80% lowers are an exceptionally intelligent alternative to avoiding too many legal formalities for building an AR. Along with having the liberty to customize the lower as per your tastes. Since the gun in question here is the AR-15. A symbolic representation of โthe American rifleโ.
The market is crowded with a ton of options for an 80% lower. But clearing all the clutter aside, weโll present before you the best AR-15 80% lowers to choose from. Further describing their USPs and other considerations in detail.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for AR-15 80% Lowers
Comparison of the Best 80% Lower Receivers
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Factors to Consider Before Buying an 80% Lower
Buying an AR-15 80% lower is not like buying a Picatinny rail. It looks simple initially, but a lot of considerations open up as you move forward with your build. Letโs see what these are:
This Section Written By:
Ankit Kumar
Expert Author
Ankit Kumar is an engineer turned writer who specializes in topics related to firearms, gun safety and weapon tech. His passion towards enrolling in the Army drifted his interest towards light and heavy firearms. Heโs a qualified competitive air rifle shooter and an avid nature lover. His other areas of expertise include survival, prepping and firearms/ammo storage. When heโs not writing, heโs either learning a new skill, trekking or enjoying a long drive.
Polymer or Metal Lower
Those times have long gone when metal was the only available material for building lower receivers. With the advent of technology, now you can find 80% of receivers being made from high-grade polymers.
While polymer has its advantages. Like being lightweight, cheaper, and easier to customize. Metal receivers perform better on the grounds of durability and rugged use. The material you choose will depend upon your budget, extent of use, and the tools you have for customization.
While metal has always been the first choice. Polymers arenโt far behind. Especially when you consider the fact that a lower receiver doesnโt handle too much pressure.
James Madison Tactical AR-15 80% Polymer Gen 2
Coated or Raw Aluminum
Even seen those silver-colored 80% receivers. Those are plain aluminum with no coating of anodization or paint. The benefit is that when you drill holes and cut corners, and coat the receiver afterward. No raw metal part remains exposed.
On the other hand, a pre-coated receiver will expose aluminum. Requiring further coating procedures for protection.
Getting a Serial Number
An 80% receiver is legally not considered a firearm. You can machine it to build your AR-15 for individual use. The completed doesnโt require a serial number too (except in California). But itโs always better to engrave a serial number on your build. In case the firearm gets lost or stolen.
Legal States
The laws regarding guns and gun safety are constantly changing. As of now, buying an 80% lower is legal in all states except California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Washington. This is quite obvious if we look at the history of gun laws and regulations in these states.
Tools Youโll Need
Talking about the latest models available today. You only need a vise, router, and a drill press/handheld drill. The best one on the market is the AR-15 Jig Set โข from 80 percent of arms.
Review of the Best AR-15 80% Lower Receivers
Letโs look at a few of the top models that meet our criteria for a quality piece you can build your own rifle around.
Best Overall:
Brownells AR-15 80% Lower Receiver
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This 80% lower receiver received a lot of praise from most users. They managed to install this easily without issue within a few minutes. Most of them were either using this for an upgrade or as an add-on to a building project. One user said it even accepts most lower receiver parts.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is made from a tough type of aluminum known at 7075 T-6 aluminum. It can take a lot of hits and does have the potential to last longer than any lower receiver on the market. On top of that, it works well with most upper receivers. So if youโre looking for something that might be close to universal, youโd be hard-pressed to find something quite like this.
This is a good 80% lower receiver branded for the renowned dealer, Brownells. This lower has been machined from 7075-T6 forged aluminum and comes equipped with a takedown lug pocket.
The broached magazine well helps in changing mags conveniently upon completion of this receiver. The receiver is compatible with a wide range of jigs so you donโt need to buy a new jig if you already have one.
The receiver is multi-cal and will fit any standard AR-15 Upper Receiver. It is available in hard-coat anodized and non-anodized variants so you may choose the one you like.
This version made from billet aluminum is fairly priced and bears the reputation of a renowned brand.
Who Will Use This Most
This will likely be put to good use by most AR-15 users who are looking for an upgrade from a default lower or as an addition to a rifle building project. Either way, this is a must-have accessory for all the right reasons. If you need an 80% lower receiver that will comply with state and federal laws, this could be what you need.
