MAJOR Update! 01/23/19

REMOVED numerous broken/dead links!

Also, remember that the term "80%" lower isn't a legal term. BATF doesn't even recognize that language. It's a term the industry invented. Pretty much MOST of the so called "80%" lowers will have the same amount of machine work done. The main difference you will encounter is some have the rear lug pocket machined and some don't. ALWAYS verify its what you are looking for BEFORE making a purchase! If a company CLAIMS their receiver is "95%". Keep in mind they CAN'T do anymore Machine work than other vendors!

Before ordering any lower, VERIFY the information I have listed is CURRENT & CORRECT!

I keep finding changes in the info.

If you find any errors, please post the issue in this thread.

If you are an AR15.com Industry Partner selling 80% lowers, Please post your information. THANKS!

CAVEAT EMPTOR!!!!

STANDARD Magwell Lowers (.223/5.56, 6.8, .22 L.R., etc)

80% Arms
Material: 7075-T6 or 6061-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Billet
Rear Lug Cut: No
Finish: Anodized Type III or Bare Aluminum
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments:

80 Percent Lowers
Material: Aluminum
Construction: Unknown
Rear Lug Cut: Unknown
Finish: Bare
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments:

American Spirit Arms
Material: 7075 Aluminum
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Bare or Anodized ($15.00 Extra)
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments: They claim it's a "95%" Lower, it's an 80%.

American Tactical Parts
Material: 7075 Aluminum
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: Unknown
Finish: Anodized
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments:

American Weapons Components
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Forged or Billet
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Anodized or Raw
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: Unknown
Comments:

Anderson Arms
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Type III Anodized
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: NO
Comments: Grip screw hole is tapped for a 3/4 long screw instead of the 1” Industry standard

AR-15 Kits.com
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: Unknown
Finish: Bare or Anodized
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: Yes
Comments:

AR-15 Lowers.com
Material: 7075-T6
Construction: Forged or Billet
Rear Lug Cut: No
Finish: Raw, or Painted
BATF Approval Letter: No
Comments:

AR Only.com
Material: 7075
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: No
Finish: Anodized
BATF Approval Letter: No
Comments:

Badger State Ordnance
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Billet
Rear Lug Cut: Unknown
Finish: Raw or Anodized
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments:

Billet Rifle Systems
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Billet
Rear Lug Cut: Unknown
Finish: Paint
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments: Drilled and Tapped for the Rear Takedown spring Retention modification, Threaded Bolt Catch Screw

Blitzkrieg Tactical
Material: 6061 Aluminum
Construction: Billet
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish:
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments:

Broken Armory
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Billet
Rear Lug Cut: No
Finish: Type III Anodized or Bare
BATF Approval Letter: No
Comments:

Coats Carbine
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Billet
Rear Lug Cut: No
Finish: Hard Anodized
BATF Approval Letter: No
Comments:

Daytona Tactical
Material: 7075-T6
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Bare or Anodized
BATF Approval Letter: No
Comments:

DS Arms - INDUSTRY PARTNER
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Raw
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments:

EP Armory
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Anodized
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments:

Federal Armament
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: No
Finish: Type III Anodized
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments:

Ghost Guns
Material: 7075 Aluminum
Construction: Billet
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Type III Anodized
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments:

Ground Zero Precision
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: Unknown
Finish: Anodized
BATF Approval Letter Supplied:
Comments:

Guns 80
Material: Polymer
Construction:
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish:
BATF Approval Letter Supplied:
Comments:

Hell Fire Armory
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Billet
Rear Lug Cut: Unknown
Finish: Raw
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments:

Iconic Industries
Material: Unknown
Construction: Billet
Rear Lug Cut: Unknowny
Finish: Hard Anodized
BATF Approval Letter: No
Comments: Worth a look! Not your "Run of the Mill" 80% Billet Lower

James Madison Tactical
Material: Plastic
Construction:
Rear Lug Cut: No
Finish: As Cast Plastic in 3 colors
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: Yes
Comments:

J L Billet
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Billet
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Either raw or "Hard Black"
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments: Ambi Bolt Release and other features, worth a look!

Juggernaut Tactical
Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Billet
Rear Lug Cut: No
Finish: Type III Anodizing
BATF Approval Letter Supplied:
Comments: Marked with their logo (yuck!)

