We sent a few lucky Magpul folks to Big Texas Ordnance (BTO) in Conroe, Texas, to learn the ins and outs of building an exceptional AR-15 with industry expert, Jim Hodge. In Episode One, we learned about some of the material science decisions that go into an AR build from Jim, owner of Hodge Defense Systems.

In Episode Two, Jim discusses the important considerations behind building America’s rifle, providing a deep dive on his foundational beliefs about the important considerations that go into making a great AR-15 upper receiver. As he puts it, everything starts with the barrel assembly—what he calls the heart of the gun—to ensure consistency, reliability, accuracy and velocity. Check out Episode Two now and watch for more episodes each month only on Magpul COMMS.

In Episode Two, Jim discusses the important considerations behind building America’s rifle, providing a deep dive on his foundational beliefs about the important considerations that go into making a great AR-15 upper receiver. As he puts it, everything starts with the barrel assembly—what he calls the heart of the gun—to ensure consistency, reliability, accuracy and velocity. Check out Episode Two now and watch for more episodes each month only on Magpul COMMS.