Crusader Arms launches 5.56 calibre conversion

Canadian firearms manufacturer Crusader Arms has just launched the promised calibre conversion kit for its Crusader 9 rifle, allowing customers to convert their PCC to 5.56 NATO.

The Crusader 9 platform debuted in late 2021, available as both a parts kit or a complete rifle. This semi-auto is very similar to the AR180B design, but the original Crusader 9 was chambered in 9mm. It was a pistol calibre carbine, not a full-bore rifle.

The idea was, customers could buy Crusader's Freedom Package rifle for $1,349 and get a receiver and other parts, but no buffer tube, no stock, no grip and no trigger. Customers could use other parts they already owned to then complete a rifle build. Or, customers could pay $1,649 and get a fully-assembled rifle

As we told you in December: "If you buy the pre-assembled rifle, you get an adjustable TriggerTech trigger (adjustable from 2.5 pounds to 5 pounds). There are 13 M-LOK slots on each side of the forend, and another five M-LOK slots on the bottom of the forend. There's a full-length Picatinny rail on top of the receiver upper (1913 Milspec), allowing the owner to attach whatever aiming system they want. The fully-assembled rifle comes complete with buttstock and grip from Magpul, and a single 10-round Glock-branded magazine (supposedly, PMAGS work as well, and other aftermarket Glock mags may also work)."

Now, Crusader is taking its modular platform a step further and releasing a 5.56 NATO calibre conversion kit, which will be available through Crusader and its dealers same as the previous kits and fully-assembled rifles. The conversion kit is priced at $899.99 on Crusader's website, where we're told: "This is a complete 5.56 Upper to convert your Crusader 9 into a semi-auto 5.56 rifle (by removing 2 pins and one screw) This upper operates in the similar fashion as the AR-180 and uses a mid-length Piston."

And, uh, that's it. No real amount of info on the website, not on even on social media. Crusader does list packages in both 5.56 and 9mm now on its website. Head to its online shop for more details on pricing and options, or ask a dealer that sells the Crusader line. As you wait for the OIC issues to work themselves through the court system, this is one way you can keep enjoying a modern sporting rifle format at your local gun range (as long as you can find ammunition).