Summer’s here, range days are a plenty, and we’re well into 2019. The 80 lower market has introduced some wicked new jigs! But which one is the cheapest for your build? Today we’re breaking down the cheapest 80 lower jigs in 2019. Want to build an affordable LR-308? We’ve got you covered. Looking for the cheapest way to build a Polymer 80 lower? It’s here, too. Want the most affordable, universal 80 lower jig? Check it out below! Here we go:
Cheapest 80 lower jig: The Easy Jig Gen 1
First up on our list is the O.G., the crowd favorite, the Easy Jig Gen 1. This is the original 80 lower jig, and logically, it’s one of the cheapest! Coming in around the $200 price point, the Easy Jig Gen 1 is light on the wallet. But it’s still heavy on capability and performance. Take a look:
- 100% compatible with any standard 80% lower
- Completes 20+ lowers with original tooling
- Completes 80% lowers in 45 minutes or less
- Solid aluminum drilling guide plates
- High-speed bearings reduce end mill bit flex by 59%
- Does not require a drill press
- Individually replaceable parts
The Easy Jig Gen 1 is one of the cheapest 80 lower jigs, but it also keeps your project affordable in other ways. Thanks to those last two features, you can get away with saving even more cash. The Easy Jig’s built-in drilling guides eliminate the need for a drill press. Considering how expensive drill presses are, most of us probably don’t have one in the garage or basement. So, you can use a simple hand drill! Because the Easy Jig uses individually replaceable parts, you can keep it running by only fixing parts or tooling that wears out. Pretty cool – and less expensive.
Cheapest universal jig: The Router Jig PRO Multi-Platform
Want a jig that can do it all, while keeping some bills in your wallet? The Router Jig PRO Multi-Platform from Modulus Arms is the ticket. At just around $250, it’s the most affordable multi-platform jig you can get your hands on. Even though it’s the most affordable, the Router Jig PRO boasts some pretty cool features:
- 100% Compatible with AR-15, AR-9, and Lr-308 80% lowers
- Completes 80% lowers in 15 minutes or less
- Patented ReadyMILL end mill bit system
- Included shop-vac attachment for easy clean-up
- Integrated router plate pins ensure perfect tool alignment
- No-touch guide pins also eliminate tool-on-tool contact
- Built-in drill depth guide for accurate milling depths
The Router Jig PRO is the cheapest universal 80 lower jig, but it’s also one of the fastest. No other jig can complete a lower in 15 minutes or less (unless you have serious skill and speed). The secret ingredient is the ReadyMILL end mill bit system. Modulus Arms developed this end mill bit specifically for completing 80% lowers. They even designed the ReadyMILL to be compatible with the most popular handheld routers.
Cheapest jig+lower combo: The G150 Phoenix Polymer 80 Lower
Normally we wouldn’t include a jig that’s disposable, but this is a pretty cool combo kit. It’s also technically the cheapest 80 lower jig you can grab (and it comes with an 80% lower!) The G150 Phoenix! This new polymer 80 lower includes a proprietary jig and it comes in under $100. Although the jig isn’t intended to be reusable, careful builders can salvage it. Even if your jig (likel) gets eaten up during machining, you can still buy another polymer lower and you’ll get another jig included! This isn’t just a gimmick, but a new alternative for building a black rifle:
- 80% lower weighs just 0.3 pounds
- Weighs approximately 50% less than metal lowers
- Made of proprietary, solid-core, composite design
- Features reinforced buffer tube housing
- Includes integrated trigger guard
- Metal inserts for pistol grip, bolt catch pin
If you’re on the fence about building your black rifle or pistol with a polymer lower, you can read more about it here. We did an in-depth review and heard about how this lower performs straight from the horse’s mouth.