What are 80% Lower Receivers?
Learn what exactly is this 80% receiver you keep hearing about, it's legal implications, and some examples you can purchase.
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80% lowers such as 80% AR-15 Lower Receivers are items that have not yet reached a stage of manufacture to be considered a firearm.
The term "80%" is actually just industry slang and not something endorsed/used by the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms).
We'll cover some common FAQ's, other examples of 80% lowers besides AR-15's, and recommended manufacturers.
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. Be sure to check all your local, state, and federal laws.
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}Are 80% lower receivers legal?
They are legal to own since they do not meet the definition of a firearm under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) and are often referred to as "paperweights." Just be sure that the manufacturer of your 80% has an ATF "determination letter" that specifically states their paperweight is not a firearm.
Here's some more from our end.
Note: The ATF raided Polymer80, an 80% manufacturer, in December 2020. There has been one reported case of the bureau also visiting a customer and forcing them to surrender their "P80." Pew Pew Tactical is following the situation and will provide updates if there are any legal changes in the future.
Do I need to be an FFL to make a firearm?
The short answer is no as long as you meet the following criteria:
- Can legally own a firearm in your state/county/city (not a felon, etc...)
- Manufacturing only for personal use
- Configuration is legal in your state/county/city (National Firearms Act rules apply for short barreled rifles, automatics, etc...)
Do I need to put a serial number?
You as a private individual making a gun for yourself do not need to put a serial number. However, it's helpful to have one in case it gets lost or stolen.
Why are they silver in color?
Most 80% lowers are sold as raw aluminum but you can also find some anodized which is the standard coating. However, when you complete an anodized 80%, all your cuts will expose the aluminum underneath. Therefore we recommend going with a raw lower and finish it afterwards.
Once you complete your lower, you can have it anodized or coated in other popular coatings such as Duracoat, Alumahyde, or even just spray paint if you're feeling fancy.
How hard is it to finish an 80%?
You'll need some specialized equipment such as a drill press, power drill, or a wood router, but an 80% AR-15 lower receiver is very doable for someone who has patience and some mechanical inclination. The AR-15 lower is quite forgiving since you are only machining out the pocket for the trigger and some pin holes.
*Update* Now you no longer need a mill or even a drill press...you only need a router and regular drill.
With some practice, you can get it done in under 2 hours!
Check out our favorites in Best 80% Jigs or our full review of the Easy Jig Gen 3 shown above.
Boom!
What are common 80% examples?
AR-15 80% Lower
The most common 80% lower receiver project out there.
Check out our favorite 80% AR-15 Lower Receivers.
AR-10/.308 80% Lower
The big brother of the AR-15, the AR-10 is another 80% project that is becoming more popular. It is very similar to the AR-15 in terms of difficulty.
Check out our favorite 80% AR-10 Lower Receivers.
AR-9 80% Lower
Relatively new to the market with the rise of pistol caliber carbines (PCC), a lot of jigs are set up to do both the AR-15 and AR-9 platforms.
Check out our favorite AR-9 80% Lowers.
How do I complete an 80% lower?
We'll be coming out with step-by-step 80% lower guides soon!
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