KE Arms INDUSTRY PARTNER
Material: 7075 Aluminum
Construction: Forging or Billet
Rear Lug Cut: No
Finish: Anodized or Bare
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: Yes
Comments:

M1 Machining
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Billet
Rear Lug Cut: No
Finish: Raw or Type III Anodized
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments:

M-16 Parts.com
Material: Unknown
Construction: Unknown
Rear Lug Cut: It APPEARS to be
Finish: Raw or Anodized
BATF Approval Letter: No
Comments: BEFORE ORDERING, I'd check out this THREAD

Milzap
Material: 7075-T6
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: Unknown
Finish: Anodized
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments: Has a FUGLY "Logo" marked on it, has as many markings as a lower requiring an FFL

Moriarti Armaments
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: No
Finish: Anodized
BATF Approval Letter: No
Comments:

New Frontier Armory
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Billet
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Bead Blasted
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments: Drilled and Tapped for the Rear Takedown spring Retention modification, adjustable tension screw for removing "slop" between the upper and lower receivers, threaded bolt catch

Quentin Defense
Material: Unknown
Construction: Billet Aluminum
Rear Lug Cut: No
Finish: Raw
BATF Approval Letter: No
Comments: They offer an “80%” that has an Ambidextrous Bolt Release, Threaded Bolt Catch Pin

Right To Bear Arms - INDUSTRY PARTNER
Material: 7075-T6
Construction:Forged
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Raw
BATF Approval Letter: No
Comments: Pictogram markings, wider flare cut in mag well

Tactical Machining  
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Forging
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Raw
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: Yes
Comments:

Tactical Shit
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Forging or Billet
Rear Lug Cut: Unknown
Finish: Raw or Anodized
BATF Approval Letter Supplied:
Comments: Also offers 9mm 80% lowers

The Flat Spot (Weldable Steel Receiver)
Material: Mild Steel
Construction: Welded, Brazed (super glue FAIL )
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Ships bare. User applies color case hardening, bluing, browning, parkerizing, tool dip, or various paints
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No.
Comments:

Thunder Tactical
Material: 7075-T6
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: Unknown
Finish: Raw or Anodized
BATF Approval Letter: Unknown
Comments:

TR-Enabling
Material: 6061
Construction: Billet Aluminum
Rear Lug Cut: No
Finish: Raw
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Comments: NICE Flared Magwell

Vytamen C Tactical
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Construction: Forged or Billet
Rear Lug Cut: Unknown
Finish: Type III Anodized
BATF Approval Letter: No
Comments:

I think the price on these is too volatile to list, clinking on the link will quickly let you know that info.

Anyone have ideas for other information....

Do you want to have a separate entry per lower type at a vendor? For instance, ARES has multiple versions (no relation to them).

And, do you want to include everybody, or just those Industry partners w/ ARFCOM, or some indicator that it's an industry partner? How about crowdfunded vendors?

I like the idea of a consolidated list; I'm lazy and don't like to shop. But, recent dealings with a chamber of commerce makes me ask about the Industry partner flag. They were espousing "inclusion" but only advertising those who were chamber members (non-gun related).

I think what we will do is consolidate them on the first post. I think we need to list EVERYONE we can find EXCEPT Banned Vendors.

Hmm, I guess I wasn't clear. Having them all in the first post is a great idea. I'll be happy to clean out my posts so that they're not confusing, too. But, what I meant was, do you want to have a separate entry for each of the Ares parts. Such as:

Ares - 80 Percent AR-10 DPMS .308 Raw
info
info
info

Ares - 80 Percent AR-10 DPMS .308 Anodized
info
info
info

Ares - 80% AR15 Anodized Lower Receiver
info
info
info

----------

Or, do you want them consolidated under one group?

Yes, I'm probably over-thinking this.

No, I'm looking for input, I think your way of listing them is fine.

What I would due is list ones that have minor differences such as finish as...Raw, Anodized, Cerakote on the same line.

Thoughts?

I'm not sure about other sites, but Ares has changed some of there 80% lowers in the last year or so, most notibly going from 6061 to 7075 on their forgings, and they also used to sell the JL Billet, but no longer.  And I would imagine some other sellers have product changes regularly also.  Is this going to be updated regularly?

Steel AR flats
Material: mild steel
Construction: welded, brazed (super glue FAIL )
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Ships bare.  User applies color case hardening, bluing, browning, parkerizing, tool dip, or various paints
BATFE Tech Branch non-firearm determination letter:  No.
Comments: $25 per/$6 shipping as of 7 AUG 2014.  Heavy.  Strong.  Not CMP legal w/out replacement of trigger guard.



