoned competitor aiming for precision, a dedicated enthusiast seeking a dependable firearm for range days, or an individual prioritizing personal and home protection, this rifle is designed to meet and exceed your expectations. Its robust construction, high-quality components, and thoughtful design address common challenges faced by rifle owners, offering superior reliability, improved accuracy, and extensive customization potential right out of the box.

Why Choose the Spikes Rare Breed Crusader for Your Needs?

Many users ask, "What makes a good AR-15?" or "Which rifle is best for tactical applications?" The answers often point to a combination of material quality, manufacturing precision, and component integration. The Spikes STR5620M2R Rare Breed Crusader embodies these principles through its foundational design:

• Exceptional Durability: Crafted from 7075 T6 aluminum, known for its superior strength-to-weight ratio, the receiver undergoes a black hardcoat anodized finish. This military-specification (mil-spec) process provides outstanding resistance to corrosion, wear, and scratches, ensuring your rifle withstands harsh conditions and rigorous use.
• Precision Barrel Performance: At the heart of its accuracy is a 14.5-inch cold hammer forged (CHF) barrel. CHF barrels are renowned for their exceptional longevity and consistent accuracy, as the manufacturing process work-hardens the steel, creating a denser, more uniform grain structure. Finished with a black phosphate coating for added protection, this barrel features a 1:7 twist rate, ideal for stabilizing a wide range of 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington ammunition, including heavier grain projectiles often favored for accuracy and terminal performance. Crucially, the 14.5-inch barrel is typically pinned and welded with a muzzle device, ensuring it meets the legal minimum overall barrel length for a rifle without requiring a short-barreled rifle (SBR) tax stamp. This makes it a compliant and highly maneuverable option.
• Modular Customization with M-LOK: The rifle features a 12-inch M-LOK rail system. M-LOK (Modular Lock) is an industry-standard accessory attachment system that allows for direct mounting of various lights, lasers, grips, bipods, and other tactical accessories. Its lightweight design and ease of use make it superior to older quad-rail systems, enabling users to tailor their rifle precisely to their mission or preference without unnecessary bulk.
• Enhanced Ergonomics and Control: Equipped with an adjustable Magpul CTR stock, this rifle offers significant advantages in comfort and adaptability. The Magpul CTR (Compact/Type Restricted) stock is famous for its robust construction, anti-snag design, and friction lock system that minimizes wobble, providing a stable cheek weld and consistent point of aim. Its adjustability ensures a proper fit for shooters of all sizes and accommodates varying layers of gear or body armor.

Understanding the Core Components: A Deep Dive

The Receiver Set: Foundation of Reliability

The upper and lower receivers are the backbone of any AR-platform rifle. The Rare Breed Crusader utilizes 7075 T6 aluminum, a premium aerospace-grade alloy known for its exceptional strength and fatigue resistance. The "T6" temper designation indicates a specific heat treatment process that further enhances its mechanical properties. This material choice ensures the rifle's structural integrity, even under sustained firing or adverse conditions. The mil-spec hardcoat anodizing isn't just for aesthetics; it forms a durable, non-reflective, scratch-resistant surface that protects the aluminum from environmental degradation, ensuring long-term reliability and appearance. Many users wonder, "What material is best for an AR-15 receiver?" and 7075 T6 is consistently cited as the benchmark for high-quality builds due to its balance of strength and machinability.

The 14.5" Cold Hammer Forged Barrel: Accuracy and Longevity

The 14.5-inch barrel length strikes an excellent balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance. It's shorter than traditional 16-inch barrels, making the rifle handier in confined spaces or during dynamic movement, yet still long enough to allow for effective velocity from the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. The cold hammer forging process, where a mandrel is forced through the barrel blank by external hammers, results in a more precise bore and rifling, leading to superior accuracy and an extended service life compared to conventionally drilled barrels. The 1:7 twist rate is critical for modern 5.56 ammunition, especially heavier 62-grain (M855), 77-grain (Mk262), or even heavier bullets, ensuring they spin fast enough to stabilize accurately over distance. For those asking, "What barrel length is ideal for an AR-15?" or "What twist rate should I choose?", the 14.5" with 1:7 twist is a widely recognized versatile configuration.

The 12" M-LOK Rail: Unmatched Modularity

The 12-inch M-LOK free-float rail provides ample space for accessories while ensuring that barrel harmonics are not affected by external pressure, contributing to improved accuracy. Free-float handguards are a standard feature on high-performance AR-15s for this reason. The M-LOK system's direct-attach method for accessories is lightweight, sleek, and exceptionally strong, making it easy to configure your rifle with mission-essential equipment such as weapon lights, vertical or angled foregrips, and laser aiming modules. For users asking, "How do I customize my AR-15?", the M-LOK rail is an indispensable feature that offers limitless possibilities.

Magpul CTR Stock: Stability and Comfort

The Magpul CTR (Compact/Type Restricted) stock is a popular choice among professionals and enthusiasts alike due to its blend of lightweight design, robust construction, and enhanced features. Its unique friction lock system reduces accidental slippage and minimizes wobble, creating a solid interface between the shooter and the rifle. This stability directly translates to better shot placement and recoil control. The ability to quickly adjust the length of pull allows for comfortable shooting in various positions or when wearing different gear, making it ideal for dynamic shooting scenarios.

