Alabama 80 Percent Lower Laws

Legal Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not legal advice. We are not lawyers. While we endeavor to keep all our blogs updated with the most accurate information, gun laws change quickly and frequently. Legal changes can often be difficult to uncover, unpack, and publish in real-time. Therefore, while we try our best to provide timely information, be aware that what you’re reading below may change (or already has changed).

Do not rely solely on the information provided by us or on this website to ensure compliance with your purchase decisions. To ensure that you, the buyer, are acting in accordance with all federal, state laws and local ordinances, please do your own research and consult an attorney if necessary.

What is an 80% Lower?

An 80% lower receiver is an unfinished and unserialized blank which requires some machining work from the end user to turn it into a 100% lower receiver, otherwise, what is legally considered as a firearm. 80 lowers are missing the trigger pocket and three holes that need to be milled and drilled out to be completed. Unless states have passed their own laws barring the possession or sales of 80% products; pending the ATF's updated decision from the most recent proposed rule  2021R-05 80% lowers are completely legal, not considered firearms and thus can be shipped straight to your front door. No FFL required. To explore the 80% lowers we have to offer check out our multiple collections.

Are 80 Lowers Legal In Alabama?

As of this guide’s initial publish date, 80% lower receivers and frames are not considered as firearms by the ATF and are legal to ship directly to buyers residing in the state of Alabama.

Do I Need to Serialize My 80 Lower in Alabama?

If you build out your own firearms starting with 80 lowers in Alabama you do not need to serialize the lower receiver or frame as there are currently no laws requiring citizens to do so. Should you wish to serialize your lower receiver you certainly can if necessary through our engraving services for 80 lowers. 

Key Gun Laws in Alabama

Other than laws regarding 80 lowers, these are the key gun laws you should be aware of if you reside or are traveling through Alabama.

Firearm Possession and Purchase Requirements

In the state of Alabama, anyone the age of 18 years or older is eligible to purchase a handgun or a long gun. There isn’t a permit or any extra identification required to purchase handguns other than a driver’s license. No background checks are necessary for private sales or transactions (though you should keep your receipts or a bill of sale at the very least). While federal law requires federal firearm license holders (“FFL’s”:) to initiate background checks on buyers prior to the sale of a firearm, federal law also allows states to serve as their own “point of contact” and conduct their own background checks via state, federal records or databases, as well as the option to use the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) database. So some states will choose to be as strict as possible with their background checks and some will be more lenient. Alabama does not require background checks for handgun or long gun purchases.

Open and Concealed Carrying

Open carry without a permit is legal with some areas being off limits such as courthouses or schools. Concealed carry permits in Alabama are called “license to carry firearms,” and lawful permanent residents the age of 19 or older can apply for it. To carry concealed on person or in a vehicle within Alabama requires an “LTC.” Alabama is a “shall issue '' state and does offer non-resident LTC’s as well. To check which states’ concealed carry permits it honors check this reciprocity map here.

NFA Restrictions

There are no NFA weapons or items restrictions in Alabama and there are no assault weapon bans.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

There are no magazine capacity restrictions in Alabama. Enjoy those drums and belt-fed box magazines! We carry plenty of standard capacity magazines like the  Advanced Warfighter mag from Lancer which is a 30 rounder too. Our favorite color is the translucent smoke one. 

Mandatory Storage Requirements

There are no mandatory storage requirements for firearms in Alabama, however, you should still exercise caution and can be tried for negligently leaving your guns accessible to children. If you need some good ideas or best practices for storing your guns and gear here are  5 firearm storage options.

Self-Defense

Alabama does have a Castle Doctrine law in place and the state does allow you to “Stand Your Ground.” 

Ammunition Purchase

No state permit or background check is required to purchase any ammunition in Alabama; however, under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) ammo for shotguns or rifles may be sold only to individuals 18 years of age or older. Any handgun ammo and online purchases of ammo shipped to Alabama require buyers to be at least 21 years old.

Start Your Next 80 Lower Build with 80% Arms!

Alabama residents are completely free to build their own firearms from 80 lowers and frames without any required serialization or FFL transactions. It's the perfect state to take advantage of your constitutional Second Amendment right and freedom to keep and bear arms. That includes 80% Arms! Grab a jig for 80 lowers and some buddies to enjoy that freedom together and let us know if you need any advice with your build at any point in the process. Friends, live free.