A Guide to Completing an 80% AR-15 Lower Receiver and Building an AR-15 at Home

A Guide to Completing an 80% AR-15 Lower Receiver and Building an AR-15 at Home

Introduction: Building your AR-15 from scratch can be a rewarding experience for gun enthusiasts and those looking to customize their firearms. In this blog, we will guide you through completing an 80% AR-15 lower receiver and provide tips on efficiently assembling an AR-15 at home.

Part 1: Completing an 80% AR-15 Lower Receiver

1. Understanding the 80% Lower Receiver:

• The ATF does not consider an 80% lower receiver a firearm until it is fully machined.
• It requires some machining and drilling to complete, but it allows you to legally build your gun.

1. Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Milling machine or drill press
• Drill bits and end mills
• Vise and clamps
• Safety glasses and gloves
• Measuring tools (calipers, rulers, etc.)

1. Step-by-Step Process:

• Read and understand the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Securely mount the 80% lower receiver in a vise.
• Use a milling machine or drill press to remove excess material following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Drill necessary holes for the trigger assembly, safety selector, and other components.
• Use a finishing end mill to complete the trigger pocket and other areas requiring additional machining.
• Thoroughly clean and inspect the finished lower receiver.

Part 2: Building an AR-15 at Home

1. Gather the Required Components:

• AR-15 upper receiver
• Barrel
• Bolt carrier group
• Charging handle
• Handguard
• Gas system (if applicable)
• Lower parts kit
• Buffer tube assembly
• Stock or brace
• Sights or optics

1. Organize and Prepare:

• Lay out all the components and ensure you have everything needed.
• Clean and inspect each part for any defects or damage.
• Use appropriate lubrication on moving parts.

1. Assembly Process:

• Attach the lower receiver to the upper receiver using the takedown pins.
• Install the bolt carrier group, charging handle, and handguard.
• Install the barrel, gas system, and muzzle device (if applicable).
• Install the lower parts kit, ensuring proper function of the trigger, safety selector, and magazine release.
• Attach the buffer tube assembly and stock or brace.
• Install sights or optics and ensure they are correctly zeroed.

Tips for Efficient Building:

1. Plan Ahead:

• Familiarize yourself with the instructions and process before starting.
• Create a checklist of all required components and tools to avoid unnecessary delays.

1. Take Your Time:

• Building an AR-15 requires precision and attention to detail.
• Rushing may lead to mistakes that could affect the functionality and safety of the firearm.

1. Seek Assistance When Needed:

• Contact online communities, forums, or local gun stores for guidance and advice.
• Feel free to ask for help if you encounter any difficulties.

Conclusion: Completing an 80% AR-15 lower receiver and building an AR-15 at home is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. By following the step-by-step process, utilizing the right tools, and taking your time, you can successfully assemble a custom AR-15 that suits your needs and preferences. Remember to prioritize safety throughout the process and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your firearm.

This is not an FFL Item because 80% Stripped Lower Receivers not fully Machined and needs Machining to complete lower receiver.

WARNING: The links to products in this post may contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov