Searched first and didn't see any mention of this. I got a Budk catalog in the mail the other day and flipped through it like I usually do. I haven't bought anything from them in many years, but they still send me a catalog every once in a while. While doing so, I noticed something I had never seen before.
http://www.budk.com/Poly-Pistol-Frame-Jig-Kit-34904
It's an 80% lower for a Gen 3 Glock. I have heard of people buying the individual parts to build a Glock, so I'm assuming you could buy the other parts you need to complete the gun. I'm not really thinking about doing this at the moment, but just wondered if any of you had seen this before or had any thoughts. Obviously, this is a popular thing to do for ARs, but it was the first time I had seen this option for a pistol.
80% pistol lower?
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80% pistol lower?
I prefer dangerous freedom to safety in chains.
Let's go Brandon.
Let's go Brandon.
Re: 80% pistol lower?
I haven't seen this, but I've got some experience with 80% firearms. Before anyone considers purchasing one of these they should find the manufacturer and get a copy of their determination letter from the ATF. If they don't have one, don't buy it. You don't want to find out after the fact that the lower was actually considered a firearm by the ATF.
The other issue (I have this issue with polymer AR 80% lowers as well) is that the jig is plastic. For drilling, a plastic jig is fine. However, when you are milling the slide rails or decking the front (over the light rail) you can very easily cut too much material off. This will either ruin the lower, requiring replacement, or cause the lower to fail prematurely. This weakness is mitigated if the manufacturer offers to replace the lower if you mess it up.
From a financial standpoint you won't really save any money unless you already have the machines to finish the lower. You could get away with a dremel or a drill press. A mill would nearly eliminate the risk of removing too much material if you know how to use one.
As for getting the other parts, that's the easiest part.
The other issue (I have this issue with polymer AR 80% lowers as well) is that the jig is plastic. For drilling, a plastic jig is fine. However, when you are milling the slide rails or decking the front (over the light rail) you can very easily cut too much material off. This will either ruin the lower, requiring replacement, or cause the lower to fail prematurely. This weakness is mitigated if the manufacturer offers to replace the lower if you mess it up.
From a financial standpoint you won't really save any money unless you already have the machines to finish the lower. You could get away with a dremel or a drill press. A mill would nearly eliminate the risk of removing too much material if you know how to use one.
As for getting the other parts, that's the easiest part.

Re: 80% pistol lower?
You can also get 80% 1911s. Even as a tactical plastic user for EDC, I am not sure I'd want to carve on plastic. Even though it should be easier to remove material. Possibly too easy. The aluminum and steel 1911's seem like a more stable route.
Stealth Arms was one place I remember. There have to be others.
Stealth Arms was one place I remember. There have to be others.
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Re: 80% pistol lower?
I built one and it is pretty easy to do. It is not any cheaper since a actual glock frame complete new is $225. The advantage I see people might like is it is a ghost and a custom build. The cheapest slide i have found is $175, then you got the guts, barrel, sights and mags. I might get the new one in the glock 19 size when it comes out.