ETA:  Now $28 + shipping.  And the DPMS style AR-10 lowers are out of stock:  http://www.theflatspot.net/308-receiver-flat-dpms-style-like-ar-10.html

I think it will HAVE to be a "living" document.

Looks GOOD!

EP Armory 80% polymer lower
Material: Kevlar reinforced two-color plastic
Construction: mill out 2nd color biscuit, drill holes through integral side jig nubbins
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Plastic color.  User can paint.
BATFE Tech Branch non-firearm determination letter:  No. (oops!  )
Comments: Discontinued.  Manufacturer claimed no jigs needed.  Blems and others may require jigs due to misplaced nubbins.  May be illegal unserialized Title 1 firearm even in NIB configuration.

Nice work! I like the comments column.  That's a good place to add the type of forging if known.

KT-15-B - The Franken-Stone AR Bolt-together
Material: Aluminum
Construction: Bolted
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Bare
BATFE Tech Branch non-firearm determination letter: Yes
Comments: $250 as of 8 AUG 2014



ETA:  KT Ordnance is closing.  This lower has been discontinued.

Custom Built Arms http://cbarms.com/80.html

Just finishing up a 308 build with one of their lowers. They are completing lowers for one of the rockethub campaigns, and I believe they bought them out. The 10/22 receivers are the best out there for 80%. I like them better than the razors receivers.

AR15Brick
Material: 7075-T6
Construction: Forged
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Anodized Type III or Bare Aluminum
Comments: takedown spring hole threaded

http://www.jtactical.com/

dont know how to make it "hot" link

my 80% lower and comp are from them...  

here are the  specs

• MIL-SPEC Type III hard coat anodized in black, flat dark earth, special camo finish (or raw)
• T6 Heat-Treated 6061 Billet Aluminum
• Completed weight: 8 ounces
• Integral winter trigger-guard for added strength
• Flared magwell to improve mag changes.
• Laser engraved JTAC logo
• Broached magwell
• Threaded bolt catch

Good point, I will make changes.

Everyone, please keep in mind

This is not "my" thread! This is for all of us.  PLEASE suggest any changes you think need to be here.

If there is ever a group buy for the CNC Guns 416 80% lowers, add me in.

http://www.cncguns.com/projects/ar15lower.html

aaack...double tap





 

Have you ever built one?  It looks very interesting.  And cheap, so when I screw it up I won't be out too much.





 

There's a couple of threads out there:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/648352_I_welded_together_a_steel_receiver_from_theflatspot_net__Update_6_11_Paint_Job_on_page_3.html

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/647105_Steel_AR_flats_from_the_Flat_Spot.html

I had mine almost all together w/ super glue, and then it came apart, and I've not had the time or interest yet to pick it back up again.

Polymer 80
Polymer 80 G150
Material: Polycarbonate
Construction: Injection Molded
Rear Lug Cut: Yes
Finish: Unfinished Black, available pre-finished.
BATF Approval Letter Supplied: No
Current cost: $95
Comments:
-Supposedly the core is molded first then, the rest of the lower
is molded around it.
-Lower includes, jig, completion kit. (includes necessary bits and end mill.)
-Molding sprue marks were quite apparent on mine on one side.
-Surface is very smooth. (Fixed with a light media blasting, also eliminated sprue marks)
-Screws included for jig were wrong size: #6FHST.    Used #4 instead.
-Weight when completed 3.1oz.
-G150 is Gen2 of this lower.  (Beefed up receiver extension boss, reinforced magwell.)

Cheers.

Here's one I finished recently.  Used Silver brazing rod to weld the pieces together.   Works perfectly but a bit heavier than an AL one.  Weighs 1 lb 5 oz. stripped.

Bump

If anyone was thinking about buying the Sub MOA lower but was scared away by the thread about the mislocated takedown detent hole, I can report that the lower I just received from them has the hole properly located.

I bought the pre-anodized one and first thing I did when it arrived was put in a takedown pin and detent to check it out and the pin is flush with the inside of the pocket when pushed out. Maybe the bad one was a fluke (or maybe mine is). It looks pretty nice, has all the holes it should.

Haven't started milling yet, wish me luck.

Any one know who makes an 80% 7075 T6 forged lower with an integrated trigger guard?

I've never ordered from them, but 223targets.com list them here

some more here, here, and here.

Could have missed it but is anyone using Brokenarms lowers?

