The 80 Percent Lower Jig Buyer’s Guide

An 80 percent lower jig is essential for finishing a 80 percent build. A key step in finishing lowers such as these is to remove any remaining material. To do this, you will need an 80 percent lower Jig. We’ll also discuss how they are used and what tools you’ll likely require to complete a build. We’ll also be looking at five great jigs that can be used to complete common 80 percent builds. Photo from wikipedia. Jigs are tools that control movement of parts and/or other bits of tooling. It can hold something in position, such as a vise, or guide a tool to perform a specific action. However, jigs are 80 percent lower than the ones we use. It holds a part in place so that the hole can be drilled in a correct location. Some jigs can be used with a router with an ending mill bit, but most are suitable for use with a hand drill and/or drill press. This is partly why the process can be so accessible even to casual home builders with rudimentary setups. The ATF has changed their definition of a “readily complete” kit to make it no different from a fully manufactured lower. This change requires serialization and a background search. Although it appears that this may be true, the ATF stated that they could rule on kits that include tooling or a receiver blank on an individual basis. Although they haven’t stated that tooling used in the completion of receiver blanks will require a background or serialization check, they did say that they could “consider any associated templates. What does this mean? It means that a kit that includes tools and jigs with a clearly identifiable receiver is considered a receiver and not a blank. Serialization and background checks are required. The tools and jigs are not considered receiver components. They can be purchased separately. However, the ATF allows you to purchase jigs or tooling separately depending on the lower receiver blank that you plan to complete. You will need to verify the build list. While English/Imperial is a good choice, some kits may require metric. A Dremel tool with attachments for polishing is a good idea. Also, a few basic files like a rat file or a half-mill bastard are useful. A set of digital scales is recommended. Some jigs can be used with an end-mill bit router. A router may be an option. This makes the milling process a lot more precise than if you use a drill or drill presses. It will be faster, safer, easier, and cleaner. It is a good idea to get a drill press if you don’t have one. If you find a lower-end model that suits your needs, it’s worth the cost of a drill press. Photo: AR15.com.Glock/poly-striker pistol frames typically only require the jig and a few drill bits. They may be included or not. These are the easiest builds and the most affordable. Additional tools will be required to fit parts. What you need will depend on the receiver/blank that you choose and what jig jig you purchase to complete it. The AR-15 Lower Receiver Jig from Broken Armory is a high quality drilling jig designed for AR-15 lowers. The drilling jig design allows for the swapping of AR-15 top plates with their 308 top plates if desired. All plates are marked with the correct size drill bit and you get drilling depth charts. All you need to supply is the drill bits and a drill press.MSRP: $179 // BrokenArmory.comPolymer80 Build KitsPolymer80 is the company that started it all when it comes to 80 percent pistol kits, and they’ve found a way to stay alive despite the ATF’s ruling. Although it is not yet available, the company plans on offering what is basically the same build kit but with serialized frames. The entire kit will need to be transferred through an FFL as a complete firearm. However, it will still include all parts and jigs. The kit includes the frame, the Polymer80 Jig, drill bits and frame rails, as well as instructions on how to build it. You will need to supply the lower parts and a drill. It would be a good idea to have a vise. It might not be, but the frames of the company are still very good. MSRP: TBD //Polymer80.com80% Arms Universal Drill Press AR-15 Jig 80 Percent. The jig from the Universal Drill Press 80-Lower is simple and affordable. All you need is a drill press and some bits to complete an AR-15 lower at 80 percent. It is made from anodized aluminum with movable top and side plates that act as drilling guides. It is only compatible with mil-spec AR-15 lows. This means that it will not work with ambi builds, AR-9, and.308 builds. This model is not recommended for beginners. You will need to research the drill bits and cuts. The universal model is very affordable, but the company also offers the Easy Jig for beginners at a much higher price.MSRP: $99.99 // 80PercentArms.comStealth Arms 1911 Phantom JigThe Stealth Arms 1911 Phantom Jig is a drilling and cutting jig, which gives you the template for drilling the hammer and sear pin holes, cutting the frame rails and cutting the barrel seat. Two carbide cutters are included in the kit, one to cut the frame rails and the other to cut the barrel seat. A vise and a drill press are not necessary. An 80 percent 1911 frame is recommended. This jig can be used to cut an aluminum frame. Steel usually requires multiple cutters for every operation. The best practice is to use an aluminum frame cut for a ramped barrel and to use a ramped barrel on the build.MSRP: $174 // StealthArms.netModulus Arms Universal 80 Percent Lower Router Jig ExtremeThis universal kit works with any AR-related lower, including AR-15, AR-9/45, DPMS-308 and AR-10 style 80 percent lowers. This kit is designed to be used with an AR-9/45, AR-9/45, DPMS-308 and AR-10 style 80 percent lowers. It features a unique one-piece guide pin design that prevents the end mill from touching it. Side plates are also included. You will need a router, a Router JIG Extreme Speed mill to match your router’s make and model, and the appropriate drill bits. You might also need a full-size router plates depending on your router. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. This is a great option for long-range shooting. Enter your email address below.