How To Complete An 80% Lower Receiver
Completing an 80% lower receiver takes time. This labor can be heavily supplemented with the help of a jig. All it takes is a bit of know how, the right tools, and patience. And, today, our article is bringing you all the know how you need.
Here are the steps to follow in order to complete your 80% lower receiver.
The Right Tools
Having the right tools and bits is the most important factor in completing an 80% lower receiver. Better instruments produce a better quality finish. Here is a list of everything you will need to complete your 80% lower receiver:
- 80% Lower Jig (click here to view our complete list of jig kits)
- Drill press and vise
- Dremel ¼” grinding head
- ⅜” End Mill
- Drill bits 5/16”, ⅜”, 5/32”
Assemble the jig first by connecting plates A and B. Install the VA-C top plates, keeping in mind the location of the jig and the position of the trigger.
The top plate C is marked 1-¼” deep. Set the drill press accordingly, as this is the profile you will be using to make your cuts.
Web Removal
Using a ⅜” end mill, create a flat bottom, making sure to get out all of the “webbing” produced by the first assembly. This should open the pocket and complete that 1-¼” depth needed to complete the 80% lower receiver.
VA-D Drilling
Complete the same actions with the VA-D top plate, using a ⅜” drill bit and a ⅜” end mill. Be mindful of the webbing, and use the end mill to open the pocket to the correct depth.
Trigger Slot
Switch to the 5/16” drill. Drill carefully through the fire control group at the specified hole. Watch for “drill walk” and use a file or the ¼ grinding head Dremel to create a nice finish.
Side Plates A & B
This step is pretty straightforward, but requires more technical skill to produce the best outcome. Instead of drilling all the way through on one side, make your drill holes partially on either side.
This reduces the chance of drill walk.
Complete but Not Finished
Now that you have assembled your 80% lower receiver, use the Dremel to create a nice finish. Once that is done, you have finished your 80% lower.
Here at Thunder Tactical, we are dedicated to providing the best service possible to give you the tools you need to create your dream firearm. Visit us today to get the best quality parts and kits!
How to Customize Your AR-15
The AR-15 is one of the most popular firearms of its age. The controversy around it, the simplicity of its build, and its modular design all put this rifle squarely at the top of its game. Speaking of modular, the AR-15 is highly customizable. Custom colors, designs, and attachments make your AR unique to you and your needs.
But customization does not only affect your AR15 cosmetically. Choosing to go beyond factory parts can provide your firearm with better accuracy, recoil, and function.
Choosing to go beyond factory parts can provide your AR with better accuracy, recoil, and function. Here are some awesome parts you can put on your custom AR-15 to get more from your purchase.
Barrels
Barrels are a critical part of your AR build. With a custom barrel, you can decide what caliber ammo you prefer, as well as the amount of twist. This will greatly affect the degree of accuracy on your AR.
Check out our barrels here.
Handguards
Choosing the best-fit handguards for you is crucial to improving the function of your custom AR-15. A further forward grip provides better recoil control and accuracy.
Click here to see our wide variety of hand-guards for your custom AR15.
Stocks
To improve the fit of your AR, purchase an adjustable stock. This also makes it easier to store, since these can be completely removed.
Check out our awesome stocks here.
80% Lower Receivers
Going the AR complete route is all fine and dandy, but choosing to build your AR at home gives you the chance to maximize its function. Building a custom AR15 also carries the fulfillment of building your own AR-15.
Look here to see our complete list of 80% lower receivers.
Magazines
Magazines are an important part of your custom AR-15 build. Since most cycling problems are caused by magazines, making sure you have the best one possible is important to
Check out our line of custom Magpuls here.
A custom AR is set apart from complete models, not just because of its unique aesthetic but its function, as well. Purchasing or building a custom AR can mean long-lasting and dependable results, in addition to being
Visit Thunder Tactical today to get great parts for great prices!
New Jersey’s Shocking New Gun Law
Under a new law, NYPD off-duty officers may not travel throughout the state of New Jersey with high-capacity firearm magazines.
Many New Jersey residents with excess magazines qualify as de facto felons under the new law, including police officers.
An internal Police memo, issued this week, advised New York City officers of the new law. Passing through with a magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds, off the clock, is violatiing this law.
The law, which limits the magazine size allowed for most gun owners traveling through the state, passed through court earlier this month. Legislation is still pending to amend the statute, allowing officers to carry large-capacity magazines in all instances, according to the document.
“While on duty or traveling to or from an authorized place of duty,” on-duty officers may carry large-capacity magazines. This same allowance, however, does not extend to off-duty law enforcement personnel, as outlined in the memo.
It seems New Jersey officials are even going as far as plans to outlaw distributing information about firearms. The ban also
U.S. District Court hearing scheduled on January 15 in Austin, Texas.
Seeking to ban the distribution of information relating to guns can be considered a direct violation of the First Amendment, Commerce Clause, and Supremacy Clause. New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal argued that posting this information online is as dangerous as handing out hard copies on a street corner.
Tools for Finishing an 80% Lower Receiver
The AR industry has skyrocketed over the course of the past decade. Building and buying ARs has become the norm for firearm enthusiasts, no matter their level of ability.
The reason for this AR boom is the AR 80 lower parts kit. But how do you go about putting one of these invaluable kits together?
What Is an 80% Lower?
The term 80% lower refers to any AR lower receiver that is left only 80% completed. If this part, which contains the control fire group, is left unfinished like this, it is not legally considered a firearm. In reality, it is just a block of metal.
Since it is not legally classified as a firearm, the 80% lower can be delivered directly to the buyer with no regulations whatsoever. Essentially, what this means is that anyone could buy
However, this also means the buyer must have the tools to complete the lower receiver of their AR. Here are the recommended tools to complete an AR 80% lower.
What Kind of Tools?
There are a lot of ways to complete your 80% lower. With all of them though, it is important to factor in patience and careful planning.
All of these tools are dependant on their availability. Some may take a little more precision, and others may take more skill. Here is a list of the most commonly-used tools to complete
Drill Press
The Drill Press is designed to make cuts with precision. It is very useful because it has depth settings, making cutting holes accurately much easier.
A drill press vise will ensure no drill walk occurs, reducing the margin of error greatly.
Hand Drill
Hand drilling is the most economical approach to completing an 80 lower parts kit. A fair amount of dexterity is required to use a hand drill. Drill walk and loss of control are more likely to occur when there are no harnesses or grips.
80 Lower Jigs
This is definitely the most recommended tool to have in your possession. The AR 80 lower jig includes guides on how to properly complete your receiver.
Check out our jig kits here!
Finish it
Completing an AR can be rewarding and fun. When done properly and with the right tools, there is nothing to worry about. Now that you know the tools you need, check out our awesome 80 lower parts kits at Thunder Tactical!
