Kentucky 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.

To see where some or none of our products can be shipped to, please see our full list of sensitive states here. 

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 lower receivers we have to offer, check out our multiple collections.

Are 80 Lowers Legal In Kentucky?

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 Kentucky.

Do I Need to Serialize My 80 Lower in Kentucky?

If you build out your own firearms starting with 80 lowers in Kentucky 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 Kentucky

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

Firearm Possession and Purchase Requirements

The state of Kentucky only requires individuals to be 18 years of age in order to legally possess a handgun but there are no minimum age requirements for the possession of long guns. All the normal exceptions apply for minors in terms for when they’re allowed to possess or transport a handgun: when attending a hunter’s or firearms safety course, using the gun for target practice or recreational shooting at an established range, involved in an organized competition, hunting or trapping with a valid license, traveling to and from these events, or at their own residence with permission and supervision of a parents or a legal guardian.

All firearm purchases require a background check (Dealer Record of Sale also known as 4473 form or “DROS”). 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. Kentucky is not a point of contact for the NICS and as a result, dealers must conduct their background checks by going through the FBI directly. Private party transfers do not require background checks. Kentucky also utilizes the Brady Exemption in which ccw permit holders can be exempt from background checks when purchasing new guns in stores by presenting their valid ccw permit ID card.

Open and Concealed Carrying

Kentucky is a constitutional carry state which means it is legal for anyone above the age of 21 years who is legally allowed to possess a firearm to be able to conceal carry without a license or permit. Kentucky continues to issues Ccw’s though as it is necessary for residents to have when carrying out of state. CCW’s in Kentucky come in the form of (CCDW’s) or Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons” which also apply to knives, clubs, blackjacks, nunchucks, shuriken and brass knuckles. Kentucky recognizes all ccw licenses from other states. To see more details of Kentucky’s policies on concealed carry permits check this reciprocity map here.

NFA Restrictions

Kentucky does not have any NFA restricted items meaning residents are allowed to own machine guns, any other weapons, destructive devices, silencers, short barreled shotguns and short barreled rifles. There are also no “assault weapon” bans. Cue applause and cheering.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

There are no magazine capacity restrictions in Kentucky. Enjoy those sticks, drums and belt-fed box magazines! We carry plenty of standard capacity magazines like  Lancer's 30-round Warfighter mag. Our favorite color is the translucent smoke one.

Mandatory Storage Requirements

Kentucky does not have any mandatory storage requirements but you should still exercise caution because you 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

Residents of the Bluegrass State are legally allowed to use lethal force in order to halt or prevent the threat of death or great bodily harm for being inflicted on themselves or someone else per the state’s stand your ground law. Kentucky also has a Castle Doctrine law in place which means that you are not required to retreat or to avoid conflict at all cost, rather you can respond with deadly force in your home, at work or even in your car should you fall under attack.

Ammunition Purchase

Kentucky prohibits the manufacturing, possession or sale of armor-piercing and flanged ammunition. Kentucky does not require a license for the sale, purchase or possession of ammunition. Sellers are not required to maintain a sales record. Other than the aforementioned laws, there are no unusual restrictions on ammunition purchases in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky residents can purchase ammo online in bulk so long as they are at least 21 years of age.

Start Your Next 80 Lower Build with 80% Arms!

Kentucky residents are completely free to build their own firearms from 80 lowers and frames without any required serialization or FFL transactions. At this time there have not been any bans on 80 percents so take advantage of your constitutional Second Amendment right and freedom to keep, bear and build your own arms while you can! Grab a  jig 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.