Easy-Jig® Gen 3 Starter Kit - 308

About this product

What is the Easy-Jig® Gen 3 Starter Kit - 308?

The Easy-Jig Gen 3 Starter Kit - 308 is a precision machining fixture and tooling set engineered for builders to complete .308 80% lower receivers with tight tolerance control. It replaces the need for a professional CNC mill by converting a standard drill press into a dedicated jig platform. The system achieves a final fire control group pocket depth specification of 1.250 inches ±0.003, a tolerance window critical for reliable hammer-sear engagement in the LR-308/AR-10 platform.

What is the Easy-Jig® Gen 3 Starter Kit used for?

This kit is used to machine the fire control group pocket, trigger pin holes, and safety selector hole in a .308 80% lower receiver billet. The process takes approximately 45 minutes of active milling per lower when following the indexed tool path. It is specifically designed for the larger footprint and increased material removal required for AR-10 pattern receivers compared to standard AR-15 lowers, necessitating its dedicated end mill and fixture.

How does the Easy-Jig® Gen 3 Starter Kit compare to the 80% .308 Easy Jig® Gen 1?

The Gen 3 kit provides superior depth consistency and repeatability for multiple lowers compared to the Gen 1 model. The primary measurable difference is the use of a rigid, anodized 6061-T6 aluminum top plate with integrated stainless steel drill bushings, replacing the polymer guide block system of the Gen 1. This results in less than 0.001 inch of deflection under milling load, versus up to 0.005 inch observed on the Gen 1, directly translating to more consistent pocket sidewalls. The Gen 3 is the better choice for builders planning more than two .308 builds or who prioritize minimizing tolerance stack, while the 80% .308 Easy Jig® Gen 1 remains functional for occasional single-project use.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The assembled jig with all fixturing components weighs 7.8 pounds. The main jig body measures 10.5 inches in length, 4.75 inches in width, and 3.25 inches in height, designed to clamp directly into a standard 6-inch drill press vise. The included 3-flute, 5/16-inch high-speed steel end mill has a cutting length of 1.5 inches and a shank diameter of 0.375 inches, compatible with R8 or JT33 drill press chucks.

Who is this NOT for?

This kit is not for builders working exclusively on AR-15 pattern 80% lowers, which require a different, smaller jig platform like the 80% AR-15 Easy Jig® Gen 1. It is also not suitable for builders who lack access to a stable drill press with a minimum of 0.5 horsepower and a vise; handheld routers or manual drilling cannot achieve the required precision. Finally, it is not for those seeking a completely tool-less system, as the machining process requires methodical attention to our detailed measurement protocols.

What's in the box?

The kit contains the complete jig assembly, one 5/16" high-speed end mill, six M6-1.0 x 16mm socket head cap screws for receiver clamping, one 3/16" spotting drill bit, one hex key set, and the step-by-step pictorial guide. The guide includes 27 specific tool indexing positions to complete the pocket, with torque specifications for clamping screws listed at 35 inch-pounds.

Is the Easy-Jig® Gen 3 Starter Kit worth it at $539.97?

Yes, at $539.97, the kit provides a quantifiable cost advantage over outsourcing machining for just two .308 lowers. The fixture's precision and reusability amortize the cost across multiple builds. When paired with a quality 308 80% Lower – Billet, it grants control over the most critical machining phase of the lower receiver. The investment is justified by the measurable repeatability of the jig, which directly impacts the functional reliability of the completed firearm.