80 Percent Lowers

What is an 80 Percent Lower?

The ATF calls it a “receiver blank”. An 80% lower receiver, or “80 lower,” is a piece of stylized aluminum. It needs basic machining and drilling. This work makes the FCG (Fire Control Group) pocket. It holds the hammer, sear, and trigger. A Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealer does not need to transfer it. This is not like a serialized firearm receiver. You can have it shipped to your home or business.

Why is it called an 80% Lower vs Receiver Blank?

There are several ways to answer that. We would first consider the reason behind calling it an 80% receiver. It’s called that because it takes about 4/5 of the time to machine an 80 percent receiver. Comparing this to creating a complete serialized lower from a forging. This is different for billet lowers. We have to machine all the faces from the billet aluminum block. So, making a billet lower takes much longer – about 95% of the time versus a complete lower’s 80%.

The ATF created the term “receiver blank.” This was because the name “80 percent lower” was too open to interpretation. For instance, manufacturer A might build an 80% lower. They machine the rear take-down lug pocket. Manufacturer B does not. But both manufacturers call the part an “80 lower receiver.” They do this even though they are at two different completion stages. The ATF doesn’t like this. They call them receiver blanks with the definition that it can’t have the FCG area machined. It also can’t have any holes or dimples for the pin and safety holes. This definition defines a boundary not to cross, and as far as we’ve known, no one does.

What Law Says its an 80% Lower vs 100% Complete?

Actually, that’s a good question. The simple answer is that no law defines what is an 80% receiver and what is complete. Per 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3)(C), the GCA defines the term “firearm” as.

(A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (C) …

The operative words here being “may readily be converted”, and that’s it. The ATF made the determination. It is that a receiver blank is where the FCG area is not machined or drilled, not a specific law. We’re not sure how they set that line. They could change their minds next week (or August 19th). We just elect to not ask questions and fully comply to make things easier in the long run.

Are 80 Percent Lowers Legal to Own and Build?

Per the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), it’s legal in every U.S. state to build your own firearm for personal use. Yet, you must be able to own a firearm. Yet, some states like New Jersey have “Assault Weapon” bans. So, you can’t build a firearm that meets those criteria. But, you can still build a pistol or a 10/22. Some localities in the country have altogether banned 80% Lowers. We’re not sure how that works in real life because it’s a lump of stylized aluminum or polymer. that you seek legal counsel if residing in one of these commie outposts.

Is a serial number, FFL or transfer needed to complete the 80 lower?

You don’t need a Federal Firearms License (FFL) to make any number of guns for your own use. Nor do you need to do a transfer to yourself when you’re done. You are not required to engrave a serial number or any other information. But, you should do so per this detail from the ATF’s website.

People who make their own firearms don’t need Federal Firearms Licenses (FFLs). But the manufacturer should at least mark the firearm with a serial number. This can safeguard it if it’s lost or stolen. Also, you must identify the gun as required in 27 CFR 478.92. If someone sells or transfers it.

Source: atf.gov/qa-category/receiver-blanks

How do I Complete and/or Finish an 80% Lower?

You can complete a lower receiver and do not need to have an expensive milling machining to do it. An 80% lower jig is one way to finish a lower in conjunction with using a hand router and/or drill press. A drill press type jig is cheaper but takes longer. Router jigs can be much faster but they cost more. You have to be patient with either method to finish the lower to the needed specifications.

You can buy an 80 lower in the raw. It’s deburred only straight off the CNC machine. You do the needed milling and drilling to finish it. Then, you can apply a finish coat as desired. Or you can order one that is already finish-coated. It comes in either black anodizing or cerakote. But be aware: after you mill and drill the lower to finish it, you will need to reseal the exposed aluminum. This prevents corrosion.

Are bulk or volume discounts offered?

We now feature bulk packs in 3-pack, 5-pack and 10-pack options for most of our available products, and those can be found in our 80% Lower Bulk Packs category.

Discounted pricing is also available to wholesale dealers of our products, and you can find more information about in our Dealer – Bulk category in the main menu.