Bottom Line
Brownells' AR-15 80% Lower is hands-down one of the best factory replacement lowers you can find for an AR-15. Just add this on in a matter of minutes and youโll be good to go for your next application.
Best for the Money:
James Madison Tactical AR-15 80% Polymer Gen 2
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, a lot of new users were satisfied with this lower receiver. Most were owners of the .223 caliber version. They were able to fit this on a lot of the upper receivers with ease without having to make any alterations to the rifle itself. One user said he was able to add some drop-in parts to the lower and it operated like a well-oiled machine once everything was said and done.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This 80 percent lower is exclusive to those who use .223 caliber rounds for their AR-15 rifles. One of the things that stands out is that itโs made from high-quality polymer. In other words, itโs pretty durable. It can handle being thrown around, kicked around, or scuffing up. It wonโt scratch and it surely wonโt break easily. So if you want a lower receiver that will be hard to damage, youโd be insane to pass up the opportunity to give this a closer look.
Manufactured from high-grade polymer, this Gen 2 80% lower receiver from James Madison Tactical is easy to customize and install. This receiver is fairly priced as a polymer lower.
Machined to perfectly fit all AR-15 parts, the receiver features pre-machined areas such as buffer tube threads, the bolt release cavity, and the rear pivot pin. The receiver includes a trigger guard, as well.
Compared to other polymer lowers, this is extremely durable and in some cases comparable with an aluminum receiver. This is a multi-cal lower receiver, fit for most uppers of the AR-15 platform.
Just be sure to customize it properly, as the manufacturer doesnโt accept returns after any changes to the product!
Who Will Use This Most
This lower will be great for AR-15 owners that shoot .223 rounds. If youโre a hunter or a target shooter that is looking for an upgrade, you can start by upgrading the lower receiver. This little unit just might fit the bill if youโre doing a full-on upgrade of your rifle.
Bottom Line
The James Madison Tactical AR-15 80% Polymer Lower Receiver might be exactly what you need if you want something that is high in quality and can handle all kinds of lower receiver parts. If you want a lower receiver that will allow for superior functionality, this might be your cup of coffee.
3. Polymer80 AR-15 80% Polymer Lower Receiver and Jig Kit
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers were happy with the durability of this lower receiver. They managed to fire off as many as 1000 rounds before checking on it again. Sure enough, it could handle its own after so many gunshots. Aside from that, most users were able to fit it on many upper receivers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Polymer proves itself to be one of the best materials you can use for a lower receiver, other than aluminum. It can take beatings and can hold its own after so many heavy-duty uses. On top of that, itโs also able to handle many lower parts that consist of the lower half of an AR-15 rifle. So if you need some drop-in parts, this 80 percent lower, in particular, can accommodate them.
Polymer80 offers this polymer 80% lower receiver as the best value for the money. The package includes an unfinished lower receiver along with a jig kit, which makes customization a breeze.
The jig kit also includes the necessary end mill bits and other components, so you donโt have to gather tools and resources.
Available in black, flat dark earth, and gray colors, this model offers multiple options to help you with the aesthetics of your rifle. Itโs compatible with .223 REM and 5.56 NATO ammunition.
Who Will Use This Most
This will likely be used by those who are building out an AR-15 for the first time. If youโre not familiar with the process, it will take some time to figure things out. But if you need a lower to start with so you can add on the last 20 percent later, this 80 percent lower could be exactly what youโre looking for.
Bottom Line
The Polymer80 AR-15 80% Polymer Lower is a good start for those building out an AR-15 from scratch. Even if theyโve never done it before, this lower is the easiest to install. So if you want an add-on that will be the closest thing to a drop-in, this will be of good use.
4. Matrix Arms AR-15 80% Lower Receiver Forged
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers were quite happy with the lower receiver. They said this allowed for easier upgrading for most rifles. Some others were also able to use this 80 percent lower to add onto rifles they were building from scratch. They had no complaints about the fit and finish, nor did they complain about the installation of other lower receiver parts that go along with the lower itself.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This 80 percent lower is durable and can handle a great deal of damage if you somehow end up banging it around. It is also one of those lower receivers that will work with just about any lower receiver parts kit you choose. So, if you have a surplus of parts to make it work, this lower receiver will make the installation process a lot easier.
