We have seen the 80% build market for AR-15’s has exploded especially in blatantly anti gun states like California. That trend has continued on but in a slightly different direction recently, with the release of the new 80% Glock Lowers build kits. The idea of building or modifying your own guns has been covered pretty well here at The Arms Guide but 80% builds we have only touched on. What really has gun enthusiasts excited about the 80% Glock lowers is that the kits come with the majority of the tools you need minus a dremel tool or drill press that is commonly available at any big box hardware store such as Home Depot or Lowes.
Is It Legal ?
Yes building a firearm for your personal use is permissible under the rulings issues by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Notice that word is personal use, you can’t make firearms for your friends or for sales or trades. There maybe local requirements that you need to adhere to. In general terms the federal government has no issues with a person who is legally allowed to own a firearm making their own personal use firearms. Again I want to stress we are not giving legal advice, consult your local law enforcement entity for answers to specific questions.
Where to Start?
If you are wanting to try your hand at building your own Glock 80% lower there are a few things to figure out, and one of them is do you have a decent amount of mechanical skills ? The patience to build your own gun? , and do you have access to a drill press ? If you answered yes to these simple questions then we can point you in the right direction. As of the writing of this article there are seven vendors that routinely carry the Glock 80% kits, but there are three that I would specifically mention that are well respected in the Glock community and I would have no hesitation about purchasing kits or parts from.
- Lonewolf Distributing : Polymer Spectre Kit Cost $149.00
- Glock Store: Polymer Spectre Kit (Available in colors) $150.00
- Midway USA: Polymer Glock Cost $119-$149 (Choice of four colors)
What’s Next ?
In addition to one of the 80% Glock Lower kit you will need a Glock parts kit that includes a slide, barrel, trigger and the other components in order to complete the build. The three retailers listed above often will have complete Glock lower parts kits including springs for around $125.00- $150.00 depending on which model Glock you are wanting to build. Factory Glock slides and barrel assemblies will start in the range of $350.00-$450.00 on average depending on length of slide, caliber and other features.
Lower Parts Kits
Slide Kits
Should you or Shouldn’t You Build Your Own ?
It’s a legitimate question many of us have had to ask ourselves over the years when it comes to gun builds. I found out after several tries with a Sten Gun, a PPs 43, and most recently my 1911 build that I in fact hate building guns. I have tried a few 80% lower builds on AR-15’s and I always end up cutting them up and throwing tools around my garage. There are things to weigh when considering this type of build. If you are patient then building any 80% gun can be fun for you, but if you have no patience it will be better off to just break out your wallet and buy the gun you want. You will most likely not save a single penny when building 80% guns.
There are other things to consider as well when deciding if you want to take on the 80% built projects. Do you have the proper tools to do the job, if the manufacturer says use a drill press, don’t think that using a vise and a DeWalt drill will be the same thing. In my 20+ years of engineering and repairing a wide array of gear across many industries I can tell you that its always easier and faster to use the right tool for the right job. In simple terms, are you willing to pony up and buy the correct drills, files, gauges and other tools needed to do the job correctly and safely? If you answered Yes, then the 80% Glock builds will be right up your alley.
It’s the dawn of a whole new era for gun enthusiasts in most of the United States, ammunition prices are dropping and even .22LR ammo is available again. AR-15’s and AK-47’s are one again plentiful and 30 round magazines are back to under $10.00., and now we have another type of 80% do it yourself project on the market. If you have attempted an 80% built, wether it is an AR-15, 1911 or the Glock builds we want to see your handy work. We want to know what if any problems you encountered and who’s parts kits worked best for you. Drop us a line in the comments section below, and if you are a 80% fan, look for our upcoming 10,000 “Like” on Facebook giveaway prize pack. We are planning something big for one Lucky fan.
Feature Image Courtesy:www.recoilweb.com
