What is an 80 lower? Many gun enthusiasts are familiar with the term 80% lower, but amateurs are left clueless. An 80% lower is not legally considered a firearm by the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms), unlike the stripped upper receiver.
If you are reading this, you probably want more information about an 80 lower and the reasons it is not considered a firearm compared to the serialized stripped upper receiver. Matrix Arms has compiled a detailed guide describing an 80% lower and everything associated with it.
What is an 80% Lower?
An 80% lower is a receiver blank that is not ready for any parts kits, making it impossible to fire. Any unfinished 80% lower cannot accept a trigger or parts kit, making it non-functional.
Once you complete your 80% lower, you can install a parts kit transforming the blank into a complete firearm that can fire on command.
Characteristics of an 80% Lower and a Stripped Lower
A stripped lower is the only part considered a firearm by the government, as it can function with a trigger and parts kit installed. The 80% lower cannot function unless cut and drilled, turning it into a stripped lower.
An 80% lower can come with the following features:
Bolt catch
Pistol grip hole
Magazine well
Magazine release
Buffer detent hole
Trigger guard pinholes
Upper receiver rear lug pocket
Front and rear takedown holes
Buffer tube threads and housing
Are 80% Lower Receivers Legal?
If you are asking yourself what an 80 lower is, you are probably looking to find out if they are legal or not. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) does not classify the 80% lower as firearms since they have not reached the manufacturing stage that meets the definition of a receiver or firearm frame. As a result, the ATF does not have a specific ruling on the legality of the 80% lower. The 80% lower can be deemed legal by the ATF if configured correctly; this will also be different according to state and city laws.
Why are they silver in color?
Most 80% lowers are sold to consumers as raw aluminum, explaining why they are silver in color. More so, the few 80% lowers that come coated from the manufacturer will reveal the silver aluminum underneath once you make your cuts and drills. Nonetheless, you can coat your 80 lower in any color you like once you have completed the assembly.
Benefits of an 80% Lower
Some of the benefits involved with using an 80% lower are:
Customizable: It has not gone to paint yet, so once you have machined your 80 lower, you can paint it any color you like.
There are no extra fees to complete your build, just the parts you purchase
Understanding how your rifle or pistol functions can help you improve its performance.
It is patriotic and very supportive of gun rights.
How Easy is Finishing an 80% Lower?
Although completing an 80% lower takes much longer than buying a functioning firearm, there have been technological innovations to make it easier. This can take 30 minutes to an hour.
Where Can I Buy an 80% Lower?
At the start of the article, you might have wondered, “what is an 80 lower?” We have given you all the information you might need regarding an 80% lower, equipping you with what you require to complete your own 80% lower.
Contact us at Matrix Arms for any questions about 80% lower or firearm-related questions, and visit our shop to get state-of-the-art firearms.
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