An 80% by definition isn't a pistol or a rifle - if it was it would be required to go through an FFL. An 80% is a paper weight.

The only issue I see is how do you register your pistol after it's finished? I'm sure there's some dumbass who needs to enter the manufacturer and model number of the pistol into a database ... and there's not going to be a freeform entry spot for "home made".

IIRC they have to go through a single shot stage? Or why did I buy that single shot follower again?

Group buys will require permission to run here.

The bitch isn't in the cost of the 80% lower but in the tools. The lower's cost $80-$120 bucks give-or-take but the tools can run $1000-$2000 or more.

I bought a mini-mill, and all the tooling in November of last year. It's a hundred pounds of stuff.



Made some rifles.





But since then the 80% Arms jig has come out where I really think you can finish a lower using nothing more than the jig, a small hand-held router, and some bits. Maybe $200-$250 total investment and lots of guys might already have a router or just borrow/rent one. It might take 30-40 minutes per rifle to clear out the firecontrol pocket and another 5-10 minutes for the side holes with a drill.

The best thing would be to group buy the EZ-jig for $160, a Harbor Freight router for $40, and have each guy get the kit for a week, finishing off as many lowers as they want before forwarding it on to the next guy. Start with firm commitments ... each guy pitching in the $20-$40 or so to buy the jig and router. Someone independent would take all the names, put them in the hat, and create a list with a schedule. Trades of times would be allowed between kit people like in a timeshare notifying the schedule creator. Each person would take evidence pictures to prove that they didn't damage the jig or received the jig already damaged. 80% lowers sells replacement parts. Each guy would buy their own bits or just donate their used ones to the kit as it traveled around. At the end of the list that same person who created the list would draw a name out of a hat again for who "wins" the jig and router and gets to keep them. If anyone substantially blows the schedule they lose their chance to win the jig keeping people more honest. Figure a ten day schedule with three days in shipping and seven days a chippin'.



80% lowers EZ-jig

One more un-common tool to throw into the kit would be an edge de-burr tool.

Another thought -  Limit the list to 2-6 people so the jig doesn't get too beat up by the last guy - getting the side holes done is a bit of wear on the jig unless you buy transfer punches.

$10 at Harbor Freight.

I'll have you know I'm a married man!

Those shops were quietly closed down just as I was ready to make a run. Shops received letters telling them they were no long in the CNC machine rental business.