There’s been some interest in 80% lowers and the process of finishing one. I have not completed one myself although I have seen the final product and talked to the machinist that did the work. If he chooses he can comment below this post on his experience.
The product I am familiar with came from 80-Lower.com. They sell an assortment of finishes as well as different designs and jigs which to use to complete the lower. Milling machine, drill presses, routers, and even hand drills can be used though hand drills are not recommended by most.
Below are two video’s from a different vendor – 80PercentArms.com. The top video is an instructional video direct from 80PercentArms.com. The demonstration is actually done using a hand drill I am assuming to convey how easy it is.
The bottom video is from someone who has completed the process and you get to hear of his experience with the process.
I will tell you that it is NOT cheaper to complete an 80% versus buying a normal serialized lower. Those willing to spend the extra money are doing so for specific reasons that make it well worth it to them.
Video 1
Video 2
For more information on the lowers that I have experiance with visit – – > https://www.80-lower.com
When I can get them for $55-65 out the door, it’s not really worth it unless one wants a “ghost gun”. Maybe a year or so ago there was a guy locally arrested for completing & selling 80% lowers in the ‘patriot community’, they popped him for not having a manufacturers license. My understanding is that you can’t pay someone to complete it and once you make it, it’s yours for life.
jh – the whole ghost gun thing is what is motivating the industry and people.
Right BATF says you can’t do it for sale and must do the work for yourself.. I don’t think it could be proved if a group got together and parted out the work .. or helped in the shop etc.. I do not recall it saying the finished lower can’t be gifted or bartered for.. I personally would not ask as I don’t want the to be remedial and close the hole personally..
Lowers are not serialized. It was suggested that a set or harbor freight punches be bought and “serialize it” yourself…. Part of the thinking was that if you are traveling .. even if it is a legit lower from BATF standards.. and LEO will not know it.. no serial could = confiscated…
so as JH said .. “ghost” = no form 4473 in an FFL license holders possession.
If the ATF or other 3 letter org requests all for 4473’s they must provide them .. If the FFL holder business terminates.. they must ship them to ATF right ?
It’s just as easy to buy aftermarket, complete…. no official records to prove the transaction.
If you buy from an individual yes.. states like TN have no background check requirement for private sales and therefore no form 4473. (other states like CA and NY are more restrictive). CA for example require private sales to go through a licensed dealer.
Buying a gun retail whether brick and mortar or online requires the sale be from a licensed FFL holder and a record of sale and background check.. RE:form 4473. ([18 U.S.C. 923(g); 27 CFR 478.124]) as in my other post.. 4473’s are subject to request by ATF.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_4473
What I find disquieting is the ATF now has an electronic (e4473) to reduce paperwork. What they SAY is that the information does not live int eh system longer than 24 hours unless you are denied the sale then it’s around longer in case you attempt purchase elsewhere. An individual can believe whatever they choose .. but I am skeptical at best .
I’ve been in IT for 30 years and 24 hours is plenty of time to scrape server logs, and when asked ok .. what do you do at the end of 24 hours ? What kind of delete ? (it makes a difference believe it or not), you get blank stairs… It says it is not in their system over 24 hours .. it says nothing about whether the send it elsewhere or HOW it is disposed of. Maybe I am less trusting than I shoudl be .. In law there is no such thing as a trivial statement, or such thing as innocence by omission. IMO.
I’ll also say depending on election outcome . when they make “assault rifles Illegal”, and their definition of assault rifle is laughable, it will be ever more important to be able to do something like this and have the capability on hand .. also IMO.
Sam might be said of reloading of “military calibers”… or powder sales.. Once you cross the line it’s nibbled to death by ducks.. no single bite is fatal.. collectively they are catastrophic..
It is cheaper to BUY .. no question.. unless you do a big bunch of em ..
I’ll fall on the side of keeping both my tin foil hat and as much privacy as I can manage..
Thanks fro making me go back through the research .. and I am sincere when I say it .. It helps to refresh my mind and find new stuff
Goingray58… I am also in IT and have no doubt that the information is being stored somewhere. If Hillary wins, I am sure we will find out just how much information they have.
I have decided that the 2nd Amendment is safe. However, it’s the definition of “A well regulated militia” that I feel will be decided by a liberal SCOTUS.
I believe they will define it as a well trained. civilian army that will be heavily regulated and monitored.
Yes, TN is far more lenient than most states regarding private sales. I do like the “Ghost Gun” idea though. You can never have too much OPSEC.
Jim Rogers that on the opsec. I wish I could share your enthusiasm for the life of the Second Amendment I’m afraid that I don’t but we’ll see you could be right. I personally hope that I am wrong I’ll actually be very happy to be quite incorrect