If you are here looking for the best 80% lower jigs than you are probably thinking about building your own rifle, something that is both daunting and interesting. However, going through the process will give you the assurance that your rifle will have your specifications that you want and you will end with the knowhow of how to fix or alter your rifle at some future date.
This article assumes that you are looking to build an AR-15 using an 80% lower. If this is your first build, consider reading how to build a low-cost AR-15. It’s never a bad idea to start with lower-cost products in your first build until you get used to the process. Maybe this isn’t your first build, however, or maybe you’re feeling confident enough to go straight to higher end components. Kudos if that’s you.
For reference, here are the four lower receiver jigs we will be looking at:
I will highlight important issues to put into consideration to help you get your AR-15 build started. You will also get to see a review of the best 80% lower jig in the market for easy decision making.
Keys to Quality AR 80% Jig
When shopping for an 80% lower and jig, take the time to do some analysis. Following are a few areas to examine.
Warranty
Different manufacturers back their products with warranties, which is often indicative of how confident the company is in their product’s ability to withstand use. A good warranty could save you money that would have been spent on repairs or replacement.
Fortunately, the majority of 80% lower jigs on the market come with 100% customer satisfaction. However, if you are unsatisfied within the first 30 days of purchase, make sure you return it for your money back.
Quality Material
When buying an jig for your 80% lower, the quality of the material involved is critical. Get a quality jig made of durable material. The best material for a good 80% jig is aircraft-grade aluminum. It is both lightweight and rugged.
Step-By-Step Instruction
Make sure the jig you’re buying comes with quality instructions. There is nothing worse than skimping on quality and getting instructions that are either missing, or written so small and lacking clarity that they are rendered useless. You don’t want to second-guess your cuts and drills.
Manufactured Tolerance
When manufacturers hold tight tolerance standards in manufacturing it translates to a tight fit, important for all AR-15 components from drop in trigger assemblies to rifle scopes. Go for brands with at least +/- .001 tolerance.
4 Top Rated Best 80% Lower Jigs
#1 – Kreg K4MS Jig Master System
Unique Feature: Designed for small applications.
This is one of two Kreg jig kits on the list. Kreg has a strong reputation as witnessed by the glowing 5-star reviews on their site.
The Kreg K4MS Jig Master System has a plug setting feature that allows you to conceal and decorate accent pocket holes effectively. Therefore, it will guarantee that you can easily plug holes in your material.
You can also use this hardened steel drill to keep the bit from deflecting. This helps guarantees that you will get precise and exceptional holes throughout your work.
It has a wood-chip relief hole that makes cleaning quite easy as you proceed with your work. Therefore, you will not have to keep removing the drill from its position. Instead, the wood chip relief gives directions as to how the removed material goes.
The kit also has a lifetime warranty. Although the kit is designed for simple and smallest applications, its quality design gives you the assurance that it will maintain high performance.
Pros:
- Designed for smallest applications possible
- Wood-chip relief for easy drilling
- Glass-reinforced nylon body
Con: Not suitable for large applications
#2 – Universal High Precision Jig Dowel Cam Minifix Kit
Unique Feature: Durable construction.
This is another of the best 80% lower jigs. The universal high-precision jig dowel cam comes with a variety of drilling options.
All the different applications are made of high-quality aluminum alloy. It makes drilling core adjustment super easy up to 80mm.
The five-holes style ensures that you can handle a large project within a short period. This jig is covered with a 5-year warranty.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- 5-hole dowel set
- Different drilling template
Con: Expensive
#3 – Lukcase Multifunction Worktable Milling Machine
Unique feature: Compatible with any machine.
Take advantage of this Lukcase Multifunction Worktable Milling Machine and experience the difference in your work. The unit is designed with a heavy size to ensure that it can function as right in any application. This device features high quality aluminum construction with an adjustable setting. It also has a handwheel that allows you to have better control over the drilling process.
Pros:
- Heavy size for durability
- Compatible with any machine
- Suitable for heavy, durable performance
Con: The preparation process is more complicated.
#4 – Kreg Jig K5 Master System
Unique feature: Quality Construction
Although the Kreg Jig K5 Master System occupies the last spot in the list, that is by no means a reflection of its quality Kreg has a great reputation. This makes it one of the best 80% lower jigs, and it uses the K5 master system with K5 premium accessories to facilitate Kreg joinery building.
It comes with advanced features, including auto-adjust technology, which simplifies its uses and project construction. Additionally, the auto max face clamp ensures that you can clamp on any workpiece regardless of the thickness difference. The device also features a portable base, which enhances its uses hence enhancing its profitability in the workplace.
This kit comes with a removable dust port. The dust port collects all the dust involved while drilling. Therefore, you will not have to deal with the dust or any other issues from the drilling. Instead, the collection port will guarantee to keep your working environment counter clean and secure.
It comes with two large wings which can be attached to both sides of the unit. This will ensure to provide solid support, especially when you are working with a gigantic workpiece. The material you are working with will remain stable and will not complicate your uses.
The kit comes with different applications for almost any description. Therefore, if you are looking to work with different materials, this is all you need. The flexibility of use also guarantees that you can get the device for any AR lower build.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Automax face clamp
- Swiveling dust collection
- Top technology usage
Con: It is super expensive.
Conclusion
The listed features are just a few to guide you toward getting the best 80% lower for your next low-cost AR-15 build. Have you conducted an AR build from an 80% lower? What did you use to drill the holes?
1 comment
Explain how the kreg joinery jig made this list. It’s designed for wood working and for the life of me can’t figure out how to machine out an 80% lower. A few pictures or a video of you using it to complete an 80% would really go a long way.