Quality Check | How to Know if Your 80 Lower is High Quality
If you have decided that you want to build your very own AR 15, you are one step closer to exercising your 2nd Amendment Rights. However, We at Thunder Tactical would not want you to get into the game without knowing the rules.We stand by our product, selling the most high quality parts for our customers. In light of this, we feel that it is necessary to discuss what makes an AR 80 Lower high quality and what makes it low. Here is a Quality guide on how to know the quality of your 80 Lower.
America’s Gun
The AR 15 since the 60s has been known by most as America’s gun. That is because, with its rich history, its military counterpart, the M16, has been coined as one of the most reliably made American arms to date.
For this fact, American manufacturers tend to take a lot of pride in their 80 lower builds. To ensure quality, make sure you are buying from an American manufacturer. This way, you will know that your parts have been made, with its rich history involved.
Thunder Tactical’s parts are all made in the US and made with the customer in mind. We use milspec 7075 Forged aluminum and the highest quality billet aluminum, all made on American soil.
Reliability
The 80 lower you are buying cannot be considered reliable if you cannot be guaranteed 100% quality. Finding a reliable company to buy from can be tricky at times, but once you have found it, you are sure to never be let down.
If you reading this are still having trouble looking for a great company who offers a 100% guarantee on our product, look no further.
Thunder Tactical is an all American company that prides itself in preserving the rights of the people, enabling them to purchase and build firearms without fear of prosecution. Visit our website to get helpful guides and our shop with the highest quality parts and kits!
80 Lower Guide | When Are Serial Numbers Necessary
80 lower builds gained popularity in the firearm world primarily because they were a way to get rifles and pistols without the need for registration. Buyers can order them online and complete their 80 lowers with many different tiers of tools. But for those who have just come into the 80 lower build scene, understanding why and when an 80 lower does not need a serial can be a fuzzy area. So here we are to clear up some of the fog about serial number’s and other regulations in relation to 80 lowers.
ATF and NFA
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is the federal power that regulates firearms. According to ATF, the part of the rifle which controls shooting, or the fire control group, must be under 80% complete to not be considered a firearm. This gives birth to the name 80% lower, as the fire control group is in the lower receiver of the AR-15.
If the receiver is under 80% complete, then it cannot be under regulation under the ATF, meaning no serial numbers are required.
However, some states, like California and New Jersey have tried to crack down on 80% lowers. The Dept. of Justice of California has issued AB 857, a law that forces legal gun owners to register any lawfully unserialized firearm with a state issued serial number.
The best way to be sure about whether your rights are protected in the state you are in, is to research and take actions with a legal attorney.
The National Firearms Act prevents unserialized firearms from containing destructive or explosive ammo. If the firearm is fully automatic, the firearm must also be serialized.
Exchanging
Purchasing an 80 lower is all fine and good if you intend to keep it. However, if you plan to sell your 80 lower built firearm to someone else, you could be in violation of the law. 80 lowers are strictly prohibited from being bought with intent to sell. In a court, it is usually harder to justify selling or exchanging these firearms.
However, if you do wish to sell your rifle, or any rifle for that matter, do so with an attorney, and make sure it is registered. Any firearm that is made to sell must be registered according to the law.
Hopefully this gave some insight into the nature of serialization and registration in relation to 80 lower firearms. We at Thunder Tactical understand the importance of protecting individual rights.
We are dedicated to providing our customers, and all who fight fight to preserve their rights, with parts, guides, and information to help them in all their endeavors. And what trouble is there if you’re having fun doing it? Visit our website for more information, and premium store for the best parts around!
How Far We Have Come | AR 15 History
The AR has come a long way since its conception in the late 1950’s. In these more modern times, the AR has made a name for itself as sparking one of the most controversial topics around gun rights. Many misconceptions have made these civilian rifles a topic for disdain, but we are here to shed some truth on the history of the AR 15.
Early Years
The AR in AR 15 stands for ArmaLite. That is the company that created the rifle. In 1959, the rights to the AR 15 were sold to Colt who modified it into the military variant called the M16. When it was adopted by the military, the rifle was successful in many ways, so Colt decided to start new development on the same rifle for civilian use. This became the modern AR 15.
AR-15 VS M-16
In external appearance the AR -15 and the M16 are almost identical. However, the inner mechanisms, like the fire control group are milled and set up differently. The AR-15 is only set to go between safety and semi automatic modes while the M16 uses interchangeable parts that allow it to be made into a fully auto and semi auto firearm.
America’s Most Famous
For reasons of customization, easy milling, reliability, adaptability, the AR-15 has become America’s favorite firearm. The ability to personally modify the AR caliber, barrel length and optics make it highly sought after by civilians and professional sports shooters alike.