This 80% lower receiver has been machined from 7075-T6 forged aluminum and gives the user a chance to machine out the interior pocket themselves.
All the exterior machining has already been done and the user only needs to machine the hammer and trigger pocket for completion.
This receiver supports the 5.56 NATO cartridge and is compatible with all standard AR-15 uppers. Itโs available in hard-coat anodized black and non-anodized variants.
The receiver is black in color and looks aesthetically pleasing. It also features a takedown lug pocket, which allows the user to take on an advanced AR build.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be excellent for users who are building an AR-15 rifle from scratch. So, if you need some parts to make the project a great success, an 80 percent lower will be one of the things youโll need. Donโt forget, this also works with a variety of lower parts kits. If you know of any parts you need, be sure the kit you choose has them.
Bottom Line
The Matrix Arms AR-15 80% Lower is probably your best choice for a lower receiver if you plan on building a rifle from the ground up. At the same time, youโll be able to build an AR-15 that will be legally compliant and a ton of fun to use once youโre finished.
5. Anderson Manufacturing AR-15 80% Lower Receiver
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers had nothing but good things to say about the lower receiver. They said they were able to drill the holes without any issues with oversizing or over-drilling. This lower receiver was easy to install, only taking as little as five minutes. One user said he used drop-in parts for his lower receiver and they worked like a charm without any jamming or reliability issues.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This 80 percent receiver stands out as one of the best for a .223 caliber AR-15. Plus, it comes unfinished, so you may want to stain it to however you want to ensure that it looks perfect with your rifle. This might also be lower that could mesh well with AR-15 rifles that are all part of a building project.
Anderson Manufacturing creates this unfinished lower receiver machined from forged 7075-T6 aluminum for improved durability and performance. The receiver is incredibly low on price respective to its quality.
Operations left to be completed include the fire control group milling, trigger and hammer pins, and the safety selector hole. The receiver is multi-cal when finished and offers extensive customization options to the user.
This receiver has been designed to mil-spec standards and is made in the U.S.A., so you can be sure of the quality. A jig is not included in the package so youโll have to buy or arrange for it separately.
Some users have complaints with the Anderson Jig, so you might consider looking elsewhere or do some research before buying.
This receiver is perfect to create a rifle for tactical uses and target practice.
Who Will Use This Most
This can be used mostly by builders. If youโre looking for a simple add-on to your AR-15 rifle, this lower will do you some good. First and foremost, youโll need to add on a finish that will fit your style and preference. Be sure you choose a finish that will make your rifle stand out.
Bottom Line
The Anderson Manufacturing AR-15 80% Lower is the one kind of lower youโll want as part of your rifle building project. By the time you install this, youโll have the makings of an AR-15 that can be a force to be reckoned with, either on the range or out in the field.
What is an 80% Lower Receiver?
An 80% lower receiver is nothing but a simple milled or forged piece of metal which looks like an AR-15 lower receiver but without the fire control group cavity. In simpler terms, it is an unfinished AR-15 lower receiver which requires the user to do some milling and drilling in order to make it functional.
The part where the trigger assembly is installed is solid and the user must drill and machine this part to convert it into a stripped lower receiver.
Legally, a lower receiver is considered to be a firearm itself and hence, is required to bear a serial number. That is because a lower receiver houses the fire control group and connects all the basic functioning parts of a rifle.
Due to its unfinished design, this type of device is not considered a firearm by the ATF. This means that it does not require a serial number for sale and purchase. A rifle made with such a receiver can be owned and used in the state, county, or city you reside in without any serial number, at least under federal law.
On the other hand, the ATF does recommend users of such self-made AR-15 rifles engrave some serial number and info on such receivers. This helps in case such firearms are lost or stolen. (Weโll try to stay apolitical for the purposes of our article here).
It is important to note here that an 80% lower receiver is not considered a firearm if used only for personal use. If you finish this receiver for a weapon to be sold or lawfully transferred in the future, it must bear a serial number in accordance with 27 CFR 478.92 regulations. You should also always check with your local firearm laws and regulations beforehand.
