If you’re an AR-15 enthusiast or shooter, you may have heard of the 80% lower receiver. It’s an aluminum or polymer lower receiver that is missing about 20% of its machining, which makes it not legally considered a firearm at the time of purchase. This allows you to build an AR-15 without serializing or registering it, which some shooters and politicians have dubbed a ghost gun.
The 80% lower is also a popular way to build a custom, high-performance rifle on a budget. You’ll need to finish the machining yourself, but it’s fairly simple and can be done at home. This way, you can choose exactly what parts you want to buy, which is a huge benefit over buying a finished lower from an FFL.
Many people ask, are 80% lowers legal? The answer is yes, and they’re actually easier to get than you might think. In fact, they are the perfect DIY solution for people who want to build a rifle, but don’t have an FFL or aren’t in a position to get one.
To purchase an 80% lower, you don’t need to have a license or go through an FFL, and there are multiple sellers that sell them. However, there are some things to consider when choosing a seller. First, make sure that you buy from a reputable seller that is known for their quality and service. Avoid buying from a small, unknown manufacturer that sells them for much cheaper. These lowers are often poorly made and can have issues like alignment, cracking & more.
