AR15 Anodized Lower Receiver [80%] Overview

The AR15 Anodized Lower Receiver [80%] is an unfinished receiver blank forged from 7075-T6 aluminum and finished with Type III hard coat anodizing in black. Unlike raw aluminum 80% lowers that require coating after machining, this receiver arrives ready to match your other mil-spec components right out of the box.

The fire control pocket remains unmilled and the pin holes undrilled, keeping this receiver classified as “not a firearm” under federal law. Complete the final machining steps at home, install your lower parts kit, and you have a finished lower identical in form and function to any stripped receiver on the market. Safe/Fire selector engravings are already in place.

7075-T6 is the mil-spec standard for forged AR-15 receivers: stronger and harder than 6061-T6, with superior resistance to stress and wear. Combined with the Type III hard coat anodize, this AR15 Anodized Lower Receiver [80%] is built for duty-grade durability. No FFL required. Ships direct to your door in most states.

What Makes the AR15 Anodized Lower Receiver [80%] Different

7075-T6 Forged Aluminum
This AR15 Anodized Lower Receiver [80%] is forged from 7075-T6 aluminum, the same material specified for military M16/M4 lower receivers. The forging process compresses the aluminum grain structure, creating superior directional strength compared to billet or cast alternatives. 7075-T6 offers higher tensile strength and hardness than 6061-T6, making it the preferred choice for hard-use builds.

Type III Hard Coat Anodized Finish
Type III anodizing (also called hard coat or MIL-A-8625 Type III) creates an extremely hard, wear-resistant oxide layer on the aluminum surface. This is the same finish specification used on military small arms. The black color is dyed into the anodized layer, not painted on top, so it won’t chip, peel, or rub off. Your finished lower will match other hard coat anodized AR components.

Safe/Fire Engravings Included
Selector markings are already engraved on the receiver: SAFE and FIRE in the standard positions. No need to add your own markings after machining. Install your safety selector and you’re ready to go.

Mil-Spec Compatibility
Machined to military specification tolerances, this 80% lower accepts all standard AR-15 components. Any mil-spec lower parts kit, buffer assembly, pistol grip, trigger, and upper receiver will fit without modification. Once you complete the fire control pocket and pin holes, your lower functions exactly like a factory mil-spec receiver.

Skip the Coating Step
With a raw 80% lower, you machine the fire control pocket and then need to coat the exposed aluminum to prevent corrosion. The AR15 Anodized Lower Receiver [80%] eliminates that step. Yes, machining will expose raw aluminum in the fire control pocket, but for most builders this internal area is acceptable to leave uncoated or touch up with cold blue or aluminum black. The exterior remains factory-finished.

AR15 Anodized Lower Receiver [80%] FAQ

What is the AR15 Anodized Lower Receiver [80%]?

An 80% lower is an unfinished receiver blank. The exterior is fully machined and finished, but the fire control pocket (where the trigger, hammer, and safety install) has not been milled, and the pin holes have not been drilled. Because it cannot accept a fire control group in this state, the ATF does not classify it as a firearm. You complete the final machining at home to create a functional stripped lower receiver.

Will machining damage the anodized finish?

Machining will remove the anodized finish inside the fire control pocket and around the drilled pin holes. However, these areas are internal and not visible once the lower parts kit is installed. The exterior finish remains intact. Most builders leave the machined areas as-is or apply a light coat of oil, cold blue, or aluminum black for corrosion protection.

What’s the difference between 7075-T6 and 6061-T6 aluminum?

7075-T6 is stronger and harder than 6061-T6, with higher tensile strength and better resistance to stress. It’s the mil-spec standard for forged AR-15 receivers and is used in military M16/M4 lowers. 6061-T6 is commonly used for billet receivers and is still plenty strong, but 7075-T6 is preferred for forged mil-spec builds.

What tools do I need to finish the AR15 Anodized Lower Receiver [80%]?

You’ll need an 80% lower jig (sold separately), a router or drill press, and appropriate end mills and drill bits. Some jigs are designed for handheld routers, others for drill presses or milling machines. Follow the jig manufacturer’s instructions for specific tooling requirements.

What can I build with this AR15 Anodized Lower Receiver [80%]?

Once completed, this lower accepts any standard AR-15 upper receiver. You can build rifles or pistols chambered in 5.56 NATO, .223 Remington, .223 Wylde, .300 Blackout, 6.5 Grendel, .458 SOCOM, and other AR-15 compatible calibers. The lower itself is caliber-agnostic: the upper determines what you’re shooting.

Is the AR15 Anodized Lower Receiver [80%] legal?

Under federal law, 80% lowers are not classified as firearms and can be purchased without an FFL. However, state and local laws vary significantly. Some states have banned 80% lowers entirely. Others require serialization of all home-built firearms. It is your responsibility to verify the laws in your state before ordering. We do not ship to restricted states.

Do I need to serialize my finished AR15 lower?

Federal law does not require serialization of firearms manufactured for personal use. However, several states (including California) require home-built firearms to be serialized. Always verify your state and local laws. If you intend to sell or transfer the firearm, additional federal requirements apply.

What parts do I need to complete my build after finishing the lower?

After machining, you’ll need: a lower parts kit (LPK) including trigger, hammer, safety, grip, and springs; a buffer tube assembly (buffer, spring, tube, and stock or brace); and an upper receiver assembly (upper, barrel, handguard, BCG, and charging handle). Complete upper assemblies are available that bolt directly onto your finished lower.

Specifications & Legal

Platform: AR-15

Material: 7075-T6 Forged Aluminum

Finish: Type III Hard Coat Anodized (Black)

Engravings: Safe/Fire selector markings

Compatibility: Mil-spec AR-15 components, lower parts kits, buffer assemblies, and upper receivers

Caliber Options (once completed): 5.56 NATO, .223 Rem, .223 Wylde, .300 Blackout, 6.5 Grendel, and other AR-15 compatible calibers

Federal Status: Not classified as a firearm by the ATF. No FFL required. Ships direct.

State Restrictions: Some states have banned 80% lowers or require serialization. We do not ship to restricted states. Verify your local laws before ordering.