Best 80% Handgun Frames

Image above Photo Source: Tactical Toolbox

In recent times, the illustrious and highly revered AFT (or ATF, depending on who you ask) have attempted to make unfinished 80% lowers and handgun frames be treated as actual completed firearms. Thankfully, we and others have fought this unconstitutional rule in court and it is still legal! When the firearm is completed it will need to have a serial number engraved on it to be legal to own and possess. Read more about the  court case against the ATF ruling and stay up to date with the fight.

But first, a quick DISCLAIMER:

Unless specifically noted otherwise, products mentioned in this blog are not authorized, endorsed, manufactured or warrantied by GLOCK. GLOCK does not guarantee that these products are compatible with GLOCK pistols.

“GLOCK” is a federally registered trademark of GLOCK, Inc. and GLOCK Ges.m.b.H.. Neither 80 Percent Arms nor this website are affiliated in any manner with, or otherwise endorsed by, GLOCK, Inc. or GLOCK Ges.mb.b.H.. The use of “Glock” on this page is merely to advertise the sale of GLOCK-style pistol frames, components and aftermarket parts that are compatible with Glock products. For additional genuine GLOCK, Inc. parts and products please visit www.glock.com.

Are 80% Pistol Build Kits Legal?

A completed and serialized GST-9 Mod1 build kit. 

Before we get into the best handgun frames to buy, let’s answer a question we hear all the time: is it legal to build or own a pistol build kit? The answer is yes - depending on which state we live in currently. Some states have restrictions on owning or finishing a handgun build kit, so we’ll need to check our state regulations.

Why Build a Polymer 80% Pistol?

As we touched on above, there are many reasons one might enjoy building out a pistol build kit, one of which is customization. The ability to build exactly what the shooter needs from a pistol build kit allows every part to be thought out and perfected for the shooter! In addition to this, building a handgun build kit can be a very rewarding experience and is a lot of fun! Now, let’s dig into what to look for and consider when choosing 80 percent pistol frames!

Which 80% Handgun Frame Should I Choose?

GST-9 Mod1 Frame Kit. (Pick this one, duh.)

Let’s face it, some of us are tinkerers and love to build - and customize our guns. For this reason, pistol build kits with 80 percent pistol frames have exploded in popularity in the last several years. But which handgun build kit is the right one to choose? Which pistol frame will best suit our needs? We all want a modular pistol platform that is all the rage and the pistol frame is a major part of that handgun build kit. Let’s take a look at some of the best options specifically for pistol frames on the market today and see if we’ll be able to narrow it down!

80% Arms Frame Kits

We're obviously not at all biased when we say you can stop scrolling right here. The GST-9 MOD1 is considered by many to be the Ferrari of 80 percent pistol frames, but don’t take our word for it! The GST-9 Frame is incredibly modular, giving the shooter the options of 19/19X/ and 19XL size handguns in a single platform!

In addition, the MOD1 frame is also compatible with all Gen 3 Glock parts for even more options! Other features include; pistol frame stippling, undercut trigger guard, high beavertail, glove bevel, scalloped magazine release, no finger grooves, accessory rail and gas pedals on the side of the frame. Stainless steel internal rail components round out the GST9 Frame and it is important to note that the GST9 frame is the only 80% lower frame that will reliably fit in standard Glock holsters!

Pros

• Extreme modularity
• Compatible with Glock Gen 3 parts
• High-end construction and features
• Multiple color coating options available
• Easy to complete, the most solid jig on the market for 80% polymer pistol frames
• Compatible with Glock holsters
• Offered in attractive and reasonably priced build kits

Cons

• Would be nice to have a metal-framed version *cough, Engineering, cough*

Polymer80 Frame Kits

Polymer80 PF940CV1 Compact pistol frame. Photo Source: Polymer80

Another well-known company that makes 80 percent handgun frames and offers a well-known pistol build kit as well is Polymer80. The Polymer80 frame is available in full-size (17) or compact (19), and features stippling, undercut trigger guard, compatibility with Glock Gen 3 parts, and an integrated accessory rail. The Polymer80 frame is a popular option overall due to slightly more friendly ergonomics than a stock Glock handgun, featuring a grip angle that is similar to the 1911 instead of the Glock.

Pros

• Double undercut and stippling
• 1911 Grip Angle (entirely subjective)
• Gen 3 Glock parts compatibility
• Has multiple pistol model styles 

Cons

• Will not fit all Glock holsters
• Just as thick in the grip as a regular Glock
• Flimsy jig, inconsistent build quality

80% 1911 Frame Kits

1911 80% Pistol Frames Photo Source: Hell Fire Armory

Although there are plenty of 1911 80 percent pistol frames out there, one that we've heard a lot of good things about is the Hell Fire 1911 80 frames. The 1911 80 frames from Hell Fire Armory are made from solid billet aluminum with an extended dust cover, Picatinny accessory rail, and are made for a 5” barrel. If a 1911 80 frame is what we’re after, it is certainly worth a look at $185.

Pros

• Built from billet aluminum
• Lightweight
• Built for commander-length 1911s
• Full dust cover with Picatinny accessory rail

Cons

None that we could find.

Lone Wolf Timberwolf 80% Frame Kits

Lone Wolf Timberwolf Compact Frame. Photo Source: Lone Wolf

Lone Wolf is a company well-known for many different parts and accessories - especially for Glocks. The Lone Wolf TImberwolf frame is available in several calibers and will match up with several different Glock models. If we’re needing a non-9mm 80 percent pistol frame then the Lone Wolf Frame Kit is worth a solid look. Bare bones with an accessory rail, closer-to-stock Glock texturing and a slight undercut might be a turn off to some shooters, but the quality is there on the Lone Wolf Frame kit and plenty of options are available.

Pros

• Multiple caliber options
• Fits most Glock holsters

Cons

• Limited feature set
• No stippling/barely any undercut on frame
• Awkward grip angle

Start your next pistol build with 80 Percent Arms!

We hope this helped in your quest to build the perfect custom gun from a pistol build kit or 80% Handgun frame. At the end of the day remember the build process is rewarding and fun and leaves you with a one-of-a-kind handgun you can be proud to own!