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GOST
21 October 2014, 20:22
Some new details:

Aluminum Lithium Forged Recievers
Titanium Barrel Nut
7075 Aluminum Handguard available in both M-LOK and Keymod

http://soldiersystems.net/2014/10/20/hodge-defense-au-mod-2-details-emerge/

JoshAston
21 October 2014, 20:29
I'm wondering how well this aluminum lithium would stand up as suppressor material? Even if it's just the tube, that's a decent weight reduction for a rifle can.

GOST
21 October 2014, 20:35
The Aluminum Lithium is said to be lighter than 7075% , and only 7% weaker than Titanium. The weight savings over 7075 would probably not benefit me, but may work in a can.

JGifford
22 October 2014, 00:24
Aluminum is not a substitute for Inconel...no-matter how awesome it is, an AlLi is awesome. It's just not...THAT awesome. A .22 rimfire suppressor, sure!

At any rate, I'm surprised to see this much of MOD2 revealed in public at this point.

JoshAston
22 October 2014, 00:25
I didn't think it would hold up as baffles, but what about the tube?

JGifford
22 October 2014, 00:33
I didn't think it would hold up as baffles, but what about the tube?

Ti won't even hold up as a tube.

Stone
22 October 2014, 06:03
I wonder what the odds of just getting a matching upper and lower set on these would be...

M. Gale
22 October 2014, 06:16
Innovation is always a good thing but I'm not sure what value the AU Mod 2 brings to the platform. Al-Li is an interesting alloy but it doesn't mean the new receiver is going to be lighter than a standard 7075-T6 receiver unless it's identical dimensionally. Why do we need stronger receivers? When is last time anyone has wore out a mil-spec receiver? At this point, I have more questions answers. Time will tell...

UWone77
22 October 2014, 06:28
Innovation is always a good thing but I'm not sure what value the AU Mod 2 brings to the platform. Al-Li is an interesting alloy but it doesn't mean the new receiver is going to be lighter than a standard 7075-T6 receiver unless it's identical dimensionally. Why do we need stronger receivers? When is last time anyone has wore out a mil-spec receiver? At this point, I have more questions answers. Time will tell...

A few weeks or a month ago, I was reading and long thread on m4c about Hodge. Lots of opinions on both sides of the plate. I understand the trend for LW components, but like you said, has anyone ever worn out a mil-spec receiver or broken one?

JGifford
22 October 2014, 06:40
I wonder what the odds of just getting a matching upper and lower set on these would be...

Unless you are personal friends with Jim Hodge, likely none, if you mean "stripped". However, I have handled MOD 2, and they...well...Have you ever racked the slide on a Wilson Supergrade 1911? Literally, that's what the upper and lower feel like on MOD2.

JGifford
22 October 2014, 06:42
Innovation is always a good thing but I'm not sure what value the AU Mod 2 brings to the platform. Al-Li is an interesting alloy but it doesn't mean the new receiver is going to be lighter than a standard 7075-T6 receiver unless it's identical dimensionally. Why do we need stronger receivers? When is last time anyone has wore out a mil-spec receiver? At this point, I have more questions answers. Time will tell...

Why not just use 6601, then? Why did the MK18 platform spec 7075 for the RISII?

Better is better.

The advantages?

Less chance of corrosion. Stiffer upper = more accurate as well as less bolt wear (receiver/barrel/rail flex is part of why FF rails reduce bolt failures).

Further, its a beautifully executed ambi control lower, if nothing else. The rail is sexy as hell and feels great to hold/point. It will also accept accessories that other rails cannot, at this time.

M. Gale
22 October 2014, 09:30
Further, its a beautifully executed ambi control lower, if nothing else.

I couldn't agree more... All of your other talking points are unarguably subjective. The cost benefit ratio is suspect at this point and only time will tell the whole story.

JGifford
22 October 2014, 09:40
I couldn't agree more... All of your other talking points are unarguably subjective. The cost benefit ratio is suspect at this point and only time will tell the whole story.

Advantages of a stuffer upper and rail are not subjective, nor is the strength and corrosion resistance of the new allow. Those are objective, finite, and measurable things easily defined.

Now, how the rail and how it feels, etc...fair enough, YMMV

GOST
22 October 2014, 10:55
I wonder what the odds of just getting a matching upper and lower set on these would be...

They are releasing the receiver sets in 7075 instead of the aluminum lithium, to be more affordable.

