The Hodge Rifle Build: Episode IV, The Rifle Awakens
In Episode 4, our crew assembles one of the most underrated yet most important components of an AR build: the lower receiver. This serialized part is perhaps the most complex portion of any build, and Jim Hodge details why. Jim puts strong emphasis on the construction of his C405-alloy lowers, which optimizes them for hard use and efficiency. Hodge receivers are custom forged to add features, maximize strength, and minimize waste.
Aside from the composition of the lower, he notes the importance of the lower as being the “firearm” part of the AR, and it has the crucial job of containing many of the small springs, detents, pins, and parts necessary for firearm to function as intended. While at the bench, Jim made it clear that by doing things right with the lower, even novice shooters notice through shooting experience what a tuned Hodge rifle versus an untuned, run-of-the-mill, Brand X rifle off the shelf feels like. Check out the final assembly process of our ARs and, to see some of the builds that came from our time in Jim’s shop at BTO, take a dive into our Magpul Builds series.
Dear Sir, where are you guys based? Kind Regards!
Big Tex is in Houston. Hodge is from San Antonio.