80% lower build

[John A.]

A long time ago, I decided that someday I would like to complete an 80% AR15 lower build.

That time has come.

I found a nice pink polymer 80% lower for $35. And with the way they are molded, do not require a jig and I just couldn't pass up the chance to give it a try.

They also have some bright green zombie color lowers for the same price (ad nauseum).

I ordered it about 11:00 AM, and already have a shipped/tracking email notification.

For $35, I'm willing to give it a try. I've wasted more money on less.

Hopefully it turns out alright.

 

[mingaa]

A $35 lower - DO TELL!! Is this on the web???

 

[John A.]

yes.

Here is the link to the blems
http://www.eparmory.com/category-s/1830.htm

And here is some much better photos of a dark earth blem (which are gone now). Function should be fine.

http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/ar-talk/24 ... today.html

 

[aksavanaman]

who cares if they're pink or green... paint that S**T .... stop posting good deals John... my paycheck needs to last till next week

 

[John A.]

I'm thinking of leaving it pink.

I have my reasons.

But if I change my mind, I'll duracoat it.

I have to mill it correctly first though.

 

[oli700]

cant wait to see this unfold , I have tossed around the idea as well

 

[John A.]

It looks pretty straight forward. Hog out the fire control channel with a flat end mill bit, drill the trigger hammer and selector holes and the hole the trigger goes through in the bottom.

I don't think will be too bad.

 

[mingaa]

$45 shipped, no FFL fees - got the drill press. I have to get one!! :shock:

 

[aksavanaman]

$45 shipped, no FFL fees - got the drill press. I have to get one!! :shock:

That's what I'm thinking... I'm talking a buddy here at work into going in on a couple together.

On a side note... how legal/illegal is it to buy a handfull of these... and the parts to put together a simple AR15 (even just looking at a few online places... I could build this thing for less than $400) and sell them??? lol

 

[John A.]

You are supposed to pay the FET if you build to sell.

And register them

And engrave them.

And pay the special occupations tax to manufacture.

Speaking of which, I am thinking of engraving mine anyway. Even though I am not going to sell mine. I have other plans for it. Mostly just in case it is ever stolen it would have a chance to be recovered if I put a serial number on it.

Basically, if you build them, don't sell them. The whole reason you don't have to jump through all of the hoops for personal use is, well, they're only for personal use. Once you bring money into the subject, is fully taxable and regulated just like Mossberg and Remington, et. al.

 

[MikeD]

Very interested in following this John, keep us posted on your progress.

 

[DHonovich]

I look forward to seeing your progress.

 

[mingaa]

As long as you are legal to own a gun then you can build guns for your personal use (I suppose this could be challenged by local laws). I'll engrave it—if it were lost or stolen I'd also report it—the right thing to do and a legal snarl to avoid as well!

They have WAY more pink than green!! Hmmm. I'm trying to hold back until tomorrow when a direct deposit hits but since 2008 I have REALLY trained myself NOT to wait if you find something that you want!

 

[zagmp03]

It looks pretty straight forward. Hog out the fire control channel with a flat end mill bit, drill the trigger hammer and selector holes and the hole the trigger goes through in the bottom.

I don't think will be too bad.

Very interested to see how this goes!

 

[VitSports6]

Thanks for the heads up, I picked up a pink and green.

I will make my wife do all the milling :shock: as she knows her way around the engraver more than I

 

[John A.]

If anyone is needing to purchase an end mill bit to hog out for the fcg, here's a little tip.

It's generally less expensive to purchase metric instead of standard sizes whenever possible.

The actual size of the fire control group area is 17mm wide, although I am getting a 9mm because that's pretty close to a 3/8 diameter so I will be able to chuck it up in my press.

If you have a drill with a very large chuck, the 17mm would be a lot more efficient and will do it in a single pass.

Anyway, here's a link to a 9mm mill bit for hogging it out.
http://www.wttool.com/index/page/produc ... s+%28WT%29

And I think I'm going to use a taper bit for the selector hole so I can start it more precisely
http://www.wttool.com/index/page/produc ... +End+Mills

The 5/32 for the trigger and pin, I am using a precision point B&D bullet bit for the same reason
http://www.wttool.com/index/page/produc ... let+Drills

 

[John A.]

The hard way: (dremel)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxcSlOVeXlQ[/youtube]

 

[John A.]

I like this method better

overview
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6sK8QKLnAk[/youtube]

The machining process
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvKaPOUhsNY[/youtube]

Adding all the parts
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILuiZ_iH7qI[/youtube]

 

[LAZY EYED SNIPER]

Great thread John!

Lookin forward to your updates...

 

[ripjack13]

Oh man...that's a sweet deal...