Yes, you can buy a stripped lower receiver in California. A “stripped lower receiver” is a firearm frame or receiver that has been machined to remove all the internal components, such as the bolt carrier group, bolt, carrier key, firing pin assembly, and sometimes even the magazine well. This leaves only the weapon’s housing (or “frame”), which is legally considered to be the firearm.
You can also buy an 80% lower receiver in California. An 80% lower receiver is a partially completed lower receiver that requires the buyer to perform some machining operations to complete the weapon. While this may sound complicated, it is quite simple and can be done with basic hand tools. Once completed, an 80% lower receiver is functionally identical to a stripped lower receiver.
The reason why you might want to buy an 80% lower receiver is that, in some states, it is legal to purchase and possess an 80% lower receiver without any type of background check or license. In California, however, both stripped and 80% lower receivers are subject to the same laws as completed firearms.
Purchasing a lower receiver is the first step in building a custom AR-15 rifle or pistol. While it is possible to buy a complete AR-15 upper assembly, many shooters prefer to build their rifles from the ground up. This allows them to choose each component of their weapon, ensuring that everything is exactly to their liking.
Building an AR-15 from scratch also gives the shooter a much better understanding of how their weapon works and how to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. While it may seem like a lot of work, building your AR-15 can be a very rewarding experience.