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Templar Precision Scythe ACRs - An Interview With Dana

FocusTripp
Published on February 13, 2024
Category: Gunsmithing & DIY
Duration: 22:19

This interview with Dana of Templar Precision details his work in enhancing and rebuilding the Bushmaster ACR platform. Dana focuses on improving tolerances, reducing weight, and offering upgraded components like billet receivers, lightweight trunions, and specialized lowers for calibers like 7.62x39. He discusses the challenges of small-scale production, the evolution of his G1, G2, and G3 systems, and his vision for the future of the Scythe ACR.

Tags

Templar Precision Scythe ACR
Dana Templar Precision
Bushmaster ACR
ACR G3
ACR G2
Billet Receiver
Lightweight Trunion
7.62x39 ACR Lower
Interchangeable Magwell
ACR Gas System
ACR Barrel Components
ACR Bolt Components

Quick Summary

Templar Precision, led by Dana, enhances the Bushmaster ACR by tightening tolerances for improved performance and reduced rattle. They offer billet receivers, lightweight trunions, and specialized lowers for calibers like 7.62x39, aiming to create an improved version of the original ACR platform.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Templar Precision Scythe ACR
  2. 00:09Shot Show 2024 and Meeting Dana
  3. 00:16Dana of Templar Precision
  4. 00:25Problems with Original Bushmaster ACR
  5. 00:37Templar Scythe ACRs: The Ideal ACR
  6. 00:49New Templar Scythe G3 Models
  7. 00:57Evolution from Remington ACR
  8. 01:15Dana's Development Journey
  9. 01:21Tightened Tolerances and Performance
  10. 01:30Eliminating Rifle Rattle
  11. 01:43Years of Experience with ACR Platform
  12. 01:49First Short Barreled ACR
  13. 01:58Lowest Serial Number Enhanced ACR
  14. 02:15Product Showcase: G3 Scythe Pistol
  15. 02:236.5 Grendel Caliber Option
  16. 02:34G3 System Features
  17. 02:52Billet Receiver Construction
  18. 03:00Billet vs. Extrusion
  19. 03:06One-Man Operation
  20. 03:16Part-Time Job and Future Goals
  21. 03:36Current Development Status
  22. 03:45Upper Receiver Details
  23. 03:57Lighter Than Factory ACR Uppers
  24. 04:01M-LOK Slots and Accessories
  25. 04:11Lightweight Internals and Trunions
  26. 04:15QD System Patent Limitations
  27. 04:24Non-QD Trunion Installation
  28. 04:29Lightweight QD Trunion Systems (G2)
  29. 04:53G3 System: Maximum Performance
  30. 05:13Bolted Handguard for Stability
  31. 05:19Preference for Thin Rifles
  32. 05:34Thumb Over Bore Ergonomics
  33. 05:36Original ACR Weight Issues
  34. 05:45Weight Reduction with Scythe Upper
  35. 05:50G3 Build Weight Estimate
  36. 06:05Dana's Personal Build Reference
  37. 06:14Personal Build Weight
  38. 06:22Lighter Than Factory Enhanced ACR
  39. 06:26G2 System Weight
  40. 06:35Barrel Length Impact on Weight
  41. 06:39Trunion System vs. Accuracy
  42. 06:46Factory Trunion Lockup Issues
  43. 06:53Barrel Looseness and Handguard Interference
  44. 07:17QD System Drawbacks
  45. 07:22Trunion Loosening Over Time
  46. 07:44Trunion A vs. Trunion B Variability
  47. 07:48Factory Trunion Weight
  48. 07:58Nose Heaviness of ACR
  49. 08:06G2 System Weight Savings
  50. 08:16G2 System Accuracy Benefits
  51. 08:27New Lowers for ACR Rifles
  52. 08:34Lightweight Lower Features
  53. 08:46Factory ACR Lower Comparison
  54. 08:55Moving Away from ACR Platform
  55. 09:01ACR Trigger Compatibility
  56. 09:05Recommended Triggers (Gisselle, SS X)
  57. 09:13Billet vs. Extruded Trigger Boxes
  58. 09:19Trigger System Compatibility Issues
  59. 09:29Focus on Spare Components
  60. 09:47Supporting Legacy Platforms
  61. 10:19G2 and G3 System Focus
  62. 10:37G1, G2, G3 System Definitions
  63. 10:49Compatibility Between Systems
  64. 10:53Converting G3 to G1
  65. 11:09Gas System Compatibility
  66. 11:17Adjustable Regulator Plans
  67. 11:21G3 Upgrade: Adjustable Regulator
  68. 11:34G3 System Design Philosophy
  69. 11:45G2 System Flexibility
  70. 11:52Adjustability Challenges
  71. 12:00Risk of Incorrect Adjustment
  72. 12:04ACR vs. AR-15 Gas Systems
  73. 12:13AR-15 Development Funding
  74. 12:26R&D Process: Breaking Parts
  75. 12:36Lack of Replacements for Test Guns
  76. 12:54Production Run Costs
  77. 12:59Bolt Head Production Costs