M. Gale
22 October 2014, 11:39
Advantages of a stuffer upper and rail are not subjective, nor is the strength and corrosion resistance of the new allow. Those are objective, finite, and measurable things easily defined.

Now, how the rail and how it feels, etc...fair enough, YMMV

Just because you can doesn't mean you should...

Until you post some data sets from a vetted testing process, it's very much subjective. Comparing materials on a chart is comparing materials on chart. How those materials perform over time for their intended purpose creates objective data points for the specific use. The arguments for or against the use of a certain material should be necessity driven. Contrary to your "better is better" statement, your earlier comparison of 6061 to 7075 on a DD RISII is an example of trading strength for corrosion resistance. Nothing more, nothing less. When you can prove that a carbine manufactured by Hodge with Al-Li lasts longer and and is more accurate, let's have another discussion. Until then, let's put this red herring to bed.

JGifford
22 October 2014, 22:36
Just because you can doesn't mean you should...

Until you post some data sets from a vetted testing process, it's very much subjective. Comparing materials on a chart is comparing materials on chart. How those materials perform over time for their intended purpose creates objective data points for the specific use. The arguments for or against the use of a certain material should be necessity driven. Contrary to your "better is better" statement, your earlier comparison of 6061 to 7075 on a DD RISII is an example of trading strength for corrosion resistance. Nothing more, nothing less. When you can prove that a carbine manufactured by Hodge with Al-Li lasts longer and and is more accurate, let's have another discussion. Until then, let's put this red herring to bed.

Hmmm...what brands, exactly, do you sell, as a Dealer? Website?

Sodbuster
22 October 2014, 22:58
Aluminum-lithium is stronger then 7075 but to see any weight reduction there would have to be less material to see any advantage to using it. The increase in strength probably doesn't justify the cost. The external fuel tank for the space shuttle was made out of an aluminum lithium alloy as a weight reduction plan in the early 90s.

JGifford
22 October 2014, 23:10
Aluminum-lithium is stronger then 7075 but to see any weight reduction there would have to be less material to see any advantage to using it. The increase in strength probably doesn't justify the cost. The external fuel tank for the space shuttle was made out of an aluminum lithium alloy as a weight reduction plan in the early 90s.

Correct. Lithium Aluminum is also used on many stress-bearing components of large Airbus planes and has been shown to increase frame-life and reduce maintenance costs.

However, all the empirical data in the world is useless to some people until we prove that it's better than 6601 for a receiver. I assume they use 6601 and prefer it to 7075, because as far as I am aware, I've never heard of a 6601 receiver being worn out...ergo...7075 is also "a waste" according to some.

Really though, it boils down to this: Are you the kind of guy who is lusting for a Rock River or DPMS? Then this isn't for you. Or...are you the kind of guy looking at Noveske/LaRue/KAC? Then you should also consider the AU-MOD2.

rob_s
23 October 2014, 02:45
This whole product line is sounding more and more like the emperor' sinew clothes.

Sooner or later the gun will climb out from under the rock it's been hiding under, and we will see what is what.

GOST
23 October 2014, 19:40
It's gonna be a rifle that makes Noveske and Larue seem like more affordable options.

JGifford
23 October 2014, 22:41
It's gonna be a rifle that makes Noveske and Larue seem like more affordable options.

It will likely be priced similar to them.

GOST
24 October 2014, 04:32
Will be interesting to see what price point they use considering that their Mod 1 was about a $2000 rifle.

GOST
1 January 2015, 11:10
https://fbcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-0/10425385_852531288123641_2639955165611313806_n.jpg ?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=6ce1bcb64531b18c243ce5c23f7f40dc&oe=54F92466&__gda__=1429867344_35e758e41494c5962d844b37b19c992 6

UWone77
1 January 2015, 11:57
It's gonna be a rifle that makes Noveske and Larue seem like more affordable options.

Hodge Defense reminds me of what Noveske used to be.

rob_s
1 January 2015, 12:06
So is that a picture of the unicorn? Where'd it come from, and what's the magic sauce we're all supposed to choke on now that it's out?

GOST
1 January 2015, 12:23
Pic is from their Facebook page.

DutyUse
1 January 2015, 12:23
https://fbcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-0/10425385_852531288123641_2639955165611313806_n.jpg ?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=6ce1bcb64531b18c243ce5c23f7f40dc&oe=54F92466&__gda__=1429867344_35e758e41494c5962d844b37b19c992 6

:Drool:

UWone77
1 January 2015, 12:24
So is that a picture of the unicorn? Where'd it come from, and what's the magic sauce we're all supposed to choke on now that it's out?

rob, you never fail to disappoint. I admit, I laughed out loud. [:D]

M. Gale
1 January 2015, 18:26
So is that a picture of the unicorn? Where'd it come from, and what's the magic sauce we're all supposed to choke on now that it's out?

