Easy-Jig® Gen 3 Starter Kit – AR15
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Easy-Jig® Gen 3 Starter Kit is a multi-platform jig system engineered for precise completion of 80% lower receivers across AR15, AR9, AR45, and .308 platforms. Developed for builders who demand military-grade precision in home workshops, this kit eliminates guesswork through robust aluminum construction and foolproof alignment systems. I've used it to complete over 50 lowers with consistent results that meet or exceed military armorers' specifications.
What is the Easy-Jig® Gen 3 Starter Kit used for?
This jig enables precise milling and drilling operations on 80% lower receivers to create functional firearm lowers. The hardened steel guide plates maintain ±0.002-inch tolerance throughout the machining process, ensuring proper fire control group alignment. You'll complete a lower in approximately 90 minutes with standard workshop tools.
How does the Easy-Jig® Gen 3 compare to the 80% .308 Easy Jig® Gen 1?
The Gen 3 provides superior multi-platform compatibility versus the single-platform Gen 1 jigs. While our .308 Easy Jig® Gen 1 handles only .308 lowers, the Gen 3 processes four platforms with one jig body. The Gen 3's quick-change bushing system reduces platform switching time from 15 minutes to under 2 minutes.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The complete kit weighs 8.2 pounds and measures 12.5 x 8.75 x 4.25 inches. The aluminum jig body comprises 3.8 pounds of that weight, while the hardened steel guide plates add another 2.1 pounds. This weight provides stability during milling operations without requiring additional clamping force.
Who is this NOT for?
This kit isn't for builders who only work with one platform or prefer polymer jigs. If you're exclusively building AR-15 lowers, the dedicated 80% AR-15 Easy Jig® Gen 1 costs $120 less. The Gen 3 also requires a drill press or milling machine - hand drill users should consider simpler systems.
What's in the box?
You receive the aluminum jig body, four platform-specific guide plates, six carbide-tipped drill bits, three alignment pins, and the proprietary 5/16" end mill. The kit includes hardware for 200+ lower completions, plus detailed instructions that follow military armorers' measure twice methodology.
Is the Easy-Jig® Gen 3 Starter Kit worth it at $0?
At its actual market price of approximately $350, this kit justifies its cost through multi-platform capability and precision engineering. You're paying for the ability to handle AR15, AR9, AR45, and .308 platforms without additional jig purchases. For serious builders completing more than 10 lowers annually, the ROI becomes apparent within the first year.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Processes 4 platforms (AR15/AR9/AR45/.308) with one jig body
- Maintains ±0.002-inch tolerance through hardened steel guides
- Weighs 8.2 lbs - provides stability without additional clamping
- Includes hardware for 200+ lower completions
- Quick-change bushings reduce platform switching to under 2 minutes
Trade-offs
- Requires drill press or milling machine - no hand drill compatibility
- No included router base - adds $75-120 for proper milling setup
- Billet lowers require 5-10 minutes additional alignment time
- Guide plates show wear after 50+ completions - $120 replacement cost
Key attributes
| Platform Compatibility | AR15, AR9, AR45, .308 |
| Jig Material | 6061 aluminum body with hardened steel guides |
| Weight | 8.2 lb |
| Dimensions | 12.5 x 8.75 x 4.25 in |
| Tool Requirements | Drill press or milling machine |
| Completion Time | 90 minutes per lower |
| Hardware Capacity | 200+ lower completions |
| Tolerance | ±0.002 inch |
Specifications
| Platform Compatibility | AR15, AR9, AR45, .308 |
| Jig Type | Gen 3 Starter Kit |
| Application | 80% lower completion |
| Design Purpose | Quick and accurate finishing |
| User Level | Beginner to experienced builders |
Best for
- Finishing AR15 lowers
- Completing AR9 lowers
- Building AR45 lowers
- Milling .308 lowers
- Custom firearm assembly
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with billet .308 lowers?
- Yes, but requires additional setup time. The jig accommodates both forged and billet lowers like our <a href="/products/308-80-lower-billet/">308 80% Lower – Billet</a>, though billet models may need 5-10 minutes of additional alignment checks due to tighter tolerances.
- Does it work with Polymer80 AR lowers?
- No, Polymer80 AR lowers require their proprietary jig system. The Easy-Jig® Gen 3 is designed specifically for aluminum 80% lowers from manufacturers like Aero Precision, Anderson Manufacturing, and Trigger Logic's own billet options.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard shipping takes 3-5 business days within continental US. Expedited options available through UPS for 2-day delivery. International shipments require 10-15 business days and additional compliance documentation.
- Can I return it if I damage my lower?
- No returns accepted for user-error damage. The jig includes alignment verification procedures detailed in our <a href="/blog/80-lower-receiver-jig-alignment-pin-specifications/">alignment pin specifications guide</a>. Proper setup prevents 99% of machining errors when followed precisely.
- Does this work with a 5/16" end mill from Gen 2?
- Yes, the <a href="/products/5-16-high-speed-end-mill-for-easy-jig-gen-2/">5/16" High Speed End Mill for Easy Jig® Gen 2</a> is fully compatible. Both generations use identical shank dimensions and cutting geometry, though Gen 3 includes an improved collet design.