Ive got one shipping with there jig. Looked like a good setup.

I am building a ( Clone ) Property of the US Government, Colt M4A1 lower using KE Arms 80% lower.

Found anyone willing to put that rollmark on it yet?

They do it all the time in the Retro forum.  Mark the actual manufacturer around the trigger hole.

Bump for all the recent 80%'er new threads.

Bump

Being asked yet again, so I'm bumping with a request for experiences with specific lowers.

I'll start:
Coats Carbine - I completed 2 of their anodized billet lowers as basic M4 configs, one 556 the other dedicated 22lr.  Bothh turned out great, worked well with bot the Ares and the TM jigs.  No issues what so ever.   There are slight tooling marked visible through the anodizing, but not bad and you kinda have to be looking for them.

Ares - I did 2 raw billets with no issues.  Same tooling marks as the Coats, but much more prevelant. Not prefect, but still very nice.

Anderson - I've only done one of their forged 80's but it turned out great.  Only issue with them if you even want to call it that was the hole for the bolt catch needs drilled in addition to the "stsndard" 80% stuff.  Not an issue in reality, if you can mill & drill the entire FCG, you can manage one lil hole that is practically self-located.  

Keep an eye out for deals, TM, Anderson, Ares and many others have had their 80%'ers under $50 many times.  With winter coming, I'm sure chips will be flying!

I have 3 from HLF Manufacturing. Every one of them went together perfectly.

Stay far away from Advanced Rifles!! First time buying 80% was from them. I tried one of theirs and the front takedown pin was off location (too low) and would not allow the upper to close. I tried to contact them many many times for weeks with no response.

Several updates.

I saw the Broken Arms Jig Video and liked it, I also liked the 80 percent and the Modulus. I opted for the Modulus. Its a top down design.. I also bought there 80% forged lower. I'm happy with my decision.
Now I have to do some milling. I did mock it up on the lower in all necessary positions first to get comfortable with it. I did put some blue masking tape where needed so I wouldn't mar the finish on the lower.
I'll post a pic.

http://s42.photobucket.com/user/patrickwayne57/media/lowerinjig_zps2b43e104.jpg.html?filters[user]=142004503&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=0

A little info to add.  Tactical Machining offers an anodized option as well.  Also, both of the 80's I got from Coats had the rear lug milled out.

I'd like to see that, can you post a pic and the website?

Best I can do from a treestand.  



A few minutes later from another point of view.

Tacticalmachining.com has lowers on sale for anodized for 54 add an upper for 29. 3 uppers to choose from. You Will Not beat this deal. I have 4 more sets on order

80% Arms has told me they are doing a BF deal, but not sure what yet.

Modulus Arms is also doing a BF deal.  most likely adding a stripped upper to any jig order, but they are not sure yet either.

i will be buying a Modulus jig as soon as their BF sales hit.

Ya know for the cost of a jig, drill press.and router, you could have an entry level mini mill. If you ever want to do more than just 80%'ers you'll have a lot more options.  Spring for a little more and BRD will be the least of your worries.

FWIW, I have a couple of jigs.

Yes black rifle disease is very serious. I just put my 7th rifle together on a tactical machining upper and lower it came out perfect.

Btt

Not that I don't agree it's a far better way to go, but the investment is quite a bit more.

One can get a small drill press for under $100 and a jig for about the same, routers (or a cross slide table) can be had for under $50.  

I don't think you can find the HF/Sieg mini-mills for under $550 +tax/shipping (new, anyway).

Having said that, the speed with which you can complete the lower and the finish you'll get with even those cheap mini mills are vastly superior to what can be accomplished with ordinary garage tools like the drill press and router.  However, should one decide to go with the mini mill, there are a couple of essential accessories for turning out decent work.

-Ditch the drill chuck they come with.  The HF/Sieg/Grizzly mini mill has an R8 spindle taper, and you should absolutely use collets for milling.  A small collet set in 1/16 increments runs as little as $60.

-Either a good clamping block set or (most likely your best option) a decent machine vise; 4" is a good size for these mini mills.

I had one of these little machines for years before I got my Lagun FTV-2 (still have it for smaller secondary operations), and with a 4" tilt-swivel vise and DRO's, you can do quite a bit.  They will never be able to make chips and hold tolerances the way a quality full size mill does, but if you're patient and your projects smaller, they are very useful.   Add a tilt/swivel vise, a rotary table and a small indexer, the possibilities become almost endless.