Hodge Defense 14.5” Barrel Accuracy: A Quick Look

[markm]

Of the 6 I've had of the 14.5" Hodge barrels.

Damn. That's a lot of barrels from the same manufacturer. Good sized sample though.

[vicious_cb]

Of the 6 I've had of the 14.5" Hodge barrels.

2x will print sub 1.5 MOA no matter what
1x would print sub MOA for 10 rounds and go to hell
2x were "meh" 3 MOA guns no matter what they got fed
1x was sub-MOA if it was clean but got super touchy like an worn out stainless.

Ultimately, they have great POTENTIAL...for what they are.

Since the marketing of these barrels are for durability under hard use conditions using military ammo, the real question is did you manage to kill a Hodge barrel?

[pointblank4445]

Since the marketing of these barrels are for durability under hard use conditions using military ammo, the real question is did you manage to kill a Hodge barrel?

I've killed a real HK 416 barrel, a few Colts and several stainless; I don't think the Hodge would be a problem...If that's what I was going for.

[pointblank4445]

Damn. That's a lot of barrels from the same manufacturer. Good sized sample though.

While I respect Molon and his OCD, this is the flaw in the review design. It's been the same story with FN's, DD's and other barrels. The Hodges though are some of the most temperamental in respect to accuracy, ammo preferences, response to heat/abuse.

[markm]

The Hodges though are some of the most temperamental in respect to accuracy, ammo preferences, response to heat/abuse.

Do you know if they're button rifled or hammer forged?

[themonk]

FN cold-hammer-forged

[markm]

FN cold-hammer-forged

And Colt's button barrels enjoy a pretty good reputation? Better Q.C. maybe?

[opngrnd]

Isn't it a $425 barrel? Crazy if QC is the issue.

[markm]

Isn't it a $425 barrel? Crazy if QC is the issue.

They get $425 for a CL barrel?? That Minnies Machine contract barrel I have will shot under 2 MOA for $220.

[themonk]

They get $425 for a CL barrel?? That Minnies Machine contract barrel I have will shot under 2 MOA for $220.

I think you are paying for a couple things that were not really available when these barrels came out.

Your paying for:
Durability - Hodge mystery steel has been shown in testing be extremely durable in high round count guns including the use of M855A1
Weight and contour
Smaller gas port for shooting suppressed
Accuracy - it's a fairly accurate barrel for chrome lined. My 12.5 is sub moa with black hills, pmc 855, pmc match 77, and gmm.

I think now there is far more competition in this space than there was in 2018 but if you need a seriously durable, accurate, and lightweight barrel for a fighting gun it's hard to do better.