80 Percent Firearms

80% firearms, frames, and build components from GhostGuns.com. Browse G80 pistol frames, grip modules, jigs, and accessories for your next ghost gun build.

// Buyer’s Guide

80% Firearm Buyer’s Guide

What Is an 80 Percent Firearm?

An 80 percent firearm is a partially completed frame or receiver that has not been milled to the point where it meets the federal definition of a firearm. Because the fire control cavity, pin holes, or rail channels have not been finished, an 80% pistol frame is classified as a hunk of raw material rather than a regulated item. That means no FFL transfer, no 4473 form, and no serial number requirement for personal builds under federal law.

The “80 percent” label is an industry term, not a legal threshold. What matters is whether the frame can accept a fire control group without additional machining. If it can’t, it’s just a blank. Once you complete the machining yourself, it becomes a functional ghost gun frame that you built and own.

80 percent firearms are available in both polymer and aluminum, across platforms including Glock 17, Glock 19, AR-pattern lowers, and revolver frames. The most common entry point for builders is a compact or full-size 80% pistol compatible with Glock-pattern components.

The G80: Built for What Comes After Polymer 80

If you’ve searched for a P80 ghost gun recently, you already know the landscape has changed. Polymer 80, the company that popularized the polymer ghost gun frame, is no longer in business. P80 frames, jigs, and accessories are no longer being manufactured, and remaining inventory across the market is nearly gone.

That’s where the G80 comes in. The G80 is the next-generation 80 percent pistol platform built from the ground up as a direct alternative to the Polymer 80. It uses a comparable grip module design with improvements to rail fitment, trigger guard geometry, and jig precision. If you previously built a P80 ghost gun or a ghost Glock P80, the G80 will feel familiar, but with tighter tolerances and better out-of-box fit.

For builders who are comparing the G80 vs. the old P80 ghost gun platform, here’s what to know. The G80 grip module is compatible with standard Glock-pattern components, so your existing slides, barrels, and trigger assemblies carry over. The G80 jig has been redesigned for cleaner cuts with fewer finishing steps. And unlike leftover P80 stock floating around the secondary market, the G80 is actively produced and supported.

G80 Pistol Platforms and Configurations

The G80 lineup currently includes compact and full-size frames compatible with Glock 19 and Glock 17 parts, respectively. Each G80 firearm ships as an unfinished receiver, meaning you’ll need to complete the frame using the included jig and basic tooling before it’s ready for assembly.

Available G80 configurations include the standard G80 pistol frame, the G80 grip module (frame only, no jig), and the G80 PDW platform for builders looking at a pistol-caliber setup with brace or stock compatibility. Check individual product listings for exact specifications, included components, and compatible parts.

All G80 frames are polymer construction. If you’re looking for an aluminum 80% Glock frame, we carry those separately. Aluminum builds require a drill press or router-based jig and take more time and tooling than a polymer build, but they deliver a more rigid finished product.

How Much Does a Ghost Gun Cost?

Pricing on 80 percent firearms varies depending on what you’re buying. A standalone G80 frame typically runs less than a complete parts kit, so your total build cost depends on whether you already own slides, barrels, or trigger components.

If you’re starting from scratch, expect to spend on the frame, a complete parts kit (slide, barrel, trigger group, springs, pins), and possibly a few basic tools. A full 9mm ghost gun build can come in well under the cost of a comparable factory Glock, especially if you shop smart on components.

For builders who previously priced out a P80 ghost gun, the G80 comes in at a similar price point. The difference is availability. P80 inventory is drying up industry-wide, while G80 frames are in stock and shipping.

Do You Need an FFL to Buy an 80% Firearm?

No. Under current federal law, 80 percent firearms are not classified as firearms and do not require an FFL transfer. You can order directly to your door. No background check, no waiting period, and no paperwork.

State laws vary. Some states have enacted restrictions on unserialized firearms or unfinished frames. We do not ship to restricted jurisdictions. Check your state and local regulations before placing an order.

// FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About 80% Firearms

What is an 80 percent pistol?+
An 80 percent pistol is a partially finished handgun frame that requires machining before it can function as a firearm. Because it has not been completed to the point where it can accept a fire control group, it is not legally classified as a firearm under federal law. Once you finish the frame using a jig and basic tools, you can assemble it with standard pistol components like slides, barrels, and trigger assemblies.
What happened to Polymer 80?+
Polymer 80 (P80) is no longer in business. The company shut down operations and is no longer manufacturing frames, jigs, or accessories. Existing P80 inventory is extremely limited across the market. The G80 platform was developed as a direct successor, offering improved fitment and compatibility with the same Glock-pattern parts that P80 frames used. If you’re looking for a P80 ghost gun alternative, the G80 is the closest option currently in production.
Is the G80 compatible with P80 parts?+
The G80 uses the same Glock-pattern component ecosystem as the P80. Your existing slides, barrels, trigger groups, and small parts will carry over. The G80 grip module has been redesigned with tighter tolerances, so fitment with aftermarket components is equal to or better than the original P80 platform. If you previously built a P80 ghost gun, transitioning to the G80 is straightforward.
How much does a ghost gun cost to build?+
The total cost of a ghost gun build depends on the frame, parts kit, and any tools you need to purchase. A G80 frame plus a complete 9mm parts kit (slide, barrel, trigger assembly, pins, and springs) will typically cost less than buying a comparable factory pistol. If you already own compatible components from a previous build, your cost drops to just the frame and any missing parts.
What tools do I need to finish an 80% firearm?+
For polymer frames like the G80, you need a hand drill, the drill bits included with the jig, a file or rotary tool, and a punch set. Most builds take two to four hours. Aluminum 80% frames require a drill press or a jig-mounted router, plus end mills and cutting fluid. Check the product listing for your specific frame to confirm exact tooling requirements.
Do I need a background check to buy an 80% firearm?+
No. Because 80 percent firearms are not classified as firearms under federal law, they do not require a background check, FFL transfer, or Form 4473. You can purchase them online and have them shipped directly to your address. State and local laws may impose additional requirements, so always check your jurisdiction’s regulations before ordering.
What is a ghost gun?+
A ghost gun is a privately made firearm that does not have a commercial serial number. They are typically built from 80% frames or receivers that the owner finishes and assembles at home. Federal law allows individuals to manufacture firearms for personal use without a license, provided they can legally possess firearms. The term “ghost gun” refers to the lack of a traceable serial number, not to any specific brand or platform.
What is the difference between a ghost Glock and a factory Glock?+
A ghost Glock is a Glock-pattern pistol assembled from an 80% frame and aftermarket parts. It functions the same as a factory Glock but is built by the owner from individual components. The main differences are that a ghost Glock has no factory serial number, no FFL transfer is required for the frame, and you have full control over which slide, barrel, trigger, and other parts go into the build. Platforms like the G80 are designed specifically for this type of build.