Which 80% jig?

[WestKentucky]

I intend to buy an 80% jig to have for a few projects that are coming in the next few years. The plan is to buy the jig and some 80% lowers so that as my kids get old enough to start shooting then we can build their rifles. Looking like at least 4 more lowers so the cost of buying a jig will be offset by savings in the long run because in my area your doing well to get out of a store with a lower for less than 50 and the average is probably about 60 per.

So, 80% lowers are about $40 shipped for cheap standard stuff. 4 lowers x $20 saved on each one gives me $80 to spend on a jig. There are some in that price range, but having only used one I borrowed from a coworker 3 years ago... I’m open to suggestions. I liked the one I borrowed. As it served as both jig and clamping fixture for the mill. I’m pretty sure it was an 80% Arms jig, but now I see some offer a jig that can be used with AR10 as well which is a longer term hope for me as well.

Suggestions please.

 

[AlexanderA]

So, 80% lowers are about $40 shipped for cheap standard stuff.

I would question that assumption. After all is said and done, good 80% lowers are more expensive than stripped finished lowers. Cost savings are not the reason for going the 80% route.

The plan is to buy the jig and some 80% lowers so that as my kids get old enough to start shooting then we can build their rifles.

This is the second assumption that I would question. The basic reason for an 80% lower is as insurance against a future ban, by having one "off the books." (And of course, some people say that they just like the challenge of completing one, as a hobbyist. I'll just leave that here.) Anyway, if there is a future ban, your kids are not going "to start shooting," at least not openly. The whole thing would be an underground enterprise, with you and your kids constantly looking over your shoulders.

 

[WestKentucky]

Part of the process is going to be a re-education for the kids. The modern school system and the world in general is pretty well anti-gun, so the simple fact of starting with a block of metal and turning it into a functional rifle will help to show them that there is nothing evil, wrong, or otherwise bad about a firearm. It simply IS a firearm. An Anderson 80% can be had for 30 plus shipping. Free shipping isn’t hard to get if your not in a hurry, so for $200 I could have a jig and 4 receivers at my door, OR I could go locally and buy receivers at $60 each plus $10 background check, and for $250 I could have the same basic product but without the fun and educational experience. I WILL be doing 80% lowers, the kids WILL be finishing their own, and I can easily put together complete rifles in the $350 range and just have the stuff waiting for them to be ready to do it. If legislation hits that might prevent completion of the lower then I will go ahead and complete before it is enacted.

I just need advice on jigs. I have done the rest for myself, and I know what I want for my kids, and why I want that for my kids. It’s the same reason an 8 year old little girl got a tool box and basic tools for Christmas, they are not going to grow up in a sanitized world where they can’t do anything for themself. The cost is irrelevant, but I want to justify it. The educational value and experience is priceless.

 

[bobinoregon]

I'd like to know where to find the 80% Anderson for $30, I'll buy several. They are around $60 shipped from Anderson. 5D Tactical Router Jig Pro multiplatform version works well and is easy to use, little over $300 for it plus a router if you don't have one. There is another brand that is very similar to the 5D except it is red instead of Blue and it's sometimes a little cheaper.

 

[Bill Raby]

Building with the kids is definitely the way to go. So many people today have idea that is not even possible to do something yourself. Forget about money. The price does not matter at all. Teaching the kids how to do stuff is worth it even if it triple the cost of a finished gun.

 

[WestKentucky]

I'd like to know where to find the 80% Anderson for $30, I'll buy several. They are around $60 shipped from Anderson. 5D Tactical Router Jig Pro multiplatform version works well and is easy to use, little over $300 for it plus a router if you don't have one. There is another brand that is very similar to the 5D except it is red instead of Blue and it's sometimes a little cheaper.

