The 80% Lower Receiver, also known as the “receiver blank” to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), is an unfinished receiver that looks quite like a firearm. Nevertheless, it does not have any triggers or chambers, and it is not considered to be a firearm. This piece of metal does have its uses as it is essentially a frame for a multitude of guns, ranging from the simple and reliable 1911 to the powerful and consistent AR-15. However, the assembly of any gun using this may require the 80 percent lower jig which is the “bare minimum” for an aspiring owner to craft their gun.
What is an 80% Lower Jig?
To describe it in the simplest way possible, the 80% Lower Receiver Jig is a collection of tools, measurements, and physical guides that are used to manufacture a handgun, rifle, or any firearm of your own. The jig is usually made of sturdy and reliable metals such as aluminum or steel.
Another thing to remember is that even the jig is usually specific to only one type of firearm. For example, there are 80% jigs and AR-type 80% jigs, and these describe the kit specific to a firearm. With this, it would be wise to do some research before buying or using any kind of jig. You do a research first perhaps by checking https://www.80percentarms.com/80-jigs/ before making a purchase.
Receiver jigs may look like sophisticated mechanical temples, but they make the gun crafting process much easier. Much like how an architect needs a blueprint when overseeing the building they are about to put up, gunsmiths rely on jigs as their blueprint, guiding them into crafting the best product.
Another thing to consider is that these lower jigs are only the tool kits of a gun to be crafted, and according to federal law, these are not considered as any kind of firearm. Knowing these, there is no license needed to own or purchase one.
Why Should You Use One?
The simple answer as to why you should use one is because you can make your gun, and they would be right. Just thinking about how simple these businesses such as 80% Arms have made gun crafting, this would mean that there is no occupational background or experience required to make these firearms. Along with the equipment comes a set of easy-to-follow instructions that is perfect for seamless cutting and drilling onto the receivers. One can expect to finish their lower or frame in under an hour. For aspiring gunsmiths, this is a good way to get started on your careers.
Another reason why you should consider a receiver jig is that it would save the user a lot of money in the long term. One only needs to consider the material that these jigs are made of, and these are mostly high-quality metals that are not only durable but reusable as well.
The Right Jig?
The right 80% jig ultimately relies on the gun that the crafter desires, and much like any product available in the world today, there is a variety of jigs available for purchase. Once more, doing some research is needed as this makes the process much easier. Those looking at 80% AR-15, AR-10, or AR-9 lower receivers should consider buying the AR-15 and AR-10 jigs.
Nevertheless, rifles are much different from handguns in terms of their receivers. There are jigs specifically made for 80% Glock lower receivers while there are also kits specifically made to build Glocks. GST-9 jigs are also a good option for finishing the receiver of our Glock.
A variety of jigs exist today, but one should do their research before one buys a jig that they did not intend to buy. However, it is assumed that a good and reliable jig could last you for an entire lifetime. One should not be afraid of using one either as businesses have made it easier to navigate and utilize in every way possible.