A lower and upper set is the matched foundation of an AR-15 build: a forged 7075-T6 80% lower receiver paired with a matching upper, machined to mil-spec tolerances and finished to match. The lower ships as an 80% (unfinished) receiver, so you finish it yourself and build out from there — the set doesn’t include a barrel, bolt carrier group, parts kit, or stock.

Both pieces are standard AR-15 spec, so they work with the components you choose. Sets come in black hardcoat anodized, a mill finish, and a range of Cerakote colors — use the filters to sort by finish and color.

AR-15 Lower and Upper Sets

Filter

Choosing an AR-15 Lower and Upper Set

Buying the lower and upper together keeps the finish matched and the cost down versus sourcing them separately. Here's what to weigh.

What's in the set

Each set is two pieces: an 80% lower receiver (unfinished) and a matching upper receiver. That's the foundation — you supply the rest of the build (barrel, bolt carrier group, charging handle, lower parts kit, handguard, and stock). The lower is an 80% receiver, so you'll finish it before assembly.

Specs and build quality

Both receivers are 7075-T6 aluminum, machined to mil-spec tolerances, with M4 feed ramps for reliable feeding. Black sets get a hardcoat anodized finish; color sets are Cerakote. Standard AR-15 dimensions mean broad compatibility with mil-spec components.

Finish options

Sets come in black (hardcoat anodized), a mill finish, and Cerakote colors — Flat Dark Earth (FDE), OD Green, Tungsten Grey, Burnt Bronze, Pink, Zombie Green, Purple, Titanium Blue, and Tiffany Blue. The lower and upper are finished together, so the color matches across both pieces. Confirm the exact finish on each product page.

Building it out

Pair your set with an AR-15 upper build assembly for the barrel and internals, a lower parts kit, and an 80% lower jig kit to finish the lower. Or browse the AR-15 rifle build kits to start from a fuller kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in an AR-15 lower and upper set?

Two pieces: an 80% (unfinished) lower receiver and a matching upper receiver, both 7075-T6 aluminum. It does not include a barrel, bolt carrier group, charging handle, lower parts kit, handguard, or stock — those complete the build.

Are these 80% lowers serialized?

No. An 80% lower is an unfinished receiver, so it isn't serialized — that's the defining feature of an 80% lower. It is not yet a firearm. If you finish it into a working rifle, check current federal and state requirements on marking and serialization for a personally made firearm first.

What are M4 feed ramps?

M4 feed ramps are extended ramps cut into the receiver and barrel extension that help rounds feed reliably, especially in carbines and during rapid fire. These uppers have M4 feed ramps; pair them with an M4-ramped barrel extension for the full benefit.

What parts do I need to finish the build?

Starting from the set, you'll add a barrel, gas system, bolt carrier group, charging handle, handguard, lower parts kit (trigger, hammer, safety, pins, grip), and a buffer tube with stock or brace — all in standard AR-15 spec.

Do you need an FFL to buy a lower and upper set?

The set's lower is an individual 80% (unfinished) receiver and the upper is not a regulated part. At the federal level, an individual unfinished lower sold on its own — not 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. State laws on unfinished receivers vary, so confirm the current rules where you live and how a specific set ships before ordering. This page is general information, not legal advice.