I do my own machine work, except for the engraving (because they do a better job
). The lowers I buy from Tennessee Arms come either engraved all the way as I want them on both sides before they ship (80%), or engraved as they must because they are licensed MFG with whatever else I ask them to do (finished stripped lower).
So in the case of the last one I ordered, I wanted NFA legal information on it. It'll be at my FFL by next Wednesday. On the left will be Tennessee Arms Logo and the serial number they must assign (as the MFG) and caliber 22 (my request). On the right will be a Valknut which I get on all my builds. It will be for a dedicated 22WMR build to play with the CA DOJ (they do not like poly lowers
).
Tennessee Arms make extremely high quality poly lowers with marine brass inserts molded right in at high stress points. I suggest an 80% poly lower as the first build because it is much easier for the hobbyist to machine. A router and a drill press will do the job nicely. You'll need to run a shop vac to collect chips while working. But you should be able to finish a nicely done poly lower in a few hours.
I have an 80% aluminum lower at the local engravers right now. It is getting NFA legal engraving which is:
- Make,
- Model,
- Caliber,
- Serial No (one I choose),
- MFG Name (mine),
- and place of MFG (my town name, state abbreviation).
I give it to the engravers before I finish it. That way he's handling a paper weight and does not need to be an FFL/Smith. I go pick it up and then do the final machining. I am the MFG.
If it ever gets run, it will come back clean because it will not be in a crime database. Make, Model, Ser No, and MFG will all be unique. And My name/town is right on it, so there is no doubt who it belongs to.
If a LEO wants to keep it for a day or two to check it all out, OK by me. I'll just ask for a receipt. I'll collect it when they call to pick it up. That way, they get to learn the regs and rules too. Won't cost me but a bit of gas and some time. And I'm sure we'll have a fun talk when I pick it up
You don't have to do this, but it's good protection. And it meets ATF guidelines, my State regs (for now), and is useful for insurance purposes.
I would never build one stark nekkid w/o anything. At least use an engraving pencil, better yet stamp numbers, and put a unique serial number on it, and take a picture for your records. You want some proof of how you came by it ...
Legally, 80% arms can not be made for sale. So you do not want to be under suspicion of having bought an illegal weapon
Around my neck of the woods, it is known on the grapevine that there are some Hells Angels up around Covelo who will CNC finish a lower for you for cash. I would not touch that offer with your pole ...
If someone needs a jig, PM me - I might have a spare ...