B5 Systems

Posts Tagged ‘Hodge Defense Systems’

Photos of the Hodge Defense Systems AU-MOD 2

Monday, January 19th, 2015

I got my first chance to shoot the Hodge Defense Systems AU-MOD 2 at FirstSpear’s Range Day. It’s very light and like my MOD 1 handles very well.

Details available here. Here are a few photos.

IMG_1228.JPG

IMG_1229.JPG

IMG_1231.JPG

IMG_1232.JPG

www.hodgedefense.com

Hodge Defense AU Mod 2 Details Emerge

Monday, October 20th, 2014

Hodge Defense has been kind enough to pass along some details on the upcoming AU Mod 2. It’s a great machine that got a lot of behind-closed-doors exposure last week at AUSA.

Hodge Defense AU Mod 2

The material story is quite interesting. Although we can’t say too much right now, the idea came to Jim Hodge a little more than a year ago, from a trusted agent in the small arms that alerted him to the info that ALCOA Defense was working on a new material. Jim ran with the information and it turns out that this new material, that’s never been used in small arms production until now, is Aluminum Lithium (AlLi). It’s lighter than 7000 series aluminum, exhibiting just 7% less strength than the characteristics we associate with Ti. Naturally, this means it’s expensive.

Hodge is working with ALCOA Defense to finish the details on the custom enhanced forgings that will get these guns rolling out. The forged upper receiver features a newer geometry, slightly thicker walls, and some proprietary tweaks. The forged lower has an integrated trigger guard and ambi controls. Both are reverse compatible with all mil-spec receivers. All aluminum will be type 3 hard coat anodized in black initially, and later DE, although truth be told, the AlLi is so corrosion resistant you don’t need it except to reduce shine. Additionally, Hodge Defense will offer 7075 receiver sets as an aftermarket product for those who are looking for the upgrades in design but at the lower price of the 7075.

The AU Mod 2 also features a proprietary handguard, with a patent pending lock-up for the Ti barrel nut. I’ve seen it and it is very slick and very strong. Although you can see KeyMod in the photo, the carbine will initially come with MLok and the KeyMod variant will follow shortly after. Additionally, a version of the handguard in 7075 will be available for sale separately and they are considering offering the AlLi model that comes with the rifle as well for aftermarket sale. If you’re wondering why Hodge is going with 7075 Al for the aftermarket handguard, it offers 40% more strength than the 6061 used in many handguards.

The barrel is cold hammer forged, 1/7 twist, mid gas, and Chrome Lined.

Finally, the AU Mod 2 will incorporate an ambi-charging handle, bar stock controls, tuned GI trigger, Magpul SL stock and MOE+ grip, impact extruded buffer tube, H buffer, and enhanced BCG.

These will continue to be hand built guns in San Antonio, Texas at the Hodge Defense shop and I expect to see them available before the end of the year. Hodge is also in negotiation with an industry partner to offer production versions of the AU Mod 2.

www.hodgedefense.com

Hodge Defense AU Mod 2 Is Go!

Sunday, October 19th, 2014

IMG_8479.JPG

www.hodgedefense.com

NRA American Warrior Number 21

Tuesday, August 19th, 2014

NRA American Warrior

The latest issue of NRA American Warrior is now available. This issue features a story on our friends at Hodge Defense Systems, along with coverage on guns, gear, and lifestyle.

You can read it here: viewer.zmags.com/publication/add2d3f8#/add2d3f8/1

MRC/HDSI Universal Case

Monday, June 9th, 2014

Recently, SSD gave you a sneak peak at a new project from Mayflower Research and Consulting and Hodge Defense Systems resulting in the MRC/HDSI Universal Case. The goal in creating the Universal Case was to provide a discreet solution to carry a fully assembled rifle or other equipment when an innocuous profile is required for transport or trips where you are a stranger in a strange land. The case was born out of common experiences in less than desirable places, complete collaboration between the two companies’ founders and a desire to create a truly universal utility case capable of fulfilling multiple roles for end-users.

Hodge 1

As a weapon case, it is capable of holding a 16” barreled AR-15 or similar platform and perfectly accommodates a 10.5” to 12.5” M4, with suppressor attached. For general transport or range use, one end of the 37” x 10” case can be unzipped to accommodate larger weapons. The exterior flap secures with two low-profile adjustable ITW G-hooks and the case can be carried by the sewn in carry handle or the shoulder strap clipped into one of the 5 attachment points. The shoulder strap utilizes a single piece of variable-width 1” webbing transitioning into 1.5” at the carry point and doubles as an improvised weapon sling,

Hodge 2

The Universal Case’s exterior is 1050D Cordura, with 500D internally. Standard production colors will include black and grey with black webbing; custom production orders will be available in a variety of other colorways. A 2” x 8” internal pouch on the right side of the case is capable of holding a suppressor, two M4 magazines, long-range camera lens, cleaning kit, or anything else similar in size. There is an 8” x 11” internal document pocket sewn into the center of the case to stow small items, data books, maps, NFA Trusts, or other documents. Two sewn in Velcro loops secure the main contents and along the inside of the top flap, there is a row of PALS webbing. The length of webbing can be used to secure other ancillary items such as bipods, weapon lights, and secondary optics via the two ITW QASM Picatinny RAMP attachment points included. 1/4” closed cell padding offers protection and structure without adding excessive bulk.

