The Spike's Tactical STR5525M2D Crusader Rifle, .223 Rem/5.56x45mm NATO, 14.5" Barrel, No Magazine, Black Hard Coat Anodized with 6-Position Magpul CTR Stock (STR5525CM2D, UPC 810083266541) is a premium AR-15–pattern rifle built for shooters who demand a lightweight, reliable, and feature-rich fighting carbine. With a chrome-lined 14.5" barrel, free-floating 12" M-LOK rail, ambidextrous controls, and Magpul furniture, the Crusader is ready for hard use at the range, in training, or in general-purpose duty roles. Blackstone Shooting Sports+2vizardsgunsandammo.com+2
5.56 NATO / .223 Rem Chambering – Versatile, Proven Cartridge
Chambered in .223 Remington / 5.56x45mm NATO, the Spike’s Crusader gives you flexibility with the most common AR-15 caliber on the market: Blackstone Shooting Sports+2Loftus Firearms+2
Compatible with a wide variety of training, duty, and match ammunition
Offers flat trajectories and manageable recoil for both new and experienced shooters
Ideal for range work, carbine classes, competition, and general-purpose patrol/defensive roles (where lawful)
This rifle is built around the AR standard, so it integrates seamlessly into existing 5.56 ammo, magazine, and accessory ecosystems.
14.5" Chrome-Moly-Vanadium Barrel – Lightweight, Chrome-Lined Performance
At the heart of the STR5525M2D Crusader is a 14.50" chrome-moly-vanadium (CMV) barrel, chrome-lined for durability and reliability. Blackstone Shooting Sports+2Loftus Firearms+2
Barrel highlights:
14.5" mid-length gas system for a smooth recoil impulse and reduced parts stress Range USA+1
Chrome-lined bore for long life, corrosion resistance, and easier cleaning under high round counts Blackstone Shooting Sports+1
1:7" twist rate, optimized for a broad range of modern 5.56/223 bullet weights, including heavier match or barrier loads vizardsgunsandammo.com+1
Threaded muzzle with a pinned & welded muzzle brake (Dynacomp 2 / P&W muzzle brake) for excellent muzzle control and a 16"-class overall barrel length vizardsgunsandammo.com+2Range USA+2
Spike’s specializes in hard-use barrels, and the Crusader follows that tradition with a lightweight profile that still holds up to real-world firing schedules.
Free-Floating 12" M-LOK Rail – Ready for Modern Accessories
The Crusader features a free-floating 12" M-LOK handguard that extends over the low-profile gas block for a long, usable support-hand position. vizardsgunsandammo.com+3Palmetto State Armory+3Blackstone Shooting Sports+3
Rail & handguard features:
M-LOK slots at multiple positions (3, 6, and 9 o’clock) for attaching lights, grips, bipods, and other accessories
Continuous Picatinny top rail for mounting optics, offset sights, and other mission-specific add-ons Palmetto State Armory+1
Free-floating design removes pressure from the barrel, helping maintain consistent accuracy and point of impact
The solid interface between barrel nut, rail, and upper receiver creates a rigid platform that shrugs off hard use and heavy accessories.
Forged Aluminum Receivers & Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish
The STR5525M2D uses 7075-T6 forged aluminum upper and lower receivers finished in a durable black hard coat anodize. Winchester Arms+3Palmetto State Armory+3Blackstone Shooting Sports+3
Receiver & finish details:
7075-T6 forgings for maximum strength-to-weight performance
Black hard coat anodized finish resists wear, corrosion, and rough handling in field conditions
Crusader-themed touches, such as shield markings and engraved Bible verse on the lower, give the rifle a distinctive identity without compromising function Palmetto State Armory+2Range USA+2
Built to Spike’s Tactical’s tight standards, each complete rifle is inspected, test fired, and checked by armorers before shipping. WBTGuns
Magpul CTR 6-Position Stock & Quality Furniture
At the rear, the Crusader wears a Magpul CTR 6-position stock mounted on a mil-spec receiver extension. vizardsgunsandammo.com+2Winchester Arms+2
Furniture highlights:
Magpul CTR stock – lightweight, anti-snag, with a friction lock to reduce wobble and a comfortable cheek weld
6-position adjustability allows the rifle to fit shooters of different sizes and clothing/gear setups
Paired with a quality pistol grip (Spike's Pro Grip on many configurations) for improved ergonomics and control Range USA+1
This setup gives the Crusader a modern, user-friendly feel right out of the box.
Nickel Boron BCG & Enhanced Fire Control Components
Spike’s outfits the Crusader with upgraded internals aimed at reliability and smooth function. Range USA+1
Internal highlights:
Nickel Boron (NiB) coated bolt carrier group, hammer, and trigger for improved lubricity, easier cleaning, and long-term wear resistance Range USA+2Blackstone Shooting Sports+2
KNS anti-rotation pins help keep your fire control group securely in place under heavy firing schedules Range USA+1
Single-stage trigger tuned for a crisp, reliable break suitable for general-purpose carbine work Winchester Arms+1
These details reflect Spike’s Tactical’s focus on building rifles that run clean and stay running under demanding conditions.
Ambidextrous Controls & Magpul MBUS Sights Included
The STR5525M2D Crusader ships with several thoughtful usability upgrades:
Combined with the free-float rail and CTR stock, these features give you a fully modern handling package out of the box.
No Magazine Included – Build Your Own Loadout
This specific SKU is configured with no magazine included from the factory, allowing you to choose your own preferred mags: Blackstone Shooting Sports+2vizardsgunsandammo.com+2
Ideal if you already own reliable magazines and want to avoid duplicates
Lets you pair the rifle with duty, competition, or training magazines that match your existing gear
The rifle ships in a hard case, offering secure storage and transport right away. Blackstone Shooting Sports+2Range USA+2
Lightweight, Balanced & Ready for Work
Designed as a “balanced, lightweight, every man fighting rifle”, the Crusader emphasizes handling and reliability. WBTGuns+2Loftus Firearms+2
Key handling specs:
From drills on the flat range to more advanced carbine work, this rifle is made to feel fast, responsive, and controllable.
Key Features & Specifications – Spike’s Crusader STR5525M2D / STR5525CM2D
If you’re looking for a feature-rich 5.56 AR-15 rifle with a 14.5" chrome-lined barrel, free-float M-LOK rail, Magpul CTR stock, ambidextrous controls, and upgraded internals, the Spike’s Tactical STR5525M2D Crusader (STR5525CM2D, UPC 810083266541) delivers a balanced, lightweight, and thoroughly modern carbine platform ready to tailor to your specific optic, magazine, and accessory preferences.
The End
