AR-15 80% Lower Receivers
WHAT IS AN AR-15 80 Lower?
If you've been looking at building an AR-15 rifle, but you don't want to deal with the hassle of an FFL, or you want a project to complete at home, then you've been looking for an 80% AR-15 lower receiver. Because it's not a completed firearm, an AR-15 80 lower can ship directly to your doorstep, and requires no background check provided that you finish the last 20% out yourself.
With an AR-15 80 lower you can build a rifle chambered in a wide variety of calibers, and options are as varied as the AR-15 itself. While the most common is a 5.56mm lower, the exact same receiver is capable of also being a .300 blackout lower receiver, or any other common AR-15 caliber that you wish.
WHY CHOOSE OUR AR-15 80% LOWER?
80% Arms offers 80 lowers in multiple different color options, all of which feature aerospace grade 6061-T6 aluminum which provide increased resistance to corrosion, extreme durability, and ease of milling. All of our AR-15 80% lowers also include a flared magwell and integrated trigger guard optimized for heavy winter gloves.
Our FDE 80% lowers, as well as our OD Green and Pink lowers are all finished in a high-quality ceramic based paint called Cerakote. Cerakoted 80% lowers give you the ability to match your rifle to your environment while also increasing the amount of protection to your rifle. Cerakoted AR-15 80% lowers are highly resistant to scratches, bumps, and austere weather.
Skip the line, invest in your hobby and Second Amendment rights by building your own AR-15 rifle starting with an 80 lower!
Coating Options
Cerakoting
Simply put, cerakoting involves the application of liquid ceramic to the surface of your lower receiver.
Cerakote is incredibly resistant to high heat, prevents corrosion, and reduces friction in the moving parts of your rifle. It is also more customizable than anodized receivers, so you can get any look you want with this coating.
Anodizing
Anodizing (aka hardcoat) is an electrochemical process used to coat an 80 lower in a more durable, aesthetically-pleasing anodic oxide finish. The lower is dipped in an acid bath and an electrical current is run through it. As a result, the aluminum surface now has a concentrated layer of oxidation. This makes it less likely that environmental factors will damage your rifle’s finish.
For a full comparison of anodized and cerakote lower receivers, read our complete guide on the subject.
What Is the Difference Between Billet and Forged Lowers?
Manufacturing
Forged lowers are two rough shapes of hot aluminum hammered together and cleaned up with a machine. A billet takes a single aluminum where a CNC machine mills out a lower profile.
Functionality
Forged lowers match dimensionally for both the internal and external regardless of the manufacture, while billet gives the manufacture more artistic leeway.
Weight
Forged lowers tend to be lighter than billet lowers. Consider getting a billet lower with high-quality aluminum to increase durability.
Still wondering which type to choose? Read our forged vs. billet lowers guide here.
How to Complete AR-15 80 Lower With a Receiver Jig
You'll have to get an 80 lower jig compatible with a drill and router that can complete an AR-15 80 Lower. If you have the luxury of a drill press, even better! Unfortunately, past that we cannot advise on the specific instructions on how to complete an 80 lower due to the ATF "final rule" which considers instructions, guides and manuals to be equivalent to actual firearms.
Consumable Tooling for AR Lowers
For AR-15 lowers, we recommend using the following consumable tooling:
• 5/32 drill bit or similar for the hammer and trigger hole.
• 3/8 drill bit or similar for the safety sector.
FAQs:
Will Any standard AR-15 Lower Fit Any standard Upper?
Yes, any standard AR-15 upper will be compatible with your standard AR-15 lower.
How Much Does an AR-15 Lower Cost?
At 80% Arms, we offer affordable prices for our AR-15 80% lower receivers. Most of our stock goes from $89.99 to $129.99.
Do AR-15 Lowers Wear Out?
The lower itself will not deteriorate, but certain parts like the buffer tubes are more susceptible to damage and breakage. Be sure to properly clean and maintain your lower receiver to get the most longevity out of it.
Are All AR-15 Lowers the Same?
Not all AR-15 lowers are equal. You can either decide to get a billet or a forged one. The AR-15 lower has different styles, and the material used in production can vary from polymers to various aluminum alloys.
Does an AR-15 Lower Affect Accuracy?
Your lower receiver will have no impact on the accuracy of your rifle whatsoever.
Do I Need to Serialize My 80 Lowers?
As per federal law, you do not need a serial number for a raw 80% lower. But after you finish building the firearm, certain states like California will require you to have it serialized. Read our guide on how to serialize an 80% lower here.