An 80% lower receiver is an unfinished AR receiver — it isn’t yet a functioning firearm because the fire-control pocket and trigger/hammer/safety holes aren’t machined. You finish it yourself to complete a custom build. Whether you know them as 80% lowers, 80 percent lowers, or unfinished receivers, this is where we keep the full lineup. Daytona Tactical stocks 80% lowers for both AR-15 and AR-10/.308 (DPMS-pattern) builds, in forged and billet aluminum and polymer, with finishes from raw to black anodized and Cerakote colors — as single receivers or money-saving bulk packs. Use the filters to sort by platform, material, and finish.

80% Lower Receivers

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Choosing an 80% Lower Receiver

The right 80% lower comes down to your platform, the material you want to machine, and the finish. Here's how to decide.

AR-15 vs. AR-10 / .308

Match the lower to your build: AR-15 for 5.56/.223 and the many AR-15 calibers, or AR-10/.308 for large-frame .308 builds. Our .308 lowers are DPMS-pattern — pair them with DPMS-style uppers and parts. AR-15 and AR-10 receivers are not interchangeable.

Forged vs. billet vs. polymer

Forged aluminum is the strongest and closest to a production receiver. Billet aluminum is CNC-machined and allows more distinctive styling and features. Polymer is the lightest and easiest (and cheapest) to finish with basic tools — a forgiving first build. Choose based on your tooling and how much strength vs. ease you want.

Finishes and options

Receivers come in raw/mill, black anodized, and Cerakote colors (including FDE). Some options add an integral trigger guard; bulk 5-packs lower the per-unit cost; and blemished units offer a discount for cosmetic-only flaws. Check each product page for specifics.

Finishing your lower

An 80% lower still needs the fire-control pocket and pin holes machined. You'll need a jig matched to the receiver (and the right drill/mill tooling). See our 80% lowers with jig kits if you want the lower and jig together, or standalone jigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an 80% lower receiver?

An 80% lower is an unfinished receiver — roughly 80% complete. The fire-control cavity and the trigger, hammer, and safety-selector holes are not machined, so it is not yet a functioning firearm. You complete the remaining machining yourself to finish it into a working lower.

Do you need an FFL to buy an 80% lower?

At the federal level, an individual unfinished lower sold on its own — not bundled as a kit with a jig and the parts needed to readily complete it — is generally not treated as a firearm and ships without an FFL transfer. Following the 2025 U.S. Supreme Court decision Bondi v. VanDerStok, certain readily-completable kits can be regulated as firearms. The rules turn on these details and continue to evolve, so confirm the current federal requirement and how a specific product ships before ordering. This is general information, not legal advice.

Are 80% lowers legal in my state?

Federal and state law are separate, and state law on unfinished receivers and self-built firearms varies widely and has been changing. Check the current law in your own state before purchasing. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Forged, billet, or polymer — which should I choose?

Forged is strongest and most production-like; billet allows more styling and machined features; polymer is lightest, cheapest, and easiest to finish with basic tools (a common first build). Match it to your tooling and goals.

What do I need to finish an 80% lower?

A jig matched to the receiver, plus drilling/milling tools (a drill press or router with the correct bits). After finishing, add a lower parts kit and the rest of your build. The jig is reusable for additional lowers of the same pattern.