To most gun enthusiasts, it is relatively easy to purchase items and parts to build a gun. You can get them in many outlets and online shops. But when building a black rifle or a handgun, there is one piece that stands out from the rest. That is what we call an 80 lower jig. It is a firearm component that is crucial if you want to complete that precious gun. And you’re in luck. This article is all about 80 lower jigs. We will find out what they are, how they work, and so much more. Let’s get started.
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An 80 Lower Jig? What Is That?
An 80 lower jig is the only method for you to complete your AR-15’s lower receiver. A lower receiver is a part of the firearm that houses several action pieces. An 80 lower jig act as a type of stencil or frame. You have to follow it to complete the lower receiver. Most jigs utilize high-strength steel and aerospace-grade aluminum alloy as their manufacturing materials. With that into account, you can reuse the jigs to make more than one lower receiver. A typical 80 lower jig has the following parts:
- Jig walls/slide plates
- Template screws
- Wall screws
- Nesting plate/support plate
- A fire control cavity pilot hole template
- Main cavity template
- Rear shelf milling template
- Trigger pocket template
If all that sounds too technical, here is a quick explanation:
- An 80 lower jig acts as a gunsmith station. It shows you what to cut and where to drill to finish an 80 lower receiver.
- Metals, including steel and even polymer, are the primary materials manufacturers use to create 80 lower jigs.
- The jig also acts as a drilling template. It will show you where to drill to fit several firearm action parts.
Is It A Firearm?
While the piece you are making with a jig – a lower receiver – is considered a firearm, the jig, on the other hand, is not. That is the reason why it is easy to purchase the part from most gun shops and selling platforms. Experts at Natchez Shooters Supplies say that you don’t need a Federal Firearms License or FFL to get your hands on one. Plus, you will not have any other legal issues with owning one. So, take a chill pill on that one.
How About Some Benefits?
Ah, yes. You can never go wrong with 80 lower jigs, as they have quite the decent number of advantages:
- There is no need for an FFL
- It allows the convenient cutting and drilling of a receiver
- The jig is reusable
- Easy to use for newbie gunsmiths and enthusiasts
- The jigs comprise of high-quality materials
- You do not need to serialize the part
- Nor do you need to register it at all
- No background is mandatory for purchasing one
Anything Else Needed To Operate A Jig?
Not much. All you need to make it work is a standard drill press, some machine oil, screws, and a tabletop vise. Most 80 lower jigs come with drill bits and end-mill bits, so you do not have to make a separate purchase for such pieces. In addition, every purchase comes with a high-detail instruction manual that is easy to follow. Do that, and you are good to go!
Speaking Of Purchases
Buying an 80 lower jig is not that difficult of a task. You can visit your local gun shop and ask for the part. Since not all jigs are equal, you might end up looking at a catalog. Any gun shop owner will be more than happy to let you know about any “ins” and “outs.”
The same goes when you are buying online. The internet boasts thousands of sites and platforms that sell 80 lower jigs and other related goods. It would be up to you to find the right one that will cover your requirements. Plus, we can give you a sample of some neat online 80 lower shopping right about now. All you have to do is visit https://www.80percentarms.com/80-lowers/ for an 80 lower to finish your next gun. Go ahead. Perusing is free!
Do not bother thinking about how much a jig is – it is not that expensive at all. Most 80 lower jigs start at a humble price of $99.99. But if you have some fortune to spare, then why not give the jigs that cost at least $1999.99 a shot? These high-end jigs may be expensive. But they are of legit quality, have some extra components, and will deliver decent results.
The Takeaway
These 80 lower jigs are your gateway to finishing an AR-15. Purchasing one has its merits, and the best part is that you do not need a license for one. Also, completing it requires not serialization or registration. Although, you might have to check in first with local laws. Do this to be on the safe side of things.
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