Hodge 3

The design of the end flaps and the geometry used for the heavy-duty, locking zippers, enables the Universal Case to unzip and convert into a 31” x 37” workstation for extended urban observation operations or range use. In addition to its suitability for common uses, the nondescript design lends itself to transport of many other items without outwardly giving away its contents. Because a hard-sided case is not always practical, the Universal Case is an ideal solution for use in low-visibility SOF or LE operations when transporting elongated items like weapons, collapsible breaching tools, tripods, communications antennas, tripods or lightweight medical litters such as the MATBOCK S-Lift with Combat Carbon Fiber Poles.

Hodge 4

In addition to the Universal Case, Hodge Defense Systems and Mayflower Research and Consulting are announcing the release of a co-designed weapon sling. The sling will initially be offered in Coyote and Black colors and with options for HK or push-button QD attachment mechanisms. The sling incorporates a single piece of variable-width 1” webbing transitioning into a 1.5” in the body where the sling rides on the shoulder. The primary idea was to produce a solid sling devised under the K.I.S.S principle. While the sling is adjustable, it was designed with intent to eliminate any needless failure points or unnecessary hardware.

Hodge 5

Based on experience and feedback from end-users it was apparent there are a lot of really great quick-adjust slings on the market, but all too often adjustable slings can become complicated and end up fixed at the user’s desired length. This premise led to the elimination of unnecessary long tails and quick-adjust sliders in the design, while still allowing for adjustment without too much effort or disassembly.

The MRC/HDSI Universal Case and Weapon Slings will be available for retail purchase through Mayflower Research and Consulting’s website. Dealers, custom orders and Unit/Agency purchases should contact Hodge Defense Systems or Mayflower Research and Consulting directly for more information.

About the Author

Austin Vermillion (AV) is a Navy veteran who spent the first half of his career in the enlisted ranks and was later commissioned as a Navy Supply Officer through the Seaman-to-Admiral-21 Commission Program. After commissioning he joined the Naval Special Warfare community focusing on Material Management, Force Modernization Requirements, Support Capabilities and Operational/Combat Logistics in Africa and Afghanistan. After leaving the Navy, he joined a program supporting SOF operations overseas and also works to provide integration and support based on end-user needs to Veteran entrepreneurs and industry through Targeted Integration Group.

If You Get It, Just Snicker To Yourself

Tuesday, January 7th, 2014

20140107-125726.jpg

www.hodgedefense.com

Hodge Defense Educates Us On The Texas Revolution

Tuesday, December 10th, 2013

Hodge Defense Systems offered a cool post on their Facebook page. Their marketing usually gives me a chuckle but this one caught my full attention. I’m a big fan of history. We’ve all heard about The Alamo but few outside of Texas know of the Battle of Gonzales.

20131210-073314.jpg

Hodge Defense Random History Moment: The Siege of Béxar was first major campaign of the Texas Revolution, in which a volunteer Texan army defeated Mexican forces at San Antonio de Béxar (now known as “San Antonio, TX, God Bless The USA”). Texians had become pretty down on the Mexican government as General Santa Anna’s became lamely dictatorial. In early October, Texas settlers gathered in Gonzales to stop Mexican troops from taking their arms (a small cannon). The resulting skirmish kicked off the Texas Revolution. Men continued to assemble in Gonzales and soon established the Texian Army.

Santa Anna then sent his brother-in-law, General Martin Perfecto de Cos, (which is, admittedly, a pretty kick-butt name) to Béxar with reinforcements. The Texians initiated a siege of the city, a battle ensued, long-story-short, Cos surrendered after retreating to and holing up at the Alamo somewhere in the wee hours of 2 a.m. on December 10, 1835.

So, we’ve got some sort of a HDSI/Bill & Ted “This Day In History” vibe going on here. Relevancy? Nothing really, ‘cept that you shouldn’t ever give up civilian small arms to the government, and that Hodge Defense is based in San Antonio, Texas – so we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for these little historical-stars all aligning.

A Day At The Range With The Hodge Defense AU-MOD 1

Friday, November 8th, 2013

Last month Soldier Systems Daily, in conjunction with Targeted Integration Group took a few Hodge Defense Systems pre-production and production AU-Mod1 carbines out to C2 Shooting Center to put them through their paces. As you can tell, we had a great day. Ron Bellan from from Reaper Outdoors also showed up to join in. Big thanks to our videographer M Keller. Look for a full report soon on SSD and in Recoil Magazine.