Originally Posted by
texasjim
Hi guys... Jim Hodge here. Been around this industry a long time. Consulted for various manufactures for more than a dozen years, most of which you are familiar with. Decided to give up traveling abroad, and stay home and build a company. The AU MOD 1 is my first offering to the commercial market. I have been building carbines for more than a decade for a small cult following, ie teammates, and associates. I looked at building my MOD 1 as if I could play king for a day, and assemble the nicest rifle someone would be proud to own.
For most companies in this industry, outsourcing is very prevalent. The difference is the acceptance of manufacturing technique, error, and spec. For example, BCG's, there are a finite number of trusted manufactures. Most major 07s still source from a small number of trusted sources. Another example, say one wants a CHF barrel, there are two main options, FN & DD. With my resources on my initial offering, I can effect change a little at a time. The change I targeted in the MOD 1 was quality, and some geometry integrated in my upper and lower receivers. My level of acceptance with what I can control falls into tolerance, and assembly. Be that as it may, I am not trying to win you over, I am just trying to build the nicest, most reliable carbine regardless of cost.
To the spec:
16" CHF, 1/7, CL, pinned mid gas barrel
158 and sometimes 9310 bolts, all shot peened, and MP tested with M16 carriers
Geissele SMR handguard
Tight side of mil-spec upper and lower receivers
ALG hammer and trigger
Bar stock reversible selector (not investment cast)
Bar Stock F/A (not investment cast)
Enhanced pivot and take down pins
Impact extruded receiver ext
Enhanced bolt stop
H buffer with tuned spring
Magpul MOE+ grip! and CTR stock with enhanced butt pad
Gunfighter CH
SS roll pins, not spring pins
From a manufacturing process....
Each rifle is assembled from start to finish by one person. Great pride and care goes into each build, as once a sub assembly is finished, two other sets of eyes are providing QC before the next portion is started. Often times our uppers require a thermal fit before final torque of the barrel nut. Proper staking, as well as alignment of rec-ext we go crazy over. The rifles are then fired and cleaned before packaging.
As for feedback from professional end users, just ask around. It is not my place to single any individual or team out out of respect.
No it's not an inexpensive carbine, nor will I apologize or belittle anyone on justification for the value. It's an expensive gun to build pure and simple. Parts, labor, shipping, FET, etc... It all adds up. I appreciate, and get why guys favor one brand over another, hell I have 6 KACs, handful of Jonny's guns, and a crap ton of Colts. I see the merits and faults in all. Not trying to sell you on my brand, cause it is not for everyone, but if your in the market I would appreciate an honest look.
If you have any questions, please call anytime, and I will do my best to accommodate.
Cheers,
Jim Hodge