FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are 80 Lowers Worth It?
If you’re considering building your own rifle for personal use, purchasing 80 lowers is worth it. Whether you’re manufacturing an AR-10 or AR-15, anodized and raw 80% lower receivers from American Made Tactical are highly reliable and durable enough to last for years to come. Not only that, but using an 80 lower to build your own gun adds another element of personalization that you won’t get from purchasing a fully built firearm. Lastly, 80 lowers are inexpensive and may save you some extra money in the long-run compared to buying a pre-built gun.
How Hard Is It To Finish An 80 Lower?
If you’re new to finishing an 80 lower, the process is simple but will require you to remain patient and complete the steps with the utmost attention. You will need a strong vise, lubrication oil and either a milling machine or drill press. Additionally, you’ll need a spacious area to work in and keep your components securely in place while fabricating. A garage or spare room with a long, sturdy workbench will work perfectly.
When it’s time to finish your 80% lower, you’ll seat it inside the jig and install three items: the template plate holder, pilot hole drilling template and your vise. After that, you’ll add a drill bit to your milling machine or press. Depending on which type of equipment you’re using, you’ll create holes with the drill press or milling machine, cut out the trigger slot and wrap up by drilling your trigger, safety pin and hammer holes.
Does an 80 Lower Need A Serial Number?
No, an 80 lower is not required to have a serial number imprinted on it. If the 80% lower hasn’t been used to manufacture a new, homemade rifle, it is merely a firearm component and doesn’t need identification. Under federal law, though, you still don’t need to add a serial number to a homemade rifle with an 80 lower receiver as long as it’s for personal use. The only exception is if you live in a specific state that has mandated this particular law. For example, California has required all homemade firearms to be registered with a serial number over the last 5 years, regardless of what 80% lowers or other parts you use to build them.
Are Polymer 80 Lowers Any Good?
When it comes to polymer 80 lowers, they are great alternatives to other types of 80% lowers. Polymer components are much more lightweight compared to heavy-duty, metal lowers and may be easier to install when fabricating a homemade rifle. However, despite these perks, our anodized and raw AR-10 or AR-15 80 lowers perform much better than those made from polymer. Overall, aluminum is more resistant to a buildup of heat that can impact the effectiveness of landing precise shots. Additionally, aluminum is also a very lightweight material, so it’s not much different from polymer.