In the market for an 80 percent lower? The 80 lower receiver is a vital component for any do-it-yourself AR-15 AR9, or AR 10/308 build. Every 80 percent lower we sell is proudly made in the U.S.A. from quality billet aluminum (6061-T6), mil-spec forged aluminum (7075-T6), or weapons-grade polymer.
There are plenty of benefits of using an 80% lower to build your AR-15, AR-10, or AR9:
Privacy. Because they're not firearms and have no serial numbers*, you get to skip the FFL paperwork and invasions of privacy when you purchase one of these receiver blanks.
*Local and state laws vary. Some states require serialization of all firearms, and some states have banned 80% lowers.
Cost. By buying an unfinished receiver, you're saving on manufacturing costs and you're avoiding the "brand tax" most gun makers charge. You also get to skip paying taxes and fees to the government.
Customization. By starting with a blank receiver, you get to decide what parts you install to finish your custom AR build, and you avoid paying extra for parts you don't want.
Compatibility. Our 80% lowers are made in the U.S.A. Lowers are forged and milled to tight tolerances, ensuring a perfect fit and finish. Lowers are MIL-SPEC and compatible with all off-the-shelf AR-15 parts. Once you finish your lower, it will be identical in form and function to the lower receivers found on any AR-type rifle available at any gun store.
Read our Complete Guide on How to Build an AR-15
Officially called a “receiver blank” by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and firearms (ATF), an 80% lower is an unfinished, unserialized receiver that isn’t considered a firearm under federal law. In other words, the ATF doesn't consider these to be guns because they're not fully machined, so they're not capable of being assembled into a working firearm in their current state.
Cutting and drilling the lower at home with hand tools -- something you, the builder, will do yourself -- turns an 80 percent lower into a firearm. Whether it’s an AR-15 or AR-10, thousands of shooters have built reliable and accurate AR-type rifles and pistols with our units.
Read this 80% Lower FAQ to learn more.
There are several types of 80% lower receivers available for the AR platform. Depending on which 80 lower you pick, you can build an AR-15, AR9, or AR-10 chambered in the following calibers:
The AR-15 80 lower functions just like any stripped lower receiver you'd buy from an FFL or gun store. These lowers are available in billet (6061-T6) and forged (7075T6) aluminum, and polymer. With one of these lowers, you can build an AR chambered in:
The AR-10 80 lower is based on the DPMS .308 AR platform, which currently acts as the universal standard for all .308-chambered AR-type rifles. Although technically different from the original ArmaLite AR-10, the DPMS .308 is still refered to as the AR-10 platform, and is it practically identical in form and function. It can chamber the following cartridges:
The AR9 80 lower is based largely on the AR-15 lower. It uses most of the same components, including the same grip, trigger, hammer, safety, and disconnector, as well as the same buffer system and buffer tube. But it uses a custom magazine well and ejector to handle the 9mm cartridge.
Not sure which lower to pick? This guide compares all 80% lowers.
Some states have banned 80% lowers and certain firearm parts, or have otherwise restricted the sale and ownership of products we sell. So, be sure to check your local and state laws. We can’t ship our products to certain states. Please check our Shipping & Return Policy before placing an order (See Restrictions).
Execute the right to bear arms today. Your build awaits.
DISCLAIMER: If you are new to the world of DIY gun building, you likely have a lot of questions and rightfully so. It’s an area that has a lot of questions that, without the correct answers, could have some serious implications. At 80-Lower.com, we are by no means providing this content on our website to serve as legal advice or legal counsel. We encourage each and every builder to perform their own research around their respective State laws as well as educating themselves on the Federal laws. When performing your own research, please be sure that you are getting your information from a reliable source.
We are a national retailer of individual components and not all products depicted on this website are legal in every state. Shipping of various products found on this website are prohibited to some states (such as California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington). The information, pictures, text or products presented on this website are not a representation by us, and should not be understood by you, that any product or completed firearm is legal to assemble or own in your state of residence. We encourage each and every builder to perform their own research about the state and federal laws that apply to them. It is your responsibility to understand the law and we encourage you to consult with an attorney or your local ATF representative.