80% AR-15 Lower Billets: Where to get them?

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TheSaint

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I have a little bit of metal work behind me and am considering building my own AR-15 lower for the first time from an 80% billet that you can find online from any number of sites.

I'm looking at these:

https://www.vbd.com/noc/shop/products_detail.asp?CategoryID=29&ProductID=122

http://quentin-laser.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=188

http://billet80.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=66

Also, for a jig I was looking at this:

http://billet80.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=52

This jig is made out of aluminum. Perhaps one of you metal working vets could chip in, but wouldn't you want one made out of steel so that you don't accidentally grind it away when you move your drill bit in, out or around? I've never used a jig like this before. Thoughts?

In short:

- What sources have you guys used before in the past to get your 80% lowers? Turn around time? Quality versus price? Bulk discounting? Customer service? Fit and finish?

If you could comment on the above links if you've used them, or you know of another place you've purchased jigs or lowers from, please share it with us newbies! Much obliged in advance. :)
 
Not to spoil or rain on parades, but I wonder how many of these actually ever get turned into a functioning receiver. Perhaps I merely look at my reflection - I think it is a great idea but see myself getting one and then never actually getting around to finishing it.
 
Ash, you raise a valid concern. I'm by no means an expert metal worker, but I do have a drill press and a micro lathe. Legally, you can't get someone else to complete the job for you per ATF regulations, but if you're just getting started with metal working, you could always practice on other pieces of aluminum first before you worry about making a mistake on an expensive billet. To me, just holding a gun in your hand that you can honestly say you helped make in some small part seems immensely satisfying!
 
I don't get it. Why would you pay more for an 80% lower than a finished one?
 
Because you're paranoid and don't want it to be confiscated in the future. Buy it, build it and then bury it for yourself or future generations. Why else do they make pelican cases?
 
I don't get it. Why would you pay more for an 80% lower than a finished one?
Click to expand...

Because the 80% lower has no serial number, requires no FFL paperwork or 4473 to acquire, and when finished, requires no serial number ( in most cities/states ).

I would pay extra for that.



.
 
But as I understand it, the completed rifle (or the receiver) can not be sold nor transported across state lines.
 
but you can buy a complete one face to face from somebody with no record either.
 
While this doesn't answer your question and just my two cents I would stay away for an 80% lower. Your only saving like 30 bucks at most, and that's before you buy the tools, your time, and after you drill the holes you parkerize/finish the bare metal you cut. If you ever sell it you have to serialize it with I think the ATF. It's my belief that manufactures are zipping out these lowers to A- drive up the price of complete lowers and B- in case legislative concerns restrict the sale of ARs, they won't have an abundance of supply.
 
but you can buy a complete one face to face from somebody with no record either.
Click to expand...

Only if the guy who sold it to you isn't questioned. I know, I know, but there are some who think like this and the conspiracy and paranoia runs deep.
 
isn't questioned... or doesn't remember or doesn't know. i've bought and sold a few ARs from many years ago and i don't keep records from that long ago. heck, last week i was trying to remember the name of a girl i dated for a whole year (i still can't remember). i honestly don't remember the name of some guy from ten years ago that i met once in a parking lot somewhere. and some of the ones i bought, the seller never even asked my name.
 
The questions at hand:

1. I like to try new things, including tinkering with guns. There's something very satisfying to me about knowing that I helped complete a gun fabrication. While I've bought out-of-box before, why not try a different method?

2. Regarding cost, yes, it is cheaper to go pre-built, but not by much. Here in California all my local gun stores charge $80 per FFL transfer. A regular lower plus another eighty bucks makes it near equal in price.

3. There's no saying how future laws will play out, especially at the state level. While I'm not concerned about an outright ban from the Federal level right now, the current Democratic super-majority in our state capital is threatening a wholesale registration/ban of such weapons. It isn't paranoia, they're calling for it out right. Just read the NRA ILA reports on the latest bills in the CA legislation. They are laws from hell for a legal gun owner.

4. Pelican cases rock. :)
 
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