Polymer 80 specializes in 80% receivers made from, you guessed it, polymer. Since they’re a maximum of 80% completed, they aren’t considered a firearm by the Powers That Be; these paperweights can ship straight to your door sans paperwork. The end user can then finish the simple machining steps necessary to turn them into functional receivers.
Although Polymer 80 cut its teeth on AR-10 and AR-15 lowers (of which I own two dozen due to some pre-presidential-election “investing”), at SHOT Show this year I focused on their GLOCK-compatible frames.
The full-size (G17-sized) frame offers a high beavertail, undercut triggerguard, flared magwell, normal Picatinny rail and lots of grip texture. It’s available in a handful of different polymer colors.
The compact (G19-sized) frame has the aforementioned features with the addition of a double-undercut triggerguard and a beveled, but not flared magwell. The model above comes with that sandpaper-esque grip texture from the factory.
Alternatively, Polymer 80 sells the same frame in a smooth finish, ready to be stippled, textured and modified by the end user to his or her liking.
MSRP on all models is $159. Ideally, you’d use a drill press to turn the part into a functional lower. But you can complete the work with a Dremel tool and a steady hand. Kits ship with frame, jig and drill bits. You’ll need to provide factory or aftermarket GLOCK internals such as trigger, fire control group, slide stop and mag release parts. Locking block and rails are included with the frame.