Legal Requirements for Registration
Legally, an 80% lower receiver does not have to be registered or have a serial number. They can be sold to anyone with or without an FFL. A person who buys one can machine and drill it to make a complete lower receiver and hence, make a complete AR-15 rifle.
Such weapons are not required to have a serial number under federal law. Be sure to be aware of your own stateโs laws (looking at you, Californians!).
However, the user can neither transfer nor sell this firearm. If the user intends to sell or transfer such an AR-15 he/she has to get their weapon registered and serialized.
Photo credit: imgur.comThe laws about sale and transfer are somewhat confusing. Thatโs because you can gift such a weapon to someone if you manufactured it for your own use. On the contrary, if you manufactured such a weapon with the intent of gifting it, you must be sure it's serialized.
The catch here is how somebody (from the law) is going to prove your intention. Confusing, isnโt it?
None of this is legal advice. Weโre only presenting our own understanding of the law. Local laws can vary, as well.
How Much Work is Involved to Install an 80% Lower?
Frankly speaking, 80% lowers are specifically for serious DIYers. If you love machining and are ready to put in some skills and effort, you ought to invest in one so you can have real satisfaction knowing the extent you went to in building your rifle.
Converting this piece of metal into the receiver you want can be done using a variety of different methods and tools. There are a ton of videos out there on the internet to help you out with this.
You can finish this project easily and economically if you have a manual end mill or a drill press. If you have a precision jig, this process will get easier. You can find a good precision jig online at many stores.
If you are working with aluminum lowers, the process will be a bit time-consuming and difficult compared to working with polymers. The reason is obviously the difference in the hardness of these materials.
The time and effort to complete a task like this depends upon the tools you use (manual or automatic) and your skills.
How to Install an 80% Lower
Installing an 80% lower on your AR-15 is affordable and fun, but requires a good bit of work, so carefully follow the steps below and reference our video for assistance:
- Start with the magazine catch. Use a lower vise block to hold it in place. Locate your magazine release spring, place it into the hole, and cover it with the magazine release button, serrated side up. Press in and flip your receiver over and start threading. Be sure the catch wonโt scrape against the receiver.
- Move on to the trigger guard assembly. Find the longer roll pin and trigger guard and depress the pin closest to the magazine well. Now, slip it in, ensuring everything is lined up, and use either a hammer or your fingers.
- Gather your bolt catch assembly parts and place the spring on the plunger and drop it in the hole above your magazine latch. Depress the catch, using a hammer if need be.
- Moving back to the trigger guard, attach the springs. Place the wide side down onto the trigger so the spring stays in position while you place the disconnector on the spring. Press down and youโll see the trigger hole. Youโll place this assembly onto the receiver and put a pin through this hole.
- Place your assembly so the trigger will go through the receiverโs oval bottom. Match everything up so you can see the pinhole.
- Check the hammer and spring placement. Once the trigger pin is halfway through, cock the hammer down to ease the pressure. A brass punch may make this step easier.
Important: Do not dry fire! Youโll damage the lower receiver if you do. - Cock the hammer and insert the safety selector. Set the position to โfireโ and place the safety detent into the hole opposite the safety indicator. Place the safety detent spring in the hole of the grip. Match the spring to the safety selector hole, ensuring it is still in โfireโ position and screw in the grip.
- Install your rear takedown pin, placing the detent in back of your receiver and insert the detent spring.
- Place the buffer retainer and spring into the hole and screw in the castle nut.
- Put the end plate into the correct orientation and screw in the buffer tube, stopping before the tube reaches the retainer.
- Match the end plate with the receiver, screw in the last castle nut, and place the detent spring in first, followed by the detent, and lastly, by the pivot pin.
- Insert the buffer spring and slide on the stock. Pull your adjustment tab and move the stock inwards. Youโre done!
Conclusion
An 80% lower receiver lacks the fire control group cavity which has to be drilled and machined in order to make it operational. These allow users to customize their AR-15 the way they want. Factors such as material, finish, brand, and aesthetics should be considered before buying.