Anderson uses Cerro Forge blanks if I recall correctly, and I found Cerro lowers at Right To Bear for $37 today and they are running a bunch of deals that gives free shipping on the entire order. I saw Anderson branded 3 packs earlier for 105 shipped but that was on my laptop and I couldn’t find it again when I was on my phone. These are not blowout sale prices, but they are good prices.

The difference we are seeing may be here...I’m looking at raw receivers, no park or anodizing. My little ones are all about flair so I expect they will rattle can a rifle no matter what we end up with so I see no point in paying extra for black.

 

[troy fairweather]

delta team tac will have them cheap to, i am interested in what jig is better.

 

[WestKentucky]

I watched a few videos and my take is that whatever you get, make durn sure you have it secure or you have problems. There are a couple options I’m considering. One I bookmarked on my laptop seems to be the way to go though. It’s a full length bolted sandwich type jig with top plates. The big difference I saw on that particular setup was that the AR10 conversion kit is only another 15 bucks so for about 120 shipped I would be set up for both. I’m open to other options though and some newer stuff is coming out from a few sources.

I’m curious though, with most of the new stuff the jig only covers the FCG pocket area, where on a lot of the older designs it covers the whole lower. I’m wondering what is driving that. material reduction? Machining reduction? Different magwell type stuff like The Jack? Would AR9 type stuff fit? Im just trying to spend my money sensibly and get the most flexibility while I’m at it. I don’t want to be stuck buying X brand of lower because it’s all that works.

 

[rdnktrkr]

I understand your trying to educate your kids but trying to save money is not valid in my opinion. Last year I purchased 5 anderson lowers for 29.99ea, 2 Aero for 35.00ea and 3 ATI omni hybrids for 30.00ea, those prices are about what your 80% raw prices are. Teaching your kids about how the raw metal is machined into a lower sounds nice.
I will help my grandkids build 1ea for their 18th birthday and plan on building a few for myself.

 

[bluejeans]

i always build my ar's from 80%... because i love doing it. i have 3 extra 80%'s set aside for my kids to do the same thing you're talking about when they're old enough to run the tools.
i just wanted to chime in encouragement to counter the nay-sayers and 'cause i like your plan. sorry i don't have much experience with jigs as i just work from a set of blueprints andmeasure everything with calipers. (math also to be a requirement for the boys wanting to build their guns.)

 

[Armored farmer]

I like your long term plan as well.
My three sons all have ARs that we built together one winter day. I sleep better at night knowing that they are well armed.
The new mob of 2020 candidates are already bragging on how they will use executive power to put new gun laws in place.
A rifle with no paper trail might be an advantage at some point.
Btw, I like your plan so much as to encourage you to get all the necessary parts while they are so cheap. Remember 2012?

 

[AlexanderA]

A rifle with no paper trail might be an advantage at some point.

Eventually, it may go the way of bump stocks: you won't be able to dare show it in public.

 

[Armored farmer]

Eventually, it may go the way of bump stocks: you won't be able to dare show it in public.

Quite true. However, totally legal now.

 

[bobinoregon]

Eventually, it may go the way of bump stocks: you won't be able to dare show it in public.

At least if that happens a $50 lower takes care of the problem. In the meantime it's a fun diversion doing your own, learn something new every time.

 

[adcoch1]

Daytona tactical has jig sets starting at $69. They also have blem lowers for about $40 anodized. I used one to build my SBR and the jigs worked great in my mill. A few of my buddies have used my setup as well, so the jigs have seen a fair amount of use. I'll most likely use 80% lowers as milling projects for the kids in the future, especially if 100% lowers get expensive again.

 

[WestKentucky]

I’m very seriously considering poly. I don’t like poly, but I can get 13 from EPArmory and a jig for what I would have in most of the aluminum setups for 5. My rifles are not high end hard use guns so I dont see a problem there, especially with low recoil rounds like 223 or 300blk.

 

[bobinoregon]

adcoch1 thanks for heads up on Daytona Tactical, good price on blems and the shipping is best I've seen on a quantity.