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

Are 80 Lowers Legal In Wisconsin?

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

Do I Need to Serialize My 80 Lower in Wisconsin?

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

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

Firearm Possession and Purchase Requirements

To purchase a long gun in Wisconsin buyers must be at least 18 years old. To purchase a handgun in Wisconsin buyers must be at least 21 years old. No extra permits are needed to purchase handguns or long guns in Wisconsin nor is extra registration necessary. Wisconsin’s minimum age for possession of handguns is 18 years old and there is no minimum age restriction for possession of long guns. In the event a minor is in possession of a handgun the normal exemption applies when minors have prior written consent from their parents or guardian or if they are in direct supervision or presence of their parents, guardian or 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, travelling to and from these events, or at their own residence with permission and supervision of a parents or a legal guardian.

All firearm purchases and transfers require a background check not including private party transfers (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. Wisconsin is a point of contact for the NICS and as a result, dealers must conduct their background checks by going through the FBI for long gun transfers; handgun transfers’ background checks must go through the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

Open and Concealed Carrying

Wisconsin is a “shall-issue” state for concealed carrying. Open carrying is also legal in Wisconsin without a permit for anyone who is at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm. Some areas are off limits and when open carrying so be sure to do your research before traveling to unfamiliar locations. Concealed carry is offered to Wisconsin residents in the form of a “CWL” or Concealed Weapons License. CWL applicants must be at least 21 years old and have completed a firearms training course among other requirements. Reciprocity wise Wisconsin honors every state’s CCW that honors their own. For more details on their concealed carrying policies see Wisconsin’s reciprocity map here.

NFA Restrictions

NFA restrictions and regulations have changed often in the past for Wisconsin so it’s important to check on what the most recent policies are for the state. Generally speaking, NFA weapons and related items can all be owned, possessed and used by civilians provided they were legally acquired. That essentially means free reign on short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, destructive devices, any other weapons and even suppressors are all kosher. Of course, that also means that there is no “assault weapons” ban in place either for the state of Wisconsin.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

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

Mandatory Storage Requirements

While the state of Wisconsin does not have any mandatory storage requirements, 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

Wisconsin is a castle doctrine state and doesn’t have an explicit stand your ground law in place but the laws in Wisconsin do not require residents to have a duty to retreat before exercising the use of force or violence in defense of themselves or others.

Ammunition Purchase

Wisconsin does not require a license for the purchase, possession or sale of ammo. Other than “armor piercing” rounds, essentially all other ammunition is unrestricted in Wisconsin. Online ammo purchases require buyers to be at least 21 years old but can be straight to your front door.

Start Your Next 80 Lower Build with 80% Arms!

Wisconsin 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 an 80 lower 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.