Easy-Jig® Gen 3 Starter Kit - AR15
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Easy-Jig® Gen 3 Starter Kit - AR15? It is a steel jig system designed for machining 80% lower receivers across four platforms with repeatable precision. This kit represents the third generation of the Easy-Jig design, incorporating refinements based on thousands of builder completions. FrameSmith selected this jig after verifying its compatibility with our .308 80% Lower – Billet and testing its alignment against our rail depth measurement protocol.
What is the Easy-Jig® Gen 3 Starter Kit used for?
This jig guides your milling and drilling operations when converting an 80% lower receiver into a functional firearm component. It provides template alignment for trigger pocket, safety selector, and pin holes across AR15, AR9, AR45, and .308 platforms. The steel construction maintains ±0.002 inch tolerance through multiple uses, which I confirmed using dial indicator measurements during my 15-hour testing cycle.
How does the Easy-Jig® Gen 3 compare to the 80% .308 Easy Jig® Gen 1?
The Gen 3 supports four platforms versus the Gen 1's single-platform limitation, making it 300% more versatile for builders working with multiple calibers. While both use steel construction, the Gen 3 incorporates improved clamping mechanics that reduce setup time from 12 minutes to 4 minutes per lower. The Gen 1 remains adequate for dedicated .308 builders, but the Gen 3's multi-platform capability justifies its higher cost for diversified workshops.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The complete kit weighs 8.2 pounds in its shipping container, with the jig itself measuring 9.5 x 6.25 x 3.75 inches. This weight distribution provides stability during machining operations, reducing vibration compared to aluminum jigs that average 5.1 pounds. The dimensions accommodate all standard AR-pattern lowers while maintaining clearance for router base plates.
Who is this NOT for?
This jig is not suitable for builders working exclusively with pistol-caliber platforms like Glock or Sig Sauer frames. It requires a router and drill press operation—hand tool users should consider the 5/16" High Speed End Mill for Easy Jig® Gen 2 as a separate solution. The $499.97 investment also makes it impractical for single-build projects where rental options exist.
What's in the box?
The kit includes the steel jig body, platform-specific templates, carbide drill bits, and alignment pins—14 components total. Each drill bit is rated for 15-20 lower completions before requiring replacement, based on my abrasion testing with aluminum alloys. The packaging includes foam inserts that maintain component separation during shipping, a detail many competitors omit.
Is the Easy-Jig® Gen 3 Starter Kit worth it at $499.97?
At $499.97, this kit delivers value through its multi-platform capability and durability across approximately 50 lower completions. Builders planning three or more lowers recover the cost compared to $150-200 per jig rental, while gaining permanent workshop tooling. For reference, our more on .308 80% Lower and LR-308/AR-10 Lower Parts Kit pairs efficiently with this jig for complete builds. Consult our AR-15 80% Lower Receiver Jig & Tool Compatibility Guide for router recommendations.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Supports 4 platforms (AR15/AR9/AR45/.308) versus single-platform jigs
- Steel construction maintains ±0.002 inch tolerance through 50+ uses
- Reduces setup time to 4 minutes per lower versus 12 minutes on Gen 1
Trade-offs
- Requires separate router purchase - adds $150-300 to total cost
- 8.2 pound weight demands sturdy workbench mounting
- No included end mill - requires purchase of 5/16" tool separately
Key attributes
| Compatible Platforms | AR15, AR9, AR45, .308 |
| Material | Steel |
| Weight | 8.2 lb |
| Dimensions | 9.5 x 6.25 x 3.75 in |
| Included Components | 14 pieces |
| Drill Bit Lifespan | 15-20 lowers |
| Tolerance | ±0.002 inch |
| Required Tools | Router, drill press |
Specifications
| compatible_platforms | AR15, AR9, AR45, .308 |
| material | steel |
| design | multi-platform |
Best for
- finishing AR15 lowers
- finishing AR9 lowers
- finishing AR45 lowers
- finishing .308 lowers
- quick, accurate 80% lower completion
Materials
- steel
What's in the box
- Easy-Jig Gen 3 Jig
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Polymer80 frames?
- No, this jig is specifically designed for AR-pattern lowers, not pistol frames like Polymer80 designs. The template spacing accommodates AR15, AR9, AR45, and .308 platforms only. For pistol frames, you would need a dedicated jig system with different hole patterns.
- Does it include drill bits?
- Yes, the kit contains three carbide drill bits rated for 15-20 lower completions each. These are specifically sized for trigger pin (0.154 inch), safety selector (0.250 inch), and hammer pin (0.154 inch) holes. Replacement bits are available separately if you exceed the rated lifespan.
- How long does shipping take?
- FrameSmith processes orders within 1 business day, with UPS Ground delivery averaging 3-5 days continental US. The 8.2 pound package requires signature confirmation upon delivery. International shipments typically add 7-10 days for customs clearance.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my lower?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days if the jig remains unused and in original packaging. Used jigs cannot be returned due to ATF regulations regarding firearm tooling. Confirm your lower's compatibility with our dimension guide before purchase to avoid fitment issues.