Now Anyone Can Make an AR (Without FFL)

[Gun Surfer]

80% AR-15 Lower Receiver

Did you see this? So with an 80% billet and some machining capability, you too can join the growing ranks of AR manufacturers.

[browningautorifle]

That really isn't as easy as one would think. I've been on that one for years now.

[Gun Surfer]

"That really isn't as easy as one would think. I've been on that one for years now."

As in its been around for years and you've known about it, or you've built one? I know of one person who built his own, but he used a CNC machine. What kind of "know how" does it take to use a CNC machine (to make one of these)?

[langss]

"That really isn't as easy as one would think. I've been on that one for years now."

As in its been around for years and you've known about it, or you've built one? I know of one person who built his own, but he used a CNC machine. What kind of "know how" does it take to use a CNC machine (to make one of these)?

I spoke with one of the machinist where I work and in his opinion its not all that hard if you have the program already written to put into the CNC machine and know exactly what cutters are required. They make replacement Aircraft Parts all the time, but they are getting paid to write the program from the prints.So in essence he would have to finish a whole bunch of the 80%ers to make it cost effective. Now keep in mind that's just finishing the receiver.You still need to have it finished....anodizing,hardcoating,etc.So in essence unless you have unlimited access to a CNC machine and cutters,its going to be less than cost effective to do it. I have seen name brand stripped lowers for less than $80. Hard to beat that price.

[Midmichigun]

Gun Surfer,
Yep, I have used a number of the TM's to build guns that were reliable and cost effective. If you go with the 80% as you have shown, all you need is a drill press (but I did use a mini mill). The hard work of the stock thread and magwell have been done.
TM does provide jigs, and blueprints are online to find the FCG pin locations. I estimate that you should be able to finish a TM 80% in under 45 minutes....

I have bought several "raw castings" and I am still working on them 10+ years later! LOL!!! The magwell has been a BIG problem. I did buy the threading tools for the buttstock threads.

And yes, the price of finished "no name" receivers is rock bottom right now. I have seen them around $60.00 on some group buys. It all comes down to your technical level, and your interest in "rolling your own". I would suggest that if you are hesitant on getting your hands dirty, stick with a good lower manufacturer...

BTW, most of the AR's I have posted on this site have been made from TM, 80%'s unless noted otherwise...

[browningautorifle]

Like Langss said, nothing to it. I had the 80% types around years ago. I'd rather buy a finished one. If you don't know what needs to be done, and don't understand how it's going to work, then you aren't ready to do it.

[Gun Surfer]

Thanks for the responses. That is impressive. I will not be embarking on such a project anytime soon

[Calif-Steve]

I've seen M1911 80% receivers at the Trade Show. Tougher to do then you think. Screw it up and you just made yourself a neat paperweight.

[Midmichigun]

I have 2, 1911 "receivers" to be... 1 is an 80% from a guy who was associated with Caspian Arms. The 2nd was a gunshow find. The gentleman scored a number of them from a barrel at the factory that made them.
I don't have enough guts yet, to chew into that one....

That being said, 80% AR receivers are easy, if you have the inclination...

[bigduke6]

As someone mentioned 1911,s thought this may be of interest, this is someone who has sat down and thought outside the box,



1911 frame tutorial