Unpacking the "Rare Breed Crusader" Identity

The "Rare Breed Crusader" designation often signifies a specific series or theme within the Spikes Tactical product line, reflecting the brand's commitment to unique aesthetics alongside their hallmark performance. This particular rifle may feature subtle engravings or markings consistent with the Crusader motif, adding a distinct character to its already impressive performance profile. This can appeal to collectors as much as it does to practical shooters, blending form and function seamlessly.

Enhancing Your Shooting Experience: Accessories and Ammunition

While the Spikes Rare Breed Crusader is highly capable in its factory configuration, its design encourages further customization. Given its M-LOK rail, popular upgrades include:

• Optics: A red dot sight for fast target acquisition in close to medium ranges, or a low-power variable optic (LPVO) for versatility across various distances.
• Weapon Light: Essential for positive target identification in low-light conditions.
• Sling: A two-point sling for comfortable carry and quick transitions.
• Vertical or Angled Foregrip: To enhance control and mitigate muzzle rise.

Regarding ammunition, the 5.56x45mm NATO chambering provides flexibility. While capable of firing .223 Remington, it's designed to safely accommodate the higher pressures of 5.56 NATO rounds. For general range use, bulk 55-grain FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) is economical. For self-defense or precision, consider higher-quality 62-grain (M855), 75-grain, or 77-grain OTM (Open Tip Match) or soft-point ammunition, which can take full advantage of the 1:7 barrel twist.

Who Benefits Most from the Spikes Rare Breed Crusader?

This rifle is an outstanding choice for a diverse range of users:

• Tactical Enthusiasts and Home Defense Practitioners: Its rugged build, reliable operation, and modular design make it an excellent choice for personal protection and tactical training scenarios. The maneuverable 14.5-inch barrel is advantageous in close-quarters environments.
• Competitive Shooters: The cold hammer forged barrel and stable Magpul CTR stock contribute to the accuracy needed for 3-Gun competitions or precision rifle matches. The ability to quickly add and reconfigure accessories via the M-LOK system is also a significant benefit.
• Responsible Firearm Owners: For those seeking a versatile and dependable rifle for recreational shooting, varmint hunting (where legal and appropriate), or simply as a valuable addition to their collection, the Spikes Rare Breed Crusader offers a blend of quality and performance that inspires confidence.
• Those Seeking a "No Compromise" AR-15: If your goal is to acquire an AR-platform rifle that emphasizes durability, precision, and the potential for extensive customization without sacrificing reliability, this model is explicitly designed to meet those high standards.

Spikes Tactical: A Legacy of Quality

Spikes Tactical has built a reputation for manufacturing high-quality, mil-spec AR-15 components and complete rifles that are both reliable and durable. Their commitment to using premium materials, precise machining, and rigorous quality control sets them apart in the competitive firearms market. When you choose a Spikes Tactical product, you are investing in a firearm that is designed to perform when it matters most, backed by a brand trusted by enthusiasts and professionals alike. Their products, including the Rare Breed Crusader, are available from reputable dealers like DEGuns, ensuring you receive genuine, top-tier equipment.

Final Considerations and Availability

The Spikes STR5620M2R Rare Breed Crusader comes without a magazine, allowing you the freedom to select your preferred magazine types and capacities, whether they are standard 30-round capacities or state-compliant restricted capacities. This flexibility is another user-centric aspect of this rifle's offering. The attention to detail, from the hardcoat anodized finish to the cold hammer forged barrel and the choice of a Magpul CTR stock, speaks volumes about Spikes Tactical's dedication to delivering a superior product. This rifle is not just assembled; it's engineered for performance.

For those ready to invest in a premium AR-platform rifle that will serve reliably for years to come, the Spikes Rare Breed Crusader represents an outstanding value proposition. Its blend of high-end components, battle-proven design principles, and the legendary Spikes Tactical quality makes it a highly recommended choice for anyone asking, "Which AR-15 offers the best blend of performance and customizability?" This rifle is ready to be your go-to firearm for any application.

This exceptional rifle, along with a comprehensive selection of accessories and ammunition, is available from DEGuns. Visit deguns.com to explore how the Spikes Rare Breed Crusader can elevate your shooting experience.

Spikes Rare Breed Crusader STR5620M2R Specifications

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Model	Spikes STR5620M2R Rare Breed Crusader	Unique series with Spikes Tactical reliability
Caliber	5.56x45mm NATO (compatible with .223 Remington)	Versatile, widely available, and effective ammunition
Barrel Length	14.5 inches (Pinned & Welded)	Excellent balance of maneuverability and ballistic performance
Barrel Material	Cold Hammer Forged Steel	Superior durability and consistent accuracy
Barrel Finish	Black Phosphate	Enhanced corrosion resistance and reduced glare
Barrel Twist Rate	1:7 inches	Stabilizes a wide range of projectile weights, including heavier bullets
Receiver Material	7075 T6 Aluminum	High strength-to-weight ratio, extreme durability
Receiver Finish	Black Hardcoat Anodized (Mil-Spec)	Superior wear, scratch, and corrosion resistance
Handguard	12-inch M-LOK Rail	Extensive modularity for accessories, lightweight free-float design
Stock	Magpul CTR (Compact/Type Restricted) Adjustable Stock	Stable cheek weld, reduced wobble, adjustable length of pull
Gas System	Mid-Length Gas System (typically)	Smoother recoil impulse, increased reliability
Bolt Carrier Group	Nickel Boron M16 Profile (typically)	Enhanced lubricity, easier cleaning, increased durability
Trigger	ST Battle Trigger (typically)	Improved trigger pull for better control and accuracy
Magazine Included	No	Allows user to choose preferred magazine type and capacity
UPC	815648028992	Product identification code