80 % lowers

[DonBiase]

First, Happy Thanksgiving, Thank the Lord for the United States of America, and the Freedom that we enjoy.

Please, don't tell me what you Think, tell what you Know.

Does anyone have any experience with 80 % lower s, AR, 45, etc.
Which are the simplest to complete.
I would like to get an 80%er before they go away.
Any first hand experience would be appreciated.
God Bless us and the United States of America.

[WCMG]

80% AR lower in my opinion. Purchase a good jig that can be used multiple times and it's a pretty easy process. "Used multiple times", what I mean is the jig is made out of good steel to withstand the milling without become damaged and maintain it's specs.

[Xringshooter]

I'd have to agree with ^^^ Get a good jig that has the hardened steel templates and it will be good for doing multiple 80%ers. Aero Precision makes a pretty good one. It comes with templates and instructions for doing it on a drill press or a milling machine. IMO, doing it on a mill will result in a nicer lower but if you don't have access to a mill or drill press and really take your time and be careful, you can actually do it with a hand drill. No matter what you use - MEASURE TWICE CUT/DRILL ONCE - that is, really make sure of your measurements/depths, etc. before you drill/mill. You can take metal off, but it's real hard to put it back on if you mess up.

Oh, you also need a good vise to hold everything in the correct position.

[charlie2006]

Thank you DonBiase for starting this thread. I have been looking into doing the same thing. I was looking at the raw lowers and doing my own coating on them. I was hoping someone had some experience with this.

[dkf]

Best way to complete them is with a milling machine.(most accurate) The jigs will work though, you just get a better result with better equipment. Companies also make plastic 80% lowers (which are the easiest to machine) but I would get the aluminum. Aluminum is more robust. Look at Tactical Machining website.

[Ricochet]

Be sure and buy a set of high quality drill bits.
Cheap ones will be a pain in the ass.

[Sgt.K]

80% Arms has a jig and a set of bits available.

Follow instructions (including some YouTube selections).
Take your time.
Leave the jig in place until ALL steps are done (DAMHIKT).
Use a corded drill, not a battery/cordless one.

My 2¢
YMMV
etc...

[Berncly]

Please, don't tell me what you Think, tell what you Know.

Where's the fun in that :P

[DonBiase]

Sgt.K
Thanks, not only for the advice, but for the education on "online Jargon".

[Gripsafety]

The first rule of 80% lowers is "Do not talk about 80% lowers."

If you use a jig and a small mill, an aluminum AR15 is easy if you know how to use a mill. A stiff drill press with an X-Y table with a jig will also work, but still requires some know-how. I would not recommend anything less for a result that I consider acceptable. You can make an AR15 that will work with some fiddling with a cheap drill press or even a hand drill if you have a jig that is made for that.

The rules for a .45 80% require a bit more skill to make a complete frame in aluminum. A frame in steel requires a bit more machining experience and a real mill.