Needless to say, a culture has formed around the AR-15. The AR history has perpetuated its growth from its high military reliability as the M16 variant, to its civilian counterpart, boasting immense personalization in its modular design.
Here at Thunder Tactical we are dedicated to carrying on the legacy of the AR by selling our 80% lower receivers at great prices to anyone with an inkling for their individual rights. Come by our shop today or visit our blog where post helpful information and guides to expand our customer’s knowledge and passion for the AR.
Make AR history today at Thunder Tactical
3 Things to Consider When Completing an 80% AR Lower Receiver
AR building has come a long way. There are many different strategies to complete an 80 AR lower receiver. For beginners, knowing the right tools to use, what materials are best, and the plan to complete makes all the difference. Here are 3 very important things to consider when completing an AR 80 Receiver.
The Right Tools
A jig and a jig kit are the most necessary tools to complete an AR 80 receiver. They help with holding the receiver in place, and display the exact points to drill in order to create the control fire group. Many tools can be used to complete it from hand drills to CNC machines. Make sure you have the correct bits for your receiver.
Types of Material
There are two types of materials that AR 80 receivers can be made from. Different materials affect build strategy and longevity so it is very important to know what you want and why. AR’s are made in aluminum and polymer. Aluminum ARs can come billet, forged, or cast. Here are the specs on each type of lower.
Billet – These are the most common and middle tier receivers. A billet lower has a moderate difficulty on build time and are not overly expensive. It is also very easy to find a reliable manufacturer .
Forged – Forged lowers are the most high-end receivers out there. They are mil-spec, meaning these are “military grade” receivers. They are relatively more difficult to complete, requiring much more technical skill, and are heavier. They do provide a more unique with a more rustic tone. Manufacturers of forged lowers are also very reliable.
Cast – Choosing cast is not the most popular option, due to the process of casting itself. If the mold can produce air holes, they can form into pressure cracks that damage the integrity of the rifle. It is also important to say that cast lowers are not always bad, but the reliability of the manufacturers is far and few between.
Polymer – These are the easiest to complete because of the softness of the material. However, its softness also means that it is not the best AR 80 receiver to buy and keep as a long term investment.
Plan Ahead
AR 80 receiver completion is typically done in phases. This helps keep parts, bits, and tasks organized. The 3 basic phases are milling, installation, and assembly. Keep every tool, bit, and part organized to ensure a smooth build.
Visit our article on how to build an AR 80 lower as well!
Building an AR is a fun experience, and here at Thunder Tactical, we can make that experience great one! Visit our website today to see the best jig kits, parts, and accessories to build and customize the perfect AR!
Fixed or Folding Rifle Sights: A Comparison
As the AR world continues to evolve, stone age specs like the standard iron sight have become relatively extinct. New innovations have given way to more technologically advanced rifle sights. Even with more advanced optics though, having a back-up iron sight can make all the difference.
Back Up Iron Sights
Back up Iron Sights (BUIS) are a great way to ensure you always have a sight on your AR. If a bit redundant, BUIS provides a helping hand, as more tech-advanced sights require batteries or are less durable.
Iron Sights can be made in steel or aluminum. Steel is more durable and long-lasting, but adds extra weight. Aluminum does not have as much durability, but is much lighter than steel.
Polymer is also a viable option. However, finding a reliable polymer rifle sight is more difficult than its metal counterpart.
Height Differences Matter
The height of your sights matter. There are two different height types for rifle sights.
Same-Plane- The front and rear sights on a Same-Plane sight are the same height. That means on whichever rail the sight is placed, the front sight must be at the same height.
Gas Block- The front sight is about 1/4″ higher than the rear sight. However, these are only meant for circumstances where the gas block is lower than the upper receiver.
Fixed or Folding Sight?
The choice between a fixed or folding sight makes all the difference. Here are the main reasons people choose either fixed or folding rifle sights.
Fixed Sights- Fixed sights are generally more solid depending on the material. They are designed for primary use, and do not fold in any way. This also means that you don’t need to worry about the sight moving. Just Set it and forget it.
Folding Sights- These sights are meant as secondary assets. If a primary rifle sight runs out of battery, or another sight is in use, then this folding sight can be positioned up or down.
They do lack in durability, simply because more moving parts yield higher margin of error. the hinge may become loose with time, creating less accurate shots.
Fixed sights are usually more dependable in the long run, but folding sights provide an extra asset. The general rule of thumb is that Fixed sights are for primary use, and folding sights are for secondary use.
Now that you know what to look for when purchasing new optics, Visit Thunder Tactical to get the best quality rifle sights!
