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It may have been discussed already but is the ambi bolt catch one complete piece? The paddle side looks just like an enhanced bolt catch that Badger Ordnance offers but I don't think it's available in an ambi option. Couldn't find much info on it.
So, any new word on this rifle? Are any of you using one for work? If so, is it worth it? Can anyone give some details on what's awesome or terrible about it?
Prototypes are being fielded by certain people within the industry, currently. The new barrels are looking good!
It's a premium carbine with premium materials and premium design and attention to detail. The upper and lower, as you already know, are made of a proprietary alloy of Lithium Aluminum. Lighter, stronger, more corrosion resistant, etc. All bar-stock small parts, and a better (larger engagement area) bolt-stop. The barrel is made out of the toughest steel in the industry, hammer forged, and chrome lined. It should be one of, if not THE most durable barrels out there in this application. It is profiled sensibly, to place the most thermal mass where it's needed, and aid in balance (similar to the Noveske N4 profile, but a little more complex with the tapers.). I don't have any trigger time on the gun yet, but will surely report back when I do. In the mean-time, here's a mock-up of how mine will look:
Considering all of the companies involved in producing the parts, I am amazed that it has come together so quickly. I do not know of anyone else in the industry that has coordinated something as comprehensive, so effectively.
Last edited by WS6; 06-19-15 at 02:56.
Appreciate it, though I wasn't super clear I guess. I read the whole thread, so I'm clear on the fancy materials and it's got my interest. I've really only used standard M4s and M16s and I have a 6920 for work, but I'm craving something that can offer me smoother shooting and more accuracy. I fired a mid length gun once and it was obviously softer recoiling, so I'm sold on that aspect. I want/need (aren't they the same?) a new heater, and I had been trying to decide between getting a BCM or shelling out for an SR15. This material seems really interesting, and I really like that, if I'm not mistaken, M4Guru said he was shooting .7 MOA with match ammo. Accuracy is a tad important to me, but I didn't want to go to a match barrel, yet. I also have to admit that I like that Hodge Defense is here in Texas. I just want to know if I'm crazy for wanting this over a Recce 16 or an SR15, but, I guess I still need to wait for them to get out there.
PS: That picture is beautiful.
Thanks!
To be specific, in answering your questions, Jim Hodge has spec'ed a gas port size that is very appropriate for using a H-buffer, and 5.56 ammunition, with or without a suppressor. His goal is to tune the rifle to perform optimally with 5.56 pressure ammunition and an H-buffer and carbine spring. The end user can then select a carbine buffer, if it turns out they want to run cheap junk like Tula, presuming the H-buffer is a bit heavy for it (I don't know that it would be, I'm just speculating), or maybe run an H2 buffer if they have a higher back-pressure suppressor and are running suppressed 100% of the time. The gun should be as smooth as can be.
Regarding accuracy, I cannot comment. Noone can, at this point. I don't believe groups have been shot from a weapon yet using the new barrels. Jim Hodge is going for great accuracy, and greater reliability/durability. Basically what this means is he wants around 1 MOA or better out of MK262, but he is not hung up on the differences between 0.5MOA and 1MOA, if it means giving up a CHF chrome-lined barrel and going with a "match" type barrel to achieve it, if that makes sense?
I think that the BCM rifles compete more in-line with the MOD 1, and the SR-15 is more in line with the MOD 2. I think a lot of Jim Hodge, as well as the guys over at KAC. I personally feel that if you can, you should shoot both a KAC MOD 2, and a Hodge Defense MOD 2, before deciding. I understand that may not be possible for you, but if you can at all make it happen, do it!
That said, I am going with the Hodge Defense gun.
Why?
I like the barrel. I like the weight (6.25# for a 14.5" gun), I like the ergonomics. I like the rail (ergos). I like the nearly 100% (the bolt latch is not interchangeable I don't believe) parts compatibility with mil-spec parts. I like all bar-stock parts. (Wilson Combat did this as an "upgrade" to their pistols for something like $200, around 10 years ago, or so. They were the "Bulletproof" line from Wilson).
Last edited by WS6; 06-19-15 at 03:55.
Does anyone have pictures of the barrel profile?
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