What is an 80 Lower Receiver?
An 80% Lower Receiver, sometimes called “80 lowers” or “a paperweight”, are AR-15, AR-9, or AR-308 80% lower receivers that are 80% finished in the machining process. There’s still a small amount of finishing to be done to make these products a legal firearm. This is important because the ATF does NOT recognize an 80% complete lower as a firearm, and therefore an unfinished receiver is not subject to the same regulations as any other complete firearm. This means, no RED TAPE including:
| NORegistering an 80% Lower | NOTransfer fees like a typical firearm |
| NOFFLRequired, Ships right to your door |
Best 80% Lowers in the Industry
We build our lowers better than the rest, and are rated the best 80% lowers in the industry byPewPewTactical. We use premium 6061-T6 aluminum (AKA quality billet aluminum) and inspect all of our 80 percent lowers to the highest industry standards.They are all made right here in the USA to the most demanding specifications in the industry.
All our lowers include Fire and Safe engravings and are fully compatible with all milspec products across the AR-15, .308, and AR-9 platforms. That means you can choose your favorite upper receiversand accessories to build your perfect rifle!
Build Your Own Custom Firearms with 80% Arms
All our 80% lowers are milled to perfection on precision CNC machinery, manufactured here in the USA. We create the world’s best 80 percent lowers, perfect for completing at home with one of our industry-leading receiver jigs. In fact, we are the first company in the world to offer the simplistic router jig that revolutionized the industry.
Ready to get started? Browse our selection of 80 lowers above. Have any questions about our products? Give us a call at (949) 354-2767 [ARMS] or contact us and we’ll help you get started today!
We stand by all our products with a lifetime guarantee!
Benefits of Using Our 80% Lower
Benefits of using our 80% lower include:
You are in control of the whole building process and can create the perfect custom firearm.
You can save time by avoiding the hassle of getting licenses, paperwork, and fees since you are only buying parts for a DIY build. This means the parts can be shipped directly without dealers and middlemen.
You can create more than just one firearm when you purchase a jig.
Fabrication is easier than it seems, so developing these skills will come in handy for future projects.
Should an 80% Lower Have a Serial Number?
An 80% lower does not require a serial number because it is an incomplete firearm. Federal law states that a serial number is not required for any homemade firearm built for personal use. However, certain states like the ones listed below will require you to serialize your firearm once finished. We also provide a serialization service for customers that desire it.Be sure to check your local laws before purchasing an 80% lower because they may not allow the self-manufacture of firearms at all.
States where 80% lowers are restricted or illegal include:
- California
- Colorado - Boulder
- Colorado - Denver
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
Who Can Complete an 80% Lower Receiver?
If you’re not finishing the 80% lower yourself with your own equipment, then you will have to find a licensed firearms manufacturer to do it for you.
Can I Sell a Completed 80% Lower?
Gun manufacturers are legally required to be licensed FFLs according to the ATF. Because there is a grey area of intent when it comes to selling an 80% lower, we do not advise selling your completed lower receiver.
Is an 80% Lower Receiver Worth It?
There are many great reasons to opt for making your own receiver from an 80% lower. For one thing, you can make it a truly custom receiver that you can take pride in with the addition of your personalized logo, colors and/or finishes, and even a custom serial number. The possibilities are endless. For more reasons on why you should build an 80% firearm, read our post here.
Is It Hard to Complete an 80% Lower?
Completing an 80% lower doesn’t require experience at all! 80% lowers are finished with equipment such as a standard drill and router. So, all you need is a little patience and care. With enough practice, they can be made in less than two hours.
Is a Jig Required for an 80% Lower?
A jig is a unique piece of equipment made out of steel or aluminum making the milling process a whole lot more convenient. They’re used in the fabrication process to drill holes required for the lower’s internal parts.
