Description
The Spikes Rare Breed Crusader 5.56/.223, 14.50″ Barrel, Magpul CTR, Black, No Mag is a premium, factory-built AR-15 rifle. It features a 14.5-inch barrel with a permanently attached muzzle device to achieve a legal 16-inch overall length, a Magpul CTR stock for stability, and comes ready to run with standard AR-15 magazines and components. This rifle is designed for the shooter who wants a high-quality, no-fuss firearm that fits out of the box.
Key Features
- 14.5″ Barrel with Pinned & Welded Muzzle Device: Offers the maneuverability of a shorter barrel while meeting the 16-inch legal minimum—no tax stamp or wait required.
- Magpul CTR Stock: Provides a solid, rattle-free cheek weld and quick length-of-pull adjustments, a significant upgrade over basic mil-spec stocks.
- Factory-Built Reliability: Comes fully assembled and tested from Spikes Tactical, a respected name known for quality control and robust components.
- Mil-Spec Foundation: Built on a standard AR-15 platform, ensuring wide compatibility with aftermarket triggers, grips, handguards, and other accessories.
- No Magazine Included: Keeps the base price focused on the rifle itself, allowing you to choose your preferred PMAG, Lancer, or USGI magazines.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington |
| Barrel Length | 14.5″ (16″ OAL with pinned device) |
| Stock | Magpul CTR Collapsible |
| Overall Length (Extended) | Approx. 32-35″ |
| Weight (Unloaded) | Approx. 6.5 lbs |
| Receiver Material | Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum |
Who This Rifle Is For
This rifle targets the practical buyer who understands value isn’t just the lowest price. It’s for the shooter who wants a dependable, duty-grade rifle without the hassle of piecing together parts or worrying about compatibility. You’re paying for proven performance and a refined feature set right from the start. At $1785.99, it sits in a competitive space—more than a budget build but delivering more polish and reliability than one. Consider it if your priority is a trustworthy tool that works with common AR-15 parts like those from BCM or Geissele, not a project gun.
Pros & Cons: The Value Breakdown
Pros: The pinned 14.5-inch barrel is a major plus, giving you better handling in close quarters without NFA paperwork. The inclusion of the Magpul CTR stock is a thoughtful, cost-saving upgrade. Since it’s a complete factory rifle, you get Spikes’ warranty and QC, which is a tangible value for peace of mind. It’s mil-spec compatible, so personalization is straightforward.
Cons: The price point is a real consideration. For a dedicated builder, sourcing similar parts might come in lower. The pinned muzzle device means you’re committed to that configuration unless a gunsmith removes it. And, of course, you’ll need to factor in the cost of magazines and optics, as it ships without them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this considered a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR)?
A: No. The 14.5-inch barrel has a muzzle device permanently pinned and welded to it, bringing the overall barrel length to the legal minimum of 16 inches. It is transferred and treated as a standard rifle.
Q: What kind of muzzle device is pinned on?
A: Spikes Tactical typically uses their own “Tactical Compensator” or a similar flash hider/compensator combo. It’s designed to reduce muzzle rise and flash while fulfilling the legal length requirement.
Q: Can I use .223 Remington and 5.56mm ammunition?
A: Yes. The barrel is chambered in 5.56 NATO, which is safe for both 5.56mm and .223 Remington rounds. You get that versatility for training or hunting. Always check your specific ammunition against your firearm’s manual.
For a ready-to-run, high-quality AR-15 that balances premium features with practical design, the Spikes Rare Breed Crusader represents a solid investment. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, where FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. See the full product page for current availability and ordering details.
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