2 Hodge 12.5" Barrel Physicals

Published on January 27, 2021
Duration: 18:00

This video provides a detailed physical inspection of two 12.5-inch Hodge 5.56 carbine gas barrels. The instructor meticulously gauges gas port sizes, checks headspace, throat dimensions, erosion, straightness, and thread runout. A borescope is used to examine the internal condition of the barrels, including the chamber, rifling, and crown, highlighting the high-quality finish typical of match-grade barrels.

Quick Summary

Expert inspection of two Hodge 12.5-inch 5.56 carbine gas barrels reveals excellent internal finishes comparable to match-grade barrels. Key checks include gas port sizing (0.064" vs 0.069"), headspace (passing GO/FIELD gauges), throat dimensions, and erosion. Borescope analysis confirms smooth rifling and chambers, with minor variations in gas port size and thread runout noted.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Two Hodge Barrels
  2. 00:09Barrel Specifications: 12.5" Hodge 5.56
  3. 00:19Manufacturing Dates and Lot Numbers
  4. 00:35Identifying Individual Barrels
  5. 01:19Unboxing and Initial Inspection
  6. 01:32Markings and Barrel Journals
  7. 01:39Gas Port Size Observation
  8. 01:51Gauging Gas Port Diameter
  9. 03:56Preparing for Headspace Check
  10. 04:00Cleaning Barrels for Inspection
  11. 05:10Headspace Gauge Test (GO/FIELD)
  12. 06:07Checking 5.56 Throat Gauge
  13. 07:08Measuring Throat Erosion
  14. 07:27Barrel Straightness Check
  15. 07:40Muzzle Erosion Inspection
  16. 08:04Thread Runout Gauge Test
  17. 09:12Checking Barrel Extension Shoulder
  18. 10:26Chamber Function Gauge Test
  19. 12:13Measuring Barrel Extension Diameters
  20. 13:09Borescope Inspection: Chamber and Throat
  21. 13:51Borescope: Rifling and Gas Port
  22. 14:30Borescope: Crown Inspection
  23. 14:46Borescope: Second Barrel (Smaller Gas Port)
  24. 15:06Second Barrel Throat Observation
  25. 15:33Second Barrel Bore Finish
  26. 16:13Second Barrel Gas Port
  27. 16:21Second Barrel Crown Inspection
  28. 16:41Correcting Barrel Identification
  29. 17:10Overall Comparison and Conclusion
  30. 17:41FN Manufacturing and Jim Hodge Specs
  31. 17:53Final Thoughts and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key specifications of the Hodge 12.5-inch 5.56 carbine gas barrels?

The Hodge 12.5-inch 5.56 carbine gas barrels feature a 1:7 twist rate and 750 barrel journals. Inspections revealed slight variations in gas port sizes, with one accepting up to 0.064" and the other up to 0.069" pin gauges.

How is headspace checked on these Hodge barrels?

Headspace is checked using 5.56 GO and FIELD gauges with a Colt bolt. Both barrels passed these tests, indicating they are within proper specifications for safe operation with a 5.56 NATO cartridge.

What did the borescope inspection reveal about the internal quality of the Hodge barrels?

The borescope inspection showed exceptionally smooth chambers, throats, and rifling on both Hodge barrels, comparable to high-end match-grade barrels. The gas ports were also observed to be properly deburred.

Are there significant differences between the two Hodge barrels inspected?

While both barrels are of high quality, minor differences were noted in gas port size, throat contour, and thread runout. The internal finish and overall quality were consistently excellent across both.

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