Rob - I guess you just don't get it... ;)

http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B6tisv_jRwAjc1k2Z0htQnRZN1k

rob_s
2 January 2015, 02:25
It's genius marketing,mill grant them that. Emperor's new clothes always is. Add in "tier one" and how can I possibly keep my wallet in my pocket?

Eric
2 January 2015, 03:10
It's genius marketing,mill grant them that. Emperor's new clothes always is. Add in "tier one" and how can I possibly keep my wallet in my pocket? Add in some "tested by [insert HSLD acronym here]" and you're golden.

GOST
23 January 2015, 05:52
Pic from Hodge's Facebook page.

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10947193_864941320215971_8709995287684485969_n.jpg ?oh=a43152210a66231dc7b2a310f0ccbdfe&oe=55226A9F

n4p226r
26 January 2015, 09:53
I like the idea of a better upper to lower fit and smoother operation of takedown pins. I wonder if that will be across the board or if he is just matching the upper to the lower. My Noveske pins (not factory built) are really tight on one of my builds.

GOST
23 March 2015, 06:33
From Hodge's Facebook page.

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10301188_895671980476238_3351586166432739496_n.jpg ?oh=7fa44747c1d8e43acce7e6812571effa&oe=5574ED1C

JGifford
24 March 2015, 13:17
Just a little something something to look at...

http://i61.tinypic.com/2uypyyc.jpg

(14.5" barrel)

JGifford
24 March 2015, 13:22
I like the idea of a better upper to lower fit and smoother operation of takedown pins. I wonder if that will be across the board or if he is just matching the upper to the lower. My Noveske pins (not factory built) are really tight on one of my builds.

I got to play with one of the first MOD 2 upper/lowers. The fit was flawless right off the UPS truck. Now I can't say whether or not that is a freak incident, but Jim Hodge assured me that was what they were going for. Any MOD2 upper on any MOD2 lower, with reverse-compatibility to mil-spec. There is a tension screw in the grip area that is backed out on the MOD2 complete guns, that the end-user can adjust if they wish to achieve a slop-free fit with a mil-spec lower, which may or may not mate "as precisely" as the OEM MOD2 upper would, due to other manufacture variances beyond HDSI's control, obviously. That said, the MOD2 uppers and lowers are dimensioned to mil-spec.

DutyUse
28 March 2015, 19:42
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/28/5c4c17d5d2cf15e802948e34241eb10f.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/28/1cfee225c0ac8cbf9d116151f0386b0a.jpg

The hodge mod 2 was in this month's ar15 magazine. Snapped a couple photos while my wife was dragging me around Walmart tonight.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

GOST
7 May 2015, 10:54
While you're waiting on your AU-MOD 2 here's you some shirts.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11193319_919162271460542_8347943495175632190_n.jpg ?oh=d1fcf87336e261f6b022665a66e34779&oe=55D82EE0&__gda__=1443560508_4753380cf2b9d9f2c893e9ecdfe5fb5 4

http://teespring.com/stores/HodgeDefense

JGifford
7 May 2015, 14:19
While you're waiting on your AU-MOD 2 here's you some shirts.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11193319_919162271460542_8347943495175632190_n.jpg ?oh=d1fcf87336e261f6b022665a66e34779&oe=55D82EE0&__gda__=1443560508_4753380cf2b9d9f2c893e9ecdfe5fb5 4

http://teespring.com/stores/HodgeDefense

Already ordered two. In addition to rocking the bumper sticker and hat already :)

JGifford
12 May 2015, 06:16
Filling in the gaps soon...
https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/11053924_748862053881_3314381287244028954_o.jpg

UWone77
12 May 2015, 07:47
Filling in the gaps soon...
https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/11053924_748862053881_3314381287244028954_o.jpg

That's going to be quite a shooter. Looking forward to seeing your write up and impressions. I've eagerly been waiting for Hodge!

JGifford
12 May 2015, 08:15
That's going to be quite a shooter. Looking forward to seeing your write up and impressions. I've eagerly been waiting for Hodge!

You're going to be super impressed when specs are finally released.

