Louisiana 80 Percent Lower Laws

Legal Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not legal advice. We are not lawyers. While we endeavor to keep all our blogs updated with the most accurate information, gun laws change quickly and frequently. Legal changes can often be difficult to uncover, unpack, and publish in real-time. Therefore, while we try our best to provide timely information, be aware that what you’re reading below may change (or already has changed).

Do not rely solely on the information provided by us or on this website to ensure compliance with your purchase decisions. To ensure that you, the buyer, are acting in accordance with all federal, state laws and local ordinances, please do your own research and consult an attorney if necessary.

To see where some or none of our products can be shipped to, please see our full list of sensitive states here. 

What is an 80% Lower?

An 80% lower receiver is an unfinished and unserialized blank which requires so machining work from the end user to turn it into a 100% lower receiver, otherwise, what is legally considered as a firearm. 80 lowers are missing the trigger pocket and a three holes that need to be milled and drilled out to be completed. Unless states have passed their own laws barring the possession or sales of 80% products; pending the ATF's updated decision from the most recent proposed rule 2021R-05 80% lowers are completely legal, not considered firearms and thus can be shipped straight to your front door. No FFL required. To explore the 80% lowers we have to offer, check out our multiple collections.

Are 80 Lowers Legal In Louisiana?

As of this guide’s initial publish date, 80% lower receivers and frames are not considered as firearms by the ATF and are legal to ship directly to buyers residing in the state of Louisiana.

Do I Need to Serialize My 80 Lower in Louisiana?

If you build out your own firearms starting with 80 lowers in Louisiana you do not need to serialize the lower receiver or frame as there are currently no laws requiring citizens to do so. Should you wish to serialize your lower receiver you certainly can if necessary through our 80 lower engraving services.

Key Gun Laws in Louisiana

Other than laws regarding 80 lowers, these are the key gun laws you should be aware of if you reside or are traveling through Louisiana.

Firearm Possession and Purchase Requirements

The state of Louisiana only requires individuals to be 18 years of age in order to legally purchase a handgun and there are no minimum age requirements for the purchase or possession of long guns. All the normal exceptions apply for minors in terms for when they’re allowed to possess or transport a handgun: when attending a hunter’s or firearms safety course, using the gun for target practice or recreational shooting at an established range, involved in an organized competition, hunting or trapping with a valid license, traveling to and from these events, or at their own residence with permission and supervision of a parents or a legal guardian.

All firearm purchases require a background check (Dealer Record of Sale also known as 4473 form or “DROS”). While federal law requires federal firearm license holders (“FFL’s”:) to initiate background checks on buyers prior to the sale of a firearm, federal law also allows states to serve as their own “point of contact” and conduct their own background checks via state, federal records or databases, as well as the option to use the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) database. Louisiana is not a point of contact for the NICS and as a result, dealers must conduct their background checks by going through the FBI directly. Private party transfers do not require background checks. Louisiana also exempts all ccw holders from background checks when purchasing new guns in stores by presenting their valid ccw permit ID card.

Open and Concealed Carrying

Open carry without a permit is legal in Louisiana for anyone at least 18 years of age who is not prohibited from possessing a gun with some areas and events being off limits such as federal buildings and parades or bars.ls. Concealed carry permits in Louisiana are called CHP’s or “concealed handgun permit.” and lawful permanent residents the age of 21 or older can apply for it. To get a CHP, applicants must apply and complete a firearms training course as well. Louisiana is a “shall issue '' state and does offer non-resident CHP’s as well. Generally speaking, Louisiana reciprocates and honors concealed carry weapon permits from any state that honors theirs. To check if your state’s concealed carry permit is honored by Louisiana check this reciprocity map here. Although, we are expecting Louisiana to pass a Constitutional Carry bill sometime this year in 2022.

NFA Restrictions

While it is legal to own any and all NFA weapons or related items; short barreled rifles, short barreled rifles, silencers and machine guns must be registered with Louisiana’s Department of Public Safety in order to legally own these weapons and items. Thankfully, there are no “assault weapon” bans.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

There are no magazine capacity restrictions in Louisiana. Enjoy those drums and belt-fed box magazines! We carry plenty of standard capacity magazines like the Lancer Advanced Warfighter L5 mag which is a 30 rounder too. Our favorite color is the translucent smoke one.

Mandatory Storage Requirements

There are no mandatory storage requirements for firearms in Louisiana, however, you should still exercise caution and can be tried for negligently leaving your guns accessible to children. If you need some good ideas or best practices for storing your guns and gear here are 5 ways to store your firearms at home.

Self-Defense

When in Louisiana, there is no duty to retreat before force for self-defense can be used because there is a stand your ground law in place and a castle doctrine.

Ammunition Purchase

The state of Louisiana prohibits the manufacturing, possession or sale of armor-piercing bullets. While Louisiana does not require a license for the sale, purchase or possession of ammunition, sellers are not required to maintain a sales record. All online bulk ammo sales require buyers to be at least 21 years old.

Start Your Next 80 Lower Build with 80% Arms!

Louisiana residents are completely free to build their own firearms from 80 lowers and frames without any required serialization or FFL transactions. It's the perfect state to take advantage of your constitutional Second Amendment right and freedom to keep and bear arms. That includes 80% Arms! Grab an 80 lower jig and some buddies to enjoy that freedom together and let us know if you need any advice with your build at any point in the process. Friends, live free.