Everything You Need To Know About 80% Lower Receivers

Aaron Spuler is a firearms enthusiast and recreational shooter. Follow more or his work at The Weapon Blog

What if we told you it’s possible to cut out the middleman between you and your gun? With a bit of know-how, an 80% lower receiver is your ticket to legally constructing your own firearm.

80% lower receiver kits allow gun owners a higher level of privacy and control over their firearms. But with so many questions regarding the legalities and construction of 80% lowers, it’s best to clarify what you can and can’t do with them.

Why Lower Receivers Are Taking Off

• No paperwork needed during purchase
• They perform as well as stock models when properly finished
• Guns are not serialized (purchase cannot be tracked)
• Available for several gun platforms (AR-15, Glock, 1911, etc.)

The most popular benefit of purchasing an 80% lower receiver is maintaining anonymity. Most individuals buy an unfinished lower receiver because firearms made for personal use don’t require a serial number in most U.S. states. Lower receiver manufacturers respect the privacy of their customers, and complete kits to construct full firearms can be shipped right to the buyer’s door in days, without any paperwork or background checks needed.

The ATF’s Perspective

The reason why 80% lower receivers are legal is because they’re not considered firearms in the eyes of the law. Used as an industry term, the 80% refers to the fact that each receiver has yet to have its fire control cavity drilled. Once a receiver has its fire control cavity machined, it technically becomes a firearm. This guideline, set by the ATF, (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) clarifies that 80% lower receivers aren’t subject to regulation under the GCA (Gun Control Act of 1968).

If there are no additional restrictions in your state, you can buy your kit online. Then, a person with a licensed permit can take the steps necessary to complete the project. Visit this page for more information on the current legislative shifts around firearms in states like Texas.

The Ultimate Level Of Firearm Control

At first glance, building your firearm can seem like an intimidating prospect. Have no fear- there are complete kits available, designed for simple assembly. All you’ll need are a few tools for construction.

The process of milling the fire control group of an 80% lower receiver will turn it into a 100% lower; a firearm. Most 80% lower receiver kits come with a special jig designed to aid the drilling step. Once that step is completed, the challenging assembly of the remaining parts can begin. With a power tool, careful eye, and patience, you can have your firearm operational after a few hours of work.

Crafting Retro Weapon Styles

Another appealing aspect of 80% lower receivers is how they can be used with older weapon models. For history buffs, this may be as close as you’re going to get to firing certain rifles, such as the Vietnam-era M16A1. By refitting certain builds with a new barrel and lower receiver, incredible age-old combinations can be achieved. Retrofitting is a huge part of what an 80% lower can accomplish.

AR-Style Handguns

The ability to construct an AR-style handgun is an especially appealing function of 80% lower receivers, especially for those in California. It’s federally illegal to create handguns from rifle parts, and the restrictions on ARs in California are quite serious. Because a receiver for any gun platform is considered a long rifle in California, purchasing an 80% lower is a perfectly fine way to move around this measure. See other ideas for the tactical equipment you should add to your collection for training.

Benefits Of A Blank Canvas

Achieving such a level of control over the construction phase of your weapon can provide many customization benefits as well. For instance, color preferences, insignias, or selector markings can be implemented at your desired stage of creation. Serial numbers can also be added by the creator to establish the date of manufacture and a safeguard against theft. Experienced gun enthusiasts can also test out different modification compatibilities across brands and parts to see which fusions work best. Take a look at the differences between thermal scopes and night vision to adequately modify your hunting rifle.

At the very least, building your own firearm is a rewarding undertaking that can teach you more about the inner workings of your weapon.

Build Your Own Firearm on Your Terms

Depending on your state, regulations can make it a tedious process to buy firearms from gun shops. Background checks can take weeks to complete, and it’s all done at the pace of whoever’s processing. Certain companies have made 80% lowers a staple of their brand. With no extraneous fees or forms to fill out, you can order your receiver and all the tools you need to build it into a functional firearm with a few clicks.

Once you have your firearm built, see posts on topics like training, competitions, and firearm safety to keep your skills sharp.

Author Bio:

Jordan McDowell is a writer and second amendment rights advocate. As a proud advocate for responsible gun rights nationwide, he writes about recreational hunting as well as the latest developments in state and national legislation.