BobTheTomato
Member
So I'm looking to build a few 80%s. Who makes the best quality 80 lower. Not looking to cheap out. Also, once I mill them who makes good quality parts for the lowers. Don't want to break the bank and also don't want to cheap out.
80% lower quality and parts
- Thread starter BobTheTomato
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db_tanker
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I built one on an 80percentarms lower. got the full kit from them basically. my jig will do ar 9 and ar 15 style lowers.
Be sure to get you a good router...I have a Ryobi battery operated 18v finish router that works great but you will go through some batteries! When you get your jig I would also spend the extra cash and get the drill and mill kit if they offer it. That way its all there for you. Also look at the grade of aluminum on the lower. the higher strength 70 series forged lower will mean you have to make smaller bites at this apple. mine is a 6061 billet and works like a charm. I have seen some talk about a cast 80 lower...I'd avoid them personally.
As for the small bits...you can go to PSA for the pins, springs, etc. I went to Numrich for the furniture (wanted an A2 style fixed stock and a waffle forend).
IF you look around at some of the companies offering/selling 80's they will have kits generally. Just in case though...I'd still go buy a few extra springs and pins. Also make sure you have a good bench vice or something to secure the jig to while you are working. Good tools such as a good roll pin punch set, pics, armorers wrench, etc etc...the basic stuff for just working on an AR.
I'm sure ive missed something...I haven't had my morning coffee yet...but I hope this helps!
D
Be sure to get you a good router...I have a Ryobi battery operated 18v finish router that works great but you will go through some batteries! When you get your jig I would also spend the extra cash and get the drill and mill kit if they offer it. That way its all there for you. Also look at the grade of aluminum on the lower. the higher strength 70 series forged lower will mean you have to make smaller bites at this apple. mine is a 6061 billet and works like a charm. I have seen some talk about a cast 80 lower...I'd avoid them personally.
As for the small bits...you can go to PSA for the pins, springs, etc. I went to Numrich for the furniture (wanted an A2 style fixed stock and a waffle forend).
IF you look around at some of the companies offering/selling 80's they will have kits generally. Just in case though...I'd still go buy a few extra springs and pins. Also make sure you have a good bench vice or something to secure the jig to while you are working. Good tools such as a good roll pin punch set, pics, armorers wrench, etc etc...the basic stuff for just working on an AR.
I'm sure ive missed something...I haven't had my morning coffee yet...but I hope this helps!
D
David Hoback
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There are quite a few now. I followed the 80% world just after it started, but didn’t start then until 2 years ago. I had no desire to machine Mil-spec 80% Lowers as FFL Forged lowers have been so economical for so long. I was looking for 80% Billets. Unfortunately for many years the 80% Billets were almost all 6061 Aluminum alloy and ungodly expensive. Then around 2014 I came across American Made Tactical 80% Billet Lowers. They are 7075-T6 alloy and sold originally for $60ea. The last several I purchased were $68ea., but I think they just increased the price to $74. Still, $74 is not bad for a Billet 7075-T6 80% Lower. I don’t know of any more economical.
But do not think the lower price to mean “CHEAP” quality. Absolutely not. I can show you 4 I have built in 2 years. And I have several more lowers. The quality is outstanding.
As for the LPK, Lower Parts Kit. Over the years? I have noticed a decline in quality. Because of this I choose now to piece together my own kit. I like parts from KNS, all the springs and some parts, I get from from TPS Arms. Other parts are from Gound Zero Precision. I look for all the parts to be machined/turned from billet steel. No cheap cast or MIM parts. I like the springs from TPS as they appear to be Chrome-Silicon. NOT SS.
The trigger is up to you. I really like 2-stage triggers, but I refuse to pay the money. So I prefer standard triggers, machined from good steel. And I perform my own trigger job.
But do not think the lower price to mean “CHEAP” quality. Absolutely not. I can show you 4 I have built in 2 years. And I have several more lowers. The quality is outstanding.
As for the LPK, Lower Parts Kit. Over the years? I have noticed a decline in quality. Because of this I choose now to piece together my own kit. I like parts from KNS, all the springs and some parts, I get from from TPS Arms. Other parts are from Gound Zero Precision. I look for all the parts to be machined/turned from billet steel. No cheap cast or MIM parts. I like the springs from TPS as they appear to be Chrome-Silicon. NOT SS.
The trigger is up to you. I really like 2-stage triggers, but I refuse to pay the money. So I prefer standard triggers, machined from good steel. And I perform my own trigger job.
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