AR-15, 80% lowers

whats up guys, im thinking about buying some 80 percent lowers, the only thing is where do I take them once i have them? Does anyone know someone down in Socal that does the milling?

 

You can buy the jig and mill them yourself.

 

I thought they come with the jig.

 

Gotta do it yourself. It's technically illegal to have someone else do it. They used to have "Milling Parties" before cops cracked down on them.

 

Legally you have to.

 

Yeah makes sense.

The whole idea behind the 80% lowers is homemade/built.

 

yea just milled mine today, takes awhile but not too bad

 

If you don't do it yourself, then the person doing it must be a licensed manufacturer and must put a serial number on it. The whole point of 80% lowers is that you are technically doing the final steps that turn it from just a chunk of metal into a firearm, and as long as it is only for your own personal use, you don't have to be licensed, place a serial number on it, or keep any records of its manufacture.

 

First off, it's a Federal crime to have someone else mill it without doing the paperwork and being licensed, etc.

Secondly, stay away from polymer lowers!!!

 

Also be aware that as of January, 2017, California law considers an 80% lower to already be a firearm, and you will be required to apply for a serial number from the state which must be added to the receiver.

 

Ethan, do your research for 80% lowers. From your post, it sounds like you don't really know what you're getting into. A small slip-up could land you in jail for something very trivial. First thing is nobody can legally machine an 80% lower for you. You have to machine it yourself. Secondly and just as important, once they are machined, you cannot sell, giveaway, trade, or otherwise transfer the machined lower to anyone. It's basically yours until death. You can't even will them to your next of kin when you die. One more thing specific to CA is that beginning in 2018, all machined 80% lowers will need a serial number but still do not need to be registered. Stupid law and I forget the bill no., but it's a law that will affect you in this state in about 14 months nonetheless. There's a lot more to it of course, but you have some leg work to do if you take on the project. I'd recommend it because it will teach you a lot about your firearm and the pride in doing things yourself.

Lastly, it's not hard to machine them yourselves with a little patience and the right tools. Plenty of YouTube videos out there for all the vendors that make and sell jigs or 80% lowers.

Good luck.

 

I believe that law doesn't take effect until 01/18. It was passed along with the other set of laws that take effect this coming January, but that is the only one that doesn't start until 01/18.

 

Which boils my blood. What's to keep that hunk of metal from becoming an airsoft gun, replica firearm, desktop paper weight, etc?! We're not far from background checks for all metal purchases.

I'm so glad they make all gang members & felons jump through all these same hoops before they go commit their crimes :sarcasm:

The machine shops are out there, Ive had 'friends' do it & continue to, but I dont think this site will provide that info especially with the new laws in place.

 

My understanding is that the law goes into effect in 2017, but you have a grace period to apply for the serial number, as it applies retroactively to guns already made. I could be wrong, but that's what I've read.

 

I'm a little surprised we're not there already, and not just for metal, but for any machine tools as well.

 

Also, your location says you're on a Marine Corp base... if you're active duty you *really* need to be careful, you're held to a higher standard than us common folk. But roll your duty career into law enforcement & then you can buy all sorts of fun stuff.... then change your mind a month later & sell it to us

 

damn you guys are awesome, thanks for all the info. I think im going to just buy the jig and do it myself. Does anyone have any input on good brands for jigs?

 

Check your local laws. I do know for sure that you must mill you own lower and can't sell it. I serial numbered all of my lowers with a CNC milling machine at my buddy's shop. They look factory legit.

 

So building an 80% is ok for now. But what about hard anodizing? Once i do all the machining, can i send it to someone or take it to a shop to have it anodized hot pink?

I tried to post the new 2017 CA laws regarding the EVIL AR rifle. The mod had a hissy fit and deleted my posts cause stating a law is too controversial. #TWsnowflakes

 

Youre going to jail.