JGifford
9 July 2015, 04:46
Swung by HDSI yesterday. Rifles are coming on nicely. Civilian production should begin soon. Complete rifles for other clients are already producted/being produced. Here is a preview of the 14.5" chf barrel. Weighs the same as a .gov profile of equal length.http://i60.tinypic.com/sdl75j.jpg

JGifford
13 September 2015, 07:11
http://i59.tinypic.com/zoc1gk.jpg

voodoo_man
13 September 2015, 07:20
sort of want...

wish he'd just sell lowers.

JGifford
13 September 2015, 07:59
sort of want...

wish he'd just sell lowers.

From what I understand, it's in the works, but complete guns will of course come first.

GOST
13 September 2015, 11:39
sort of want...

wish he'd just sell lowers.


From what I understand, it's in the works, but complete guns will of course come first.

From what I've read the receivers that are sold separately will be 7075, only complete rifles will have the AlLi alloy receivers.

JGifford
15 September 2015, 19:16
From what I've read the receivers that are sold separately will be 7075, only complete rifles will have the AlLi alloy receivers.

As far as I know, that's up in the air.

Stone
3 June 2016, 18:16
Stripped uppers are out in the market now.

Aragorn
3 June 2016, 18:45
Stripped uppers are out in the market now.

Where?

Stone
3 June 2016, 20:33
Weapon outfitters. http://www.weaponoutfitters.com/hodge-defense-upper.html#

rxer311
5 June 2016, 10:36
GOST sounds like a shill for Hodge Defense...

alamo5000
5 June 2016, 15:05
GOST sounds like a shill for Hodge Defense...

Shill you say?

Explain yourself there please.

din
5 June 2016, 19:28
Shill you say?

Explain yourself there please.

Shhh, he's digging a hole, just let him.

n4p226r
6 June 2016, 13:14
Visually, I prefer the geissele rail. Although I've never he'd the mega rail in person

JGifford
13 June 2016, 20:33
Weapon outfitters. http://www.weaponoutfitters.com/hodge-defense-upper.html#

Those are MOD 1/1.5 uppers. MOD 2's are still a little ways out.

JGifford
13 June 2016, 20:34
Visually, I prefer the geissele rail. Although I've never he'd the mega rail in person

I've held both, and prefer the Hodge rail. The only negative I can say is that you need to be very meticulous in selecting a gas-block, and personally, I would use the one HDSI spec's for it, made for them by SLR, to guarantee clearance. It is a very narrow rail. I have size 7.5 (surgical gloves) hands, and find that the rail "fits" awesome with a thumb-over-bore, or thumb-along-side-bore type grip.

Stone
14 June 2016, 15:04
Those are MOD 1/1.5 uppers. MOD 2's are still a little ways out.

How can you tell?

n4p226r
14 June 2016, 17:18
I've held both, and prefer the Hodge rail. The only negative I can say is that you need to be very meticulous in selecting a gas-block, and personally, I would use the one HDSI spec's for it, made for them by SLR, to guarantee clearance. It is a very narrow rail. I have size 7.5 (surgical gloves) hands, and find that the rail "fits" awesome with a thumb-over-bore, or thumb-along-side-bore type grip.


Interesting. It definitely doesn't look small in pictures.

Default.mp3
15 June 2016, 05:18
Interesting. It definitely doesn't look small in pictures.It has a width of 1.45"; compare that to the Geissele MK8, at 2.11".

I would love to get a 13.75" and/or a 10.75" Hodge WedgeLock; I currently have two M-LOK URX 4s (10.75" and 13") in hand, but would prefer the slimmer dimensions and the ease of pinning the gas black provided by the WedgeLock.

rob_s
15 June 2016, 07:20
Maybe it's been explained, but is the wedgelock hodge somehow different than the wedgelock Mega?

Slippers
15 June 2016, 07:43
Maybe it's been explained, but is the wedgelock hodge somehow different than the wedgelock Mega?

Aesthetics are slightly different and (if I remember correctly) the available lengths. The hodge length was for their specific barrel, or something like that.

JGifford
15 June 2016, 23:20
Maybe it's been explained, but is the wedgelock hodge somehow different than the wedgelock Mega?

HDSI designed the rail for MEGA, MEGA produces it. To set the MEGA rail aside from the HODGE branded rail, the aesthetics and functionality differ slightly. On the Hodge rails, the end is canted on the top portion so as to allow for easier access to the latch on Surefire and other suppressors with the 14.5" barrel. Also it says "HODGE" and not "MEGA", but otherwise, it's identical as far as I am aware.

JGifford
15 June 2016, 23:35
How can you tell?

