Stop Paying the Middleman: Why Buying Your 80 Lower Direct Matters
In the firearms industry, a product often changes hands three or four times before it reaches you. A factory makes it, a distributor buys it, a retailer stocks it, and finally, you buy it. Each step adds cost without adding value.
When you are looking for an 80 lower for your next project, the smartest move is to go to the source. Buying directly from Tactical Machining isn't just cheaper—it's safer, faster, and smarter.
The "Dealer Markup" Trap
Most online "stores" don't own a single CNC machine. They are marketing companies that drop-ship parts from various suppliers. You might get a perfect lower today and a loose, out-of-spec one tomorrow because the retailer changed suppliers to save a dollar.
As the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), we control the quality from the first cut to the final anodizing. We cut out the middleman to pass the savings directly to you.
| Feature | Buying Direct (Tactical Machining) | Buying from a Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Factory Direct Pricing | Retail Markup (20-40% Higher) |
| Consistency | Guaranteed (Single Source) | Variable (Multiple Suppliers) |
| Stock Status | Live Inventory | Often Drop-Shipped |
| Support | Real Machinists | Call Center Agents |
| Warranty | Direct Replacement | "Contact the Manufacturer" |
1. Quality Control You Can Trust
When you buy from a generic retailer, you are playing the lottery. At Tactical Machining, every single AR-15 and AR-10 part we sell is machined in our facility in the USA.
We utilize a full CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) process to digitally verify that every critical dimension meets Mil-Spec tolerances. If a part doesn't meet our strict standards, it gets recycled—it never ships to you. See our full manufacturing process here.
2. Technical Support from Machinists, Not Salesmen
Have a question about which end mill speed to use on your drill press? Or how to align your jig?
When you call a big-box retailer, you get a customer service rep reading a script. When you contact Tactical Machining, you get answers from people who actually run the machines. We know the metallurgy, the feed rates, and the specs because we live them every day.
3. Supply Chain Stability
Retailers run out of stock whenever their suppliers get backlogged. Because we hold the raw materials (7075-T6 forgings and 6061-T6 billet), we are insulated from the supply chain shocks that empty the shelves of other stores.
Whether you need a single lower for a weekend project or a 10-pack for a group build, we have the capacity to fulfill your order instantly.
Skip the Middleman. Save Money.
Get aerospace-grade receivers direct from the American factory that makes them.
Shop Factory Direct PricingFrequently Asked Questions
Why is buying direct cheaper?
When you buy direct, you avoid the "retail markup." Retailers have to buy the part from us, mark it up 30-40% to cover their overhead, and then sell it to you. We sell it to you at the source price.
Do you offer bulk discounts?
Yes. Because we own the machines, we can offer significant volume discounts. Check our 3-Pack, 5-Pack, and 10-Pack bundles on our store for the lowest price per unit.
Is Tactical Machining a dropshipper?
No. We are an OEM manufacturer. Every Tactical Machining branded receiver is made in our facility in the USA. We do not resell imported or mystery-meat aluminum.