  78. 13:13Cost of Accurate Machining
  79. 13:20Startup Budget Constraints
  80. 13:31Production Strategy and Scheduling
  81. 13:43External Influences on Demand
  82. 13:54Economic Schedule and Sales Cycles
  83. 14:21Current Economic Climate
  84. 14:297.62x39 Rock and Lock Lowers
  85. 14:34X39 Project Nightmare
  86. 14:44Early 3D Printing Prototypes
  87. 14:58Commitment to Quality
  88. 15:07Rock and Lock Lower Design
  89. 15:10Prototype Iterations and Cost
  90. 15:20Initial Pin System Issues
  91. 15:31Universal Magazine Compatibility
  92. 15:34Final 7.62x39 Lower Design
  93. 15:38Interchangeable Steel Inserts
  94. 15:415.56 Conversion Option
  95. 15:47Arsenal Circle 10 Mags
  96. 15:53Standardized 7.62 Mags (Magpul PMAG)
  97. 16:09Magazine Variability Issues
  98. 16:15Bolt Head and AK Mag Interaction
  99. 16:25Bolt Skimming AK Mags
  100. 16:32Mag Seating Depth Issues
  101. 16:39PMAG Reliability and QC
  102. 16:52AK Lowers Performance
  103. 16:59Future Barrel and Bolt Components
  104. 17:03Bolt Head Nightmare
  105. 17:10Barrel Component Development
  106. 17:12Regulator as a Hard Component
  107. 17:16Gas Block and System Flow
  108. 17:20Machine Accuracy and Simplicity
  109. 17:25Almost Entirely Templar Build
  110. 17:34Small Parts: Takedown Pins
  111. 17:39Stock System Considerations
  112. 17:43AR Stock Tube Compatibility
  113. 17:45Future Stock Development
  114. 17:50Injection Molding Costs
  115. 17:52ACR-Like Stock Design
  116. 17:56Evolved Stock Features
  117. 18:04Desired Stock Features
  118. 18:15Folding to the Right Side
  119. 18:22Similar Appearance and Adjustment
  120. 18:32Keeping the Framework
  121. 18:37Updated Features for 2024
  122. 18:49Scythe Naming Convention
  123. 18:51Bushmaster ACR Revival?
  124. 18:54Bushmaster's Stance on ACR
  125. 19:03Plans for ACR Platform
  126. 19:14Email Exchange with Bushmaster
  127. 19:23Buyout Offer Scenario
  128. 19:29Considering a Bushmaster Buyout
  129. 19:31Long-Term Picture Analysis
  130. 19:35Buyout Consequences
  131. 19:41Ethical Considerations
  132. 19:55Customer Benefit Priority
  133. 20:02Openness to Discussion
  134. 20:05Beneficial Jumps
  135. 20:11Customer-Centric Decisions
  136. 20:18Project Prioritization
  137. 20:33Primary Weapon Systems UXR Thoughts
  138. 20:37No Hands-On UXR Experience Yet
  139. 20:46PWS UXR Engineer Inspiration
  140. 20:55Interchangeable Magwells
  141. 21:00Stock System Similarities
  142. 21:06Praise for PWS UXR Design
  143. 21:07Desire for Trigger Time
  144. 21:11Focus on the 'Baby' (OG ACR)
  145. 21:14Platform Collector Status
  146. 21:16Openness to Trying PWS UXR
  147. 21:31Potential for PWS UXR Parts
  148. 21:34Sole Focus: Scythe ACR
  149. 21:37Persistence and Perseverance
  150. 21:48From Grizzly Mill to CNC Machines
  151. 22:01Appreciation and Thanks
  152. 22:07Thank You to Dana
  153. 22:11Video Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main improvements Templar Precision makes to the Bushmaster ACR?

Templar Precision focuses on tightening tolerances to eliminate rattle and improve performance. They offer billet receivers, lightweight trunions, and specialized lowers for different calibers, aiming to create the rifle the original ACR should have been.

How does Templar Precision's Scythe ACR compare in weight to the original Bushmaster ACR?

A full G3 Scythe build can weigh around 6 to 6.5 lbs, which is significantly lighter than the factory enhanced ACR, often weighing around 8.6 lbs for a 16-inch 5.56 version. Even Dana's personal build with accessories is 8.2 lbs.

What are the different G-series systems offered by Templar Precision for the ACR?

Templar Precision offers G1 (factory ACR with QD), G2 (similar to Remington Defense ACR with quick barrel changes), and G3 (performance-oriented models). These systems are largely compatible with each other.

Has Templar Precision developed components for other calibers on the ACR platform?

Yes, Templar Precision has developed 7.62x39 'rock and lock' lowers for the ACR. These feature interchangeable steel inserts that allow for conversion to 5.56 compatibility and are designed to work reliably with specific magazines like Magpul Gen 3 PMAGs.

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