If you’re in the know, then you know that politicians and anti-gunners have been working overtime for the last few years to attack your God-given right to build your own firearms at home. From the ATF's ridiculous rule changes to state-level bans, the fight for the Second Amendment has been relentless.

But today, we finally get to celebrate a massive win for freedom.

After more than six years of grueling legal battles, the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) recently announced a monumental settlement with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). The result? The permanent revocation of a state policy that attempted to illegally classify "partially manufactured receivers"—what the rest of us call an 80 lower—as actual, fully regulated firearms.

Here is everything you need to know about this landmark legal victory, what it means for builders in the Keystone State, and why it's a massive win for the DIY firearm community at large.

The Background: The PSP’s Unconstitutional Overreach

Let's rewind a bit. Back in 2019 and 2020, under pressure from anti-gun politicians, the Pennsylvania State Police decided to play legislature. Without a vote from the people or an act of the state assembly, the PSP issued guidance attempting to redefine the term "firearm" under Pennsylvania law.

Their target? The 80 lower.

The PSP released a policy claiming that "partially-manufactured frames and receivers" could be readily converted to expel a projectile, and therefore, they should be regulated exactly like fully functional, completed firearms. This meant background checks, serialization, FFL transfer fees, and government paperwork for what was, essentially, a paperweight made of premium billet aluminum or polymer.

It was a blatant attempt to shut down the private manufacturing of firearms—a tradition that predates the founding of the United States. Thankfully, groups like the FPC (whom we proudly support and work alongside in the fight against tyrannical overreach) weren't going to let that slide.

The FPC Settlement: A Permanent Win for Freedom

The FPC, along with other gun rights advocates and industry partners, immediately took the Pennsylvania State Police to court. The argument was simple: law enforcement agencies do not get to magically rewrite the definition of a firearm to suit a political agenda.

Fast forward through six years of intense litigation, and the FPC has officially forced the PSP's hand. In a legally binding settlement, the Pennsylvania State Police has permanently revoked its policy regarding partially manufactured receivers. This means the state police can no longer unilaterally treat an unfinished 80 lower like a finished gun. It restores the status quo and shuts down a massive loophole that anti-gun politicians were trying to use to bypass the legislative process.

What Exactly Is an 80 Lower?

The gun community is incredibly welcoming and eager to share knowledge, but if politicians are going to scream at the top of their lungs about "ghost guns," a person with critical thinking skills might be curious as to what all the fuss is about.

An 80 lower (often referred to as a receiver blank or an 80 percent lower) is an unfinished piece of metal or polymer. It lacks the critical machining required to house a fire control group (the trigger, hammer, and safety). Because it cannot shoot a projectile, it is not legally considered a firearm by statutory definition.

To turn an 80 lower into a functioning firearm, a private citizen has to use tools—like our ridiculously easy-to-use Easy Jig® Gen 3—to mill out the fire control pocket and drill the necessary pin holes. It requires time, effort, and craftsmanship.

By forcing the PSP to drop their overreaching policy, the FPC successfully defended the objective reality of what an 80 lower is: a hunk of metal or plastic that you have the Constitutional right to machine yourself.

What This Means for Pennsylvania Builders

If you live in Pennsylvania, this settlement is a breath of fresh air. Here is what it means for you:

• Direct-to-Door Shipping: Because the state police can no longer classify an 80 lower as a firearm, Pennsylvania residents can continue to order these parts online and have them shipped directly to their doorstep without having to pay transfer fees or go through an FFL.
• Legal Clarity: The threat of arbitrary prosecution by state police over owning an un-milled receiver blank has been heavily neutralized.
• Precedent for Other States: When tyrannical rules get struck down in one state, it provides legal ammunition for 2A groups to fight similar unconstitutional bans in other states.

Disclaimer: We are experts in machining, not lawyers. Gun laws change rapidly, and you should always verify your local and state laws before starting a build.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Next Build Today

This victory is proof that when we stand together, push back, and refuse to comply with unconstitutional mandates, we can win. But the fight is never truly over. The best way to exercise your Second Amendment rights is to actively use them.

Stock up and build your own with 80 Percent Arms today!

• Build at home: 80% Arms sells AR-15 and .308 80% Lower Receivers, GST-9 pistol frames, jigs, and accessories which allow you to legally build a firearm at home in most states.
• Incredibly precise: We utilize state-of-the-art 5-axis CNC machines to mill all our .308 and AR-15 lowers to incredibly precise tolerances using premium billet aluminum.
• Ridiculously easy: Our patented Easy Jigs® were the first jigs designed to make finishing an 80 lower incredibly easy for anyone, regardless of machining experience.

Celebrate freedom. Grab an 80 lower today, fire up your router, and experience the pride of building your own rifle.