I am thinking about building a AR 15, 80% lower, any recommendations, tips, etc.
I am thinking about building a AR 15, 80% lower, any recommendations, tips, etc.
Venom Defense out of Allendale has some nice lowers. https://venom-defense.com/
Good luck finding a jig that won't take you weeks to receive though.
There is the debate between billet and forged 80% lowers.
In billet, they start with a block of aluminum, and machine all the material away, to make the 80%.
In forged, it's preformed via a forging process, and just some areas are machined. Forging surface finish is usually not as good, and in bad forgings there may be tolerance issues.
Forged billets are normally less expensive.
I've done both, functionally no issues between the two. Aesthetically, the billet ones look sharper.
It's fun and satisfying to completely build an AR this way.
Someone mentioned Venom Defense on the West side of the state.
This is one of his lowers and uppers.
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Stay away from the jigs designed for use with a wood router. If you are going the drill press route a drill press with a quill lock will make life easier.
https://www.brokenarmory.com/product...er-jig-jig-15/
This jig works well for a drill press. It works with his billet lowers and mil spec. Has a custom endmill with 3/8” work end so it won’t chew the jig up. He has some good instructional videos that go through each step in detail. The bonus is they’re in stock.
I've used the original 5D tactical jig for 10+ lowers now with no issues. Using the router my personal experience is going slow, using lots of cutting fluid, and making more smaller depth of cut passes produces better results.
Double check the bits if they come with the jig. Its an easy place to skimp on costs. Buying quality drill bits is the best bet.