If you’re a firearm enthusiast, hobbyist, or just someone interested in DIY firearm building, you’ve probably heard of 80 lowers. These unfinished lower receivers have gained massive popularity for their ability to allow individuals to craft their own firearms from the ground up. While they aren’t technically firearms in their unfinished state, they are crucial components for those building AR-15s, AR-10s, and similar rifles. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into what 80 lowers are, how they work, their benefits, and the legal aspects you should be aware of.
What Are 80 Lowers?
An 80 lower refers to an incomplete or unfinished lower receiver for a firearm, typically an AR-15 or similar platform. As the name suggests, these receivers are 80% finished, which means they require additional machining, milling, and drilling before they can be used in a functional firearm. An 80 lowers is typically sold in its raw form, usually made of aluminum, steel, or polymer, and lacks the features that would make it capable of firing a round. These include the fire control pocket, pin holes, and other critical features.
While an 80 lower may look like a fully functional receiver at first glance, it’s essentially just a piece of raw material in need of modification to become a complete, operational lower receiver. Once the necessary modifications are made, the 80 lower becomes a functional lower receiver and can be paired with an upper receiver and other components to complete the firearm.
Why Choose an 80 Lower?
There are several reasons why firearm enthusiasts and builders opt for 80 lowers when assembling their own firearms. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:
1. Customization
Building a firearm from an 80 lower gives you complete control over the final product. From the stock to the trigger, you can customize every aspect of the build to fit your needs and preferences. This level of control is often not available when purchasing pre-assembled firearms from a store.
2. Cost Savings
While tools and the lower receiver itself come with an upfront cost, building a firearm from an 80 lower can still be cheaper than buying a pre-built firearm. For those who have the tools and skills, the cost of purchasing individual components for a DIY build can often be less expensive than buying a factory-assembled gun.
3. Learning Experience
For those interested in learning more about firearms, building your own gun from an 80 lower can be a fantastic educational experience. It gives you a deep understanding of the inner workings of firearms, how different components function together, and how to troubleshoot and maintain your weapon.
4. Satisfaction of Building Your Own Firearm
There’s a unique sense of pride that comes with building your own firearm. Completing an 80 lower and assembling it into a fully functional weapon is not only a rewarding accomplishment, but it also enhances your confidence and connection to your firearm.
5. Privacy
One of the main attractions of working with 80 lowers is the fact that they are not classified as firearms until they are completed. In the unfinished state, these receivers can be purchased without a background check, unlike fully assembled firearms. For those who value privacy or wish to maintain control over their firearm’s assembly, 80 lowers provide an avenue for doing so.
How to Complete an 80 Lower
To transform an 80 lower into a fully functional receiver, there are several steps you’ll need to take. Completing an 80 lower is a precise process that requires certain tools and a solid understanding of the build process. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
The process of completing an 80 lower requires specific tools, which may include:
- Drill Press or Milling Machine: These machines are necessary for drilling holes and milling out the fire control pocket.
- Jig Kit: A jig kit helps to guide your tools and ensures that your holes are drilled and milled in the correct spots. It provides the necessary alignment for accuracy.
- End Mills: These tools are used to cut and shape the fire control pocket.
- Drill Bits: Required for drilling the necessary holes for pins and other components.
- Deburring Tools: Used to remove sharp edges and burrs after milling.
- Clamps: To secure the lower receiver while machining.
Step 2: Install the Jig
Once you have your tools ready, the first step in completing an 80 lower is installing the jig. The jig holds the lower receiver in place and aligns it correctly for drilling and milling. Without the jig, it would be nearly impossible to ensure that everything is aligned and accurate.
Step 3: Drill the Pin Holes
The next step is to drill the pin holes for various components like the trigger, hammer, and safety selector. These holes need to be drilled in specific spots to ensure that the firearm functions correctly. If these holes are drilled incorrectly, the firearm may not operate as intended.
Step 4: Mill the Fire Control Pocket
The most critical part of completing an 80 lower is milling the fire control pocket. This is the area where the trigger, hammer, and other internal components will be housed. You’ll need to use a milling machine or router to remove material and create a pocket of the correct dimensions. This step requires precision, as any mistakes can render the receiver useless.
Step 5: Finish the Edges
After drilling and milling, you’ll need to deburr the edges to remove any sharp points or leftover material. This step ensures that the receiver is ready for assembly and helps prevent any issues when assembling the components later on.
Step 6: Assemble the Fire Control Group
Once the 80 lower is complete, you can assemble the fire control group, including the trigger, hammer, and safety selector. This step prepares the lower receiver to be paired with the upper receiver and other components to create a functional firearm.
Legal Considerations for 80 Lowers
While 80 lowers are not classified as firearms in their unfinished state, there are important legal considerations you should be aware of before purchasing or completing one. The laws surrounding 80 lowers can vary depending on where you live, and failure to comply with legal requirements can lead to serious consequences.
Federal Law
Under U.S. federal law, 80 lowers are not considered firearms until they are completed. This means that the purchase and possession of an 80 lower does not require a background check, and you do not need to register it as a firearm. However, once the 80 lower is completed into a fully functional firearm, it is subject to the same regulations as any other firearm. This includes the requirement for a serial number and adherence to firearm transfer and ownership laws.
State Law
While federal law allows individuals to buy and possess 80 lowers, many states have passed their own laws regarding these receivers. Some states require 80 lowers to be serialized before they can be completed, while others may have stricter regulations on their use. For example:
- California: Requires that 80 lowers be serialized before they are completed and requires them to be registered as firearms.
- New York: Has similar regulations, requiring 80 lowers to be serialized and registered once completed.
- New Jersey: Also treats 80 lowers as firearms once completed and requires them to be serialized and registered.
Before purchasing or completing an 80 lower, it’s essential to research the specific laws in your state to ensure you are in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Benefits of 80 Lowers
1. Complete Control Over Your Build
With an 80 lower, you have the flexibility to select every component of your firearm, from the trigger to the stock. This level of customization allows you to build a firearm that suits your specific needs and preferences.
2. Cost Savings
While building a firearm from an 80 lower requires an initial investment in tools, it can often be less expensive than buying a fully assembled gun. You can source parts from various manufacturers, which gives you the opportunity to compare prices and choose components that fit your budget.
3. Hands-On Learning Experience
Completing an 80 lower is a hands-on learning experience that gives you a deeper understanding of firearms. You’ll learn about the components, how they interact, and how to maintain and troubleshoot your firearm.
4. Sense of Accomplishment
There’s something deeply satisfying about building a firearm from an 80 lower. Completing a successful build from scratch gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride in your work.
Conclusion
80 lowers offer a unique opportunity for firearm enthusiasts to create a custom-built weapon that fits their specific needs. From offering full control over the build to providing cost savings and a rewarding learning experience, these partially completed receivers provide many benefits. However, it’s important to be mindful of the legal considerations surrounding 80 lowers. Always ensure that you’re in compliance with both federal and state laws before purchasing or completing one.
With the right tools, knowledge, and understanding of the process, turning an 80 lower into a fully operational firearm can be a highly rewarding experience. Whether you’re looking to build a rifle for personal use or just enjoy the process of creating something from scratch, 80 lowers are an exciting option for any firearm enthusiast.