Yes, depending on your state and local laws, you may be permitted to purchase and complete an 80% lower receiver. However, individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under the Gun Control Act of 1968 may not purchase or possess 80% lowers.
The 2021R-05 Final Ruling from the Department of Justice mandates that 80 lowers be completed by licensed manufacturers. Moreover, completed lower receivers must be issued a serial number, and manufacturers must keep logs of the serial numbers they’ve engraved.
In this article, the 80 lower experts at 3CR Tactical reveal everything you must know about building firearms. Continue reading to learn new rules, and how to complete a lower.
Can You Still Buy 80 Lowers in 2023?
The legality of purchasing 80 lower receivers varies from state to state. For example, California has banned the sale of 80 lower receivers statewide. As such, it’s crucial to consult your lawyer to confirm the legality of purchasing and owning an 80% lower in your state and local area.
What is the Latest News on the New ATF Rule?
On January 13, 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) finalized a rule that moves to regulate guns equipped with stabilizing braces. Millions of gun owners and dealers could be affected by the new rule. Under the new regulation, guns equipped with stabilizing braces would be considered pistols.
Will a Gunsmith Mill an 80 Lower?
The answer to whether a gunsmith can mill an 80% lower depends on whether the gunsmith is a manufacturer licensed under the Gun Control Act of 1968. If the gunsmith is a licensed manufacturer, they can mill the 80% lower, but they must mark the firearm and maintain records of the work.
However, ATF 2015-01, “Manufacturing and Gunsmithing,” states that gunsmiths generally do not undertake the machining or other manufacturing processes involved in creating frames or receivers. Further, they rarely modify them in a way that “make them suitable for use in assembling a firearm that can expel a projectile.”
Instead, gunsmiths provide services that improve the firearm after it’s already been manufactured for use. In fact, the ATF enumerates several processes that aren’t considered “completing” a weapon, including:
- Repairs
- Modification
- Embellishment
- Refurbishment
- Part Installation
- Specialized Finishing
What Must Be Done to Complete an 80% Lower?
To complete an 80% lower, you must be a licensed manufacturer under the GCA. Furthermore, you must have your completed lower serialized.
If local and other applicable laws permit you to complete your lower receiver, then these tools are essential:
- A Drill Press Or Milling Machine
- Drill Bits
- A Jig
The jig holds the 80% lower in place and guides you as you remove material to create the necessary cavities for the trigger assembly, magazine well, and other components.
After the drilling or milling is complete, you must clean and deburr the lower receiver. Then add any necessary finishing touches, such as sandblasting, polishing, or anodizing.
Find the 80 Lower Receivers You Need at 3CR Tactical
Before doing machine work to complete an 80% lower receiver, refer to your state and local laws. If you decide to complete an 80% lower, be sure to follow all safety protocols and use proper equipment and techniques.
For more information about building your own weapons at home, reach out to our team today.