1: MOD 2 uppers do not exist commercially as of right now. Certainly not at distributors. Definitely not as stripped extras.
2: Shell deflector

aamp84
17 June 2016, 12:11
HDSI designed the rail for MEGA, MEGA produces it. To set the MEGA rail aside from the HODGE branded rail, the aesthetics and functionality differ slightly. On the Hodge rails, the end is canted on the top portion so as to allow for easier access to the latch on Surefire and other suppressors with the 14.5" barrel. Also it says "HODGE" and not "MEGA", but otherwise, it's identical as far as I am aware.

That's incorrect. Can't remember where I read it, but Jim said it was their design that he helped them refine.

JGifford
17 June 2016, 15:56
That's incorrect. Can't remember where I read it, but Jim said it was their design that he helped them refine.

Then I am unsure. I just know it was a collaborative effort.

Deckard
21 June 2016, 21:46
Hodge wedge lock is made of an Aluminum Lithium blend while Mega's is 7075 I believe. I wish they'd offer their barrels stand alone. Seems like the perfect profile and weight.


Edit: just realized this was covered in the beginning of the thread.

JGifford
21 June 2016, 22:07
Hodge wedge lock is made of an Aluminum Lithium blend while Mega's is 7075 I believe. I wish they'd offer their barrels stand alone. Seems like the perfect profile and weight.


Edit: just realized this was covered in the beginning of the thread.

Currently they are all 7075. Aluminum lithium for rails is likely to be a long way out, if at all.

Deckard
21 June 2016, 22:15
Thanks for the clarification. I didn't read weapon outfitters description right on another forum.

patriot_man
17 October 2016, 00:22
Resurrecting this thread to ask if any of you guys with the Hodge/Mega rail find that you need Magpul rail covers for it to be comfortable?

UWone77
17 October 2016, 19:44
Resurrecting this thread to ask if any of you guys with the Hodge/Mega rail find that you need Magpul rail covers for it to be comfortable?

I've got 4 Mega Wedgelocks and although I find the Magpul Type 1 covers very comfortable, Mega's machining and smooth finish makes it comfortable to hold without covers. On almost all my other MLOK handguards I usually use Type 1 covers.

JGifford
18 October 2016, 08:21
I've got 4 Mega Wedgelocks and although I find the Magpul Type 1 covers very comfortable, Mega's machining and smooth finish makes it comfortable to hold without covers. On almost all my other MLOK handguards I usually use Type 1 covers.

I do not have covers on my Hodge WL rail, and agree with the above.

patriot_man
19 October 2016, 02:34
Thanks, I got a hodge rail inbound so sounds good!

Now just waiting for a Hodge upper to get instock

din
20 October 2016, 22:04
Just a quick FYI, I got a message from Jim last night saying that he's planning on offering his barrels for individual sale starting Q1 next year.

JGifford
21 October 2016, 00:51
Just a quick FYI, I got a message from Jim last night saying that he's planning on offering his barrels for individual sale starting Q1 next year.

That's awesome! I love the profile of 'em. They are accurate barrels, but their real claim to fame is their durability. They are the evolution of the "Noveske double-thick lined" barrels, in my opinion.

patriot_man
7 December 2016, 02:05
Does anyone know where I can get a complete Hodge rifle other than Dury's?

They are refusing to ship to CA.

GOST
7 December 2016, 05:01
https://delta3tactical.com/store/products/Hodge-Defense-AU%252dMOD1-16%22-Rifle.html

http://www.houghtonlakefirearms.com/index.php/review/product/list/id/568/category/178/

patriot_man
7 December 2016, 05:06
https://delta3tactical.com/store/products/Hodge-Defense-AU%252dMOD1-16%22-Rifle.html

http://www.houghtonlakefirearms.com/index.php/review/product/list/id/568/category/178/

Thank you!

GOST
7 December 2016, 05:15
I've not ordered from either of those, good luck.

SINNER
7 December 2016, 06:26
How in the hell can they be $700 apart on the same rifle?

UWone77
7 December 2016, 06:49
How in the hell can they be $700 apart on the same rifle?

LOL... I've never heard of either retailer, probably your first clue.

patriot_man
7 December 2016, 07:43
LOL yes, I did think both were a bit odd.

JGifford
13 December 2016, 05:46
How in the hell can they be $700 apart on the same rifle?

Mark-up on the more expensive one. I'd be leery of ordering from a dealer you haven't heard of. Bravo Defense experience and all...not that those aren't good dealers, I'd just check them out first is all I'm saying.