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Hodge Defense Systems has become a hot-ticket name in the AR-15 world in recent years. Their rise to popularity brought with it an air of exclusivity, as their products created enough demand to sometimes necessitate “drop”-style releases that would sell out in minutes. B&T has dabbled in AR-style and similar firearms before, including a prior collaboration with German manufacturer C.G. Haenel. Now the vaunted Swiss firm is set to enter a new partnership, this time with Hodge, to offer a new AR series. It will be called the BT-15 HD, based on Hodge’s extant MOD 1 and MOD 2 designs. These new B&T/Hodge ARs are estimated to be slated for a mid-2024 release and should be offered in either 11.5″ or 16″ variants.
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- BIGGER BLK: Announcing the B&T USA Advanced Precision Rifle In 8.6BLK
Weapon Outfitters, a dealer for both brands, was one of several companies that shared this story in the first week of January.
As reported on social media by Florida-based retailer N.S. Armory LLC:
The BT-15 HD MOD2 is available with either a 16-in. barrel and a mid-length gas system or as an SBR 11.5-inch variant with a carbine-length gas system. A low-profile pinned gas block is ultra-reliable used with or without a suppressor and eliminates the failure point common with adjustable gas blocks. Barrels on both variants are match-grade and optimized for use with M855A1 EPR ammunition. They feature a constant taper profile, are cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined and free-floating and are thermally fitted to the upper receiver for durability and precision under demanding firing schedules..The BT-15 HD MOD1 is B&T USA’s introductory AR-pattern 5.56 rifle that builds upon the MOD1 Carbine developed by Hodge Defense Systems and utilizes Hodge’s well-regarded pinch-lock handguard. The MOD2 improves on the MOD1 with Hodge’s upgraded S-lock, or spine-lock, handguard, a slightly heavier and more robust design. Both handguards are fully M-Lok compatible and eliminate any appreciable rail flex via precision fitting to the upper receiver..Whats the difference between the MOD 1 and MOD 2?.The MOD 1’s receiver set is made from standard 7075 Aluminum and the lower has standard controls..The MOD 2” receiver set is made from C405 Aluminum, which is lighter and stronger than 7075 and the lower is fully ambidextrous..The attached photos are of the Hodge versions. The BT version will be the same with the exception of the BT logo on the lower and the Swiss cross on each side of the handguard..ETA on these is this summer
According to another retailer, Ax Arms, the MOD 1 version of the new BT-15s should carry an MSRP of $2,155, with the MOD 2 at $3,350. Given the reputation and previous product offerings from both brands, do you expect these ARs to perform well and be of high quality? Do you think they will be worth their price tags? Do you have any experience with other B&T or Hodge products, and what do you think of those? Will you plan to purchase a BT-15 HD or not, and why or why not? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! See you at the range.
