AR15 Build from 80% lower

[rm9792]

Everybody mentioning the cost of the tools forgets that those tools have other uses. Unless it is specialized for only lowers then the cost can be amortized across many other projects. Never hurts to have a mill (until you move)...

[PriestTheRunner]

Everybody mentioning the cost of the tools forgets that those tools have other uses. Unless it is specialized for only lowers then the cost can be amortized across many other projects. Never hurts to have a mill (until you move)...

This is a good point, and a great reason to get a mill as opposed to a jig (only). Mills are dang useful.

[ScottDLS]

Everybody mentioning the cost of the tools forgets that those tools have other uses. Unless it is specialized for only lowers then the cost can be amortized across many other projects. Never hurts to have a mill (until you move)...

Great point. My other project that I need to do as I amass the tools for the AR15 builds, is to make a solid workbench where I can mount the vise grips and tools.

[Hack Job]

Everybody mentioning the cost of the tools forgets that those tools have other uses. Unless it is specialized for only lowers then the cost can be amortized across many other projects. Never hurts to have a mill (until you move)...

This is a good point, and a great reason to get a mill as opposed to a jig (only). Mills are dang useful.

I don't have access to a mill and definitely not the budget for a decent setup. By using a solid jig, a good router with new end mills and taking my time I'm pleased with results of the lowers I've finished. There are a few minor tool marks on the first one, but the rest don't look any different to factory.
I did find that 6061 lowers are a little easier to work with than 7075, although if you have a mill that probably doesn't matter much. And have a good shop vac.

[priusron]

My jig and router setup has been used for at least 80% lowers. All my girls now have an unserialized lower. My brother and nephews also have one. My wife has an AR9 that shoots awesome. I have another AR9 lower for me that is yet to have an upper attached. There may be a few others floating around. I also have some additional paperweights just waiting in the wings in case they are ever needed. There is something to be said for having the ability to complete a lower in a campground someplace away from nosey neighbors (yes I did that in rural Nevada).

[tbrown]

When lowers go up in price, so will 80% lowers.

It seems to me that 80% lowers have never been a bargain. Yeah they’re affordable, but at no point have I ever seen one priced lower than a factory finished one. In my opinion, they’re priced high because hobbyists will pay to indulge their hobby, and some people (like me) would like to have an entirely off the books AR. You pay extra for those things....that, and the economies of manufacturing scale.

It depends where you shop, that's for sure.

[XinTX]

If you have a workspace where the shavings aren't an issue, go with aluminum. If you're just going to make it in the garage, go polymer. Those aluminum shavings are like glitter and go EVERYWHERE. And some people in the home get a little upset when you track metal shavings into the house.

Other thing a poly unit does. No need to finish it. And adding something like some Cerakote to the cost makes it less of an advantage from a cost perspective.

I'd definitely say do it. I did one just so I can say I had. It's a fun little project.

[n5wmk]

I did one just so I can say I had. It's a fun little project.

That's why I just bought an 80% lower from 5D Tactical. I have my own mill (Bridgeport clone), and I just want to build one to say that I can. Yes, paid a little more for the 80% than I did for a complete lower from Palmetto State. But with the local FFL transfer fee, the cost for both pretty much match.

I've got the tooling already for the mill, so didn't need to buy the jigs.