How to Complete an AR-15 80% Lower Receiver

https://www.ar-15lowerreceivers.com/ ^ | 10/21/2019 | Black_Rifle_Gunsmith

[Black_Rifle_Gunsmith]

Afternoon folks - with all the how-to's and material posted over the last few months, I realized I never posted the core guide for all past AR-15 guides.

How to Complete an AR-15 80% Lower Receiver

This instructional and visual guide covers how to complete a typical billet or forged lower receiver for an AR-15, using an 80% lower. A drill press and router are used for drilling and cutting the fire control cavity with the jig, as opposed to a milling machine. Like most jigs designed for this project, a router isn't necessarily required. Plunge cuts can instead be made with the provided end mill bit to complete the main cavity using a basic drill press. Attempting to mill a receiver with a regular press isn't recommended. Drill presses are not designed for side-loading the spindle bearings in this fashion, and the press will likely fail. Any milling machine will work well with a jig, too.

While specific cutting and drilling measurements are dictated by the caliber and type of receiver blank, these general steps can be applied to any AR-15 rifle or pistol chambered in 5.56/.223, 9mm, or .308. The cutting and drilling steps are to be completed in the same manner to accommodate all the same components (hammer, trigger, springs, pins, lower parts kit, and buffer assembly). With a completed lower receiver, you'll be able to install a lower parts kit and all other components required to complete your build.

Tools Required

1. Jig & 80% lower
2. 5/32” Drill Bit
3. 5/16” Drill Bit
4. 3/8” Drill Bit
5. 3/8” End Mill
6. Machining oil
7. Painter’s tape
8. Canned air and brush
9. Ear and eye protection

First-time builder?

If you're new to this project or are unsure of anything, here's a quick summary: The 80% lower receiver is a firearm receiver blank, an incomplete firearm that is not legally defined as such. These parts are not regulated by the ATF, and purchasing and building one does not require visiting an FFL, performing a background check, or paying any special taxes or fees. The Gun Control Act of 1968 and the ATF govern the legality of this project. If you can otherwise legally own a firearm, you may legally build a gun at home. Click here to view certain requirements and restrictions enacted by the ATF. Certain states (like California and New York) have enacted restrictions on this project while other states (like New Jersey) have unfortunately banned the practice entirely. This piece summarizes the relevant laws. Please note that anything contained in this guide or any posts is for educational purposes only and cannot be construed as legal counsel. Always do your own research and ensure you're exercising your Second Amendment right with the law on your side. If you have questions, please feel free to comment or message, and I'll do my best to answer them.

[Magnum44]

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[Robert357]

Good reference site, but I like the Midwayusa.com video's better as I feel they are more detailed. Of course they sell a lot more parts.

https://www.midwayusa.com/how-to-guides/how-to-build-ar-15-rifle

For the first time builder, I would strongly recommend buying a stripped AR lower (yes, you do have to go through an FFL background check and it will have a serial number) and using many of the jigs and tools to complete the lower and acquire or build your own “upper.”

While it is legal to manufacture your own “ghost gun” for your own personal use, you are never suppose to sell it or even transfer it. It is truly the fruits of your own labor.

If I am going to spend several hundred dollars on something. I would like to be able to sell it and use my acquired skills on a better product after a while.

Again, great reference.

[JDoutrider]

4L8r

[Paal Gulli]

While it is legal to manufacture your own “ghost gun” for your own personal use, you are never suppose to sell it or even transfer it. It is truly the fruits of your own labor."

Since it has no serial number it can't be positively identified, ergo no one can prove who did -- or more importantly, who didn't -- make it. So provided you only make them in low numbers, and only transfer them to people in whom you trust, how exactly are you supposed to get caught?

[Black_Rifle_Gunsmith]

Hi Robert357, you can, in fact, sell the firearm you build. The ATF makes a distinction between a manufacturer and a builder. The wording of the relevant law only states one cannot build a firearm with the intent of selling it. Building a homemade firearm and deciding to sell it later is perfectly legal. Midway's guide is centered on assembling a rifle itself, whereas this guide focuses entirely on completing fabrication of the receiver blank. If you'd like more detailed information on building an AR-15 - and all the other necessary parts and steps - I recommend starting off here, How to Build an AR-15: The Complete Parts Guide.

[Big Red Badger]

Good Stuff!

[Lurker]

For later. And thanks for the very informative posts.

Best,

L