The Rise of 80% Lowers: Understanding the Legal, Practical, and Customization Benefits

The Rise of 80% Lowers: Understanding the Legal, Practical, and Customization Benefits

In recent years, 80% lowers have gained significant popularity among gun enthusiasts, hobbyists, and even professional firearm builders. This rise in interest can be attributed to the flexibility, customization opportunities, and relatively simple nature of building a firearm from these components. But what exactly are 80% lowers, and why are they such a hot topic in the world of firearms? In this article, we’ll dive deep into what  80% lowers are, how they work, the legal considerations involved, and the reasons behind their growing popularity.

What Is an 80% Lower?

An 80% lower refers to a firearm lower receiver that is 80% finished when purchased. The receiver is one of the most critical parts of a firearm, as it houses several important components like the trigger, hammer, and safety mechanisms. The 80% lower is not yet fully functional because it still requires further machining and finishing. This is what makes it distinct from a fully finished lower receiver, which is ready to be assembled into a functioning firearm.

Key Features of 80% Lowers:

  • Not classified as a firearm: Because the 80% lower is not yet a fully functional firearm, it does not fall under the same regulations as completed firearms. For this reason, the purchase of an 80% lower is legal without the need for a background check or a serial number.
  • Machining required: To complete an 80% lower, you must finish the remaining 20% of machining. This typically includes drilling certain pin holes, milling out the fire control pocket, and deburring edges.
  • DIY custom builds: The 80% lower offers a great platform for individuals who want to assemble their own firearms from scratch, selecting all the parts they prefer and customizing the design to suit their needs.

Legal Considerations for 80% Lowers

While building a firearm from an 80% lower is legal in many areas, there are important legal considerations to keep in mind. Laws governing the use and completion of 80% lowers can be complex and vary from state to state, as well as at the federal level. It’s crucial to understand the legal requirements in your area before attempting to complete an 80% lower receiver.

Federal Laws and Regulations

At the federal level, the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) does not consider an 80% lower to be a firearm until it is completed. This means that purchasing an 80% lower does not require a background check, and no serial number is needed when you buy it. The moment the lower is finished and assembled into a functioning firearm, however, it becomes regulated as a firearm under federal law.

Once the 80% lower is fully completed, it is subject to federal firearm regulations, including those related to background checks, registration, and, in some cases, serialization. However, the specifics of these regulations can differ depending on the individual state you reside in.

State Laws

State laws regarding 80% lowers can be drastically different from one another. Some states, such as California, New York, and New Jersey, have strict laws regulating the purchase, sale, and completion of 80% lowers, sometimes labeling them as “ghost guns.” In these states, the following rules may apply:

  • You may be required to serialize the firearm once it is completed.
  • The firearm may need to be registered with local authorities after assembly.
  • Certain types of builds, like those involving specific parts or configurations, may be restricted.

Other states may have less stringent regulations, where it is legal to buy and complete 80% lowers without additional requirements. However, it is essential to thoroughly research your state’s laws, as even within states with more relaxed rules, there may be varying levels of enforcement or changes in legislation over time.

Federal Firearm Serial Numbers

In the U.S., federal law mandates that all firearms must be serialized, but this applies only to finished firearms. If you build a firearm from an 80% lower and it becomes a fully functional firearm, you will need to add a serial number to the completed lower in most states. In some jurisdictions, this step may require you to visit a licensed firearms dealer or manufacturer to properly serialize the weapon.

While federal law doesn’t require that an individual building a firearm for personal use adds a serial number, it is a good idea to do so for legal and security purposes. Additionally, if you decide to sell the firearm in the future, it is important to have the proper serial number and registration, as unsupervised transfers could lead to criminal liability.

How to Complete an 80% Lower

Completing an 80% lower is a hands-on process, and while it is relatively simple, it does require a bit of knowledge and some tools. Here’s a basic overview of the steps involved in finishing your 80% lower:

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Drill Press or Milling Machine: To drill the necessary holes and mill out the fire control pocket.
  • 80% Lower Jig: This is a critical component that holds the lower receiver in place while you complete the machining work. It guides your drilling and milling to ensure precision.
  • Drill Bits and End Mills: These tools will help you complete the required cuts and holes.
  • Clamps: To securely hold the lower receiver in place during the process.
  • Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working with power tools to avoid injury.

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Secure the 80% Lower in the Jig: Begin by clamping the 80% lower receiver into the jig. The jig will help align the lower receiver properly, ensuring that the holes and cuts are drilled in the right spots.
  2. Drill the Pin Holes: Using the appropriate drill bits, start drilling the necessary pin holes. These include the holes for the trigger pin, hammer pin, and safety selector. The jig will ensure that these holes are aligned properly.
  3. Mill the Fire Control Pocket: The fire control pocket is the most complex part of the 80% lower. Using a milling machine or drill press, you will mill out the fire control pocket, which is the area where the trigger mechanism and other components fit. This process requires precision to ensure that the firearm functions properly when assembled.
  4. Deburr and Finish the Receiver: After drilling and milling, you will need to deburr the edges to ensure that no sharp edges are left. A fine file or deburring tool can be used for this purpose. Afterward, you may choose to apply a coating to the lower receiver, such as anodizing or Cerakote, to protect it from corrosion.
  5. Assemble the Firearm: Once the lower is completed, you can begin assembling the rest of the firearm. Depending on the platform, this could involve installing parts like the trigger group, stock, buffer tube, and barrel. Follow a detailed build guide specific to the firearm you are constructing.
  6. Test the Firearm: Before firing, perform a function check to ensure that everything works properly. This includes checking the fit of the parts, ensuring that the trigger mechanism functions correctly, and confirming that the firearm cycles as expected.

Advantages of Building from an 80% Lower

There are several reasons why gun enthusiasts and DIY builders choose to complete an 80% lower rather than buying a pre-built firearm. Here are some of the primary advantages:

1. Customization

When you build your own firearm from an 80% lower, you have complete control over the components that go into it. You can choose the trigger, stock, grip, barrel, and many other parts, ensuring that the finished product meets your specific preferences.

2. Satisfaction of Building Your Own Firearm

There is a great deal of satisfaction in completing a firearm on your own. The hands-on experience and the pride of building a custom weapon that is uniquely yours can be very rewarding.

3. Cost Savings

While the initial investment in tools may seem high, building your own firearm from an 80% lower can save money in the long run. You can avoid the markup that manufacturers and retailers apply to finished firearms, and you can select parts that fit your budget.

4. Learning Experience

Completing an 80% lower allows you to learn about the mechanics of firearms, giving you a deeper understanding of how they function. This knowledge can be valuable for maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting in the future.

5. Privacy

One of the most compelling reasons people choose 80% lowers is the privacy they offer. Unlike fully completed firearms, the purchase and assembly of 80% lowers do not require background checks or registration. This can be particularly appealing to those who value privacy in their firearms ownership.

Conclusion

80% lowers provide an excellent opportunity for firearm enthusiasts to create personalized, custom-built firearms. The ability to choose every component, the satisfaction of building something from scratch, and the cost savings all make this a popular choice for DIY builders. However, it is important to understand the legal implications and to ensure that you comply with both federal and state laws when completing an 80% lower.

By following the correct steps, using the right tools, and staying informed about the legal requirements in your area, you can enjoy the process of building your own firearm and create a customized weapon that meets your exact needs. Whether you’re an experienced builder or a newcomer to the world of firearms, completing an 80% lower can be a fulfilling and educational project that connects you more deeply with your firearms.