How to Build a Polymer80 Glock — Frames, Kits & Step-by-Step Guides
Everything you need to build your own Glock-compatible pistol from an 80%% frame. Complete build kits, individual components, jig instructions, and expert build guides written by gunsmiths with 100+ P80 builds completed.
Polymer80 Build Kits — Everything You Need in One Box
Our Polymer80 build kits include the 80%% frame, completion jig with drill bits, and all required tooling. Pair with a complete slide assembly and lower parts kit to have everything needed for a functional pistol. We offer kits for the PF940C (Glock 19 compact), PF940v2 (Glock 17 full-size), and PF45 (Glock 21 .45 ACP). Every kit ships with detailed instructions.
How to Build a Polymer80 Glock 19 — Complete Guide
Building a Polymer80 is straightforward with the right tools and instructions. Here is the process our gunsmiths follow for every PF940C build:
Prepare the Frame
Secure the frame in the included jig. Use the provided drill bits to drill the pin holes — 3 holes total (locking block pin, trigger pin, rear rail pin). Go slow, let the drill do the work. Use cutting oil for cleaner holes.
Remove the Tabs
Using the included end mill bit in your drill press, remove the 4 polymer tabs inside the frame (2 on the barrel channel, 2 on the recoil spring channel). Sand smooth with 220 grit. A clean channel is critical for reliable cycling.
Install the Lower Parts
Install the locking block, trigger mechanism housing, trigger bar, connector, and all springs from your lower parts kit. Follow the OEM Glock assembly order. The slide lock spring is the trickiest part — use a slave pin if needed.
Attach the Slide Assembly
Mount the complete slide assembly onto the frame rails. Rack the slide 50-100 times to break in the rails. Check that the slide locks back on an empty magazine. Function check: dry fire, rack, verify trigger reset.
Estimated build time: 2-4 hours for a first-time builder. Experienced builders complete a P80 in under 45 minutes. The most common mistake is rushing the tab removal — take your time for a smooth channel.
Slide Assemblies & Barrels for P80 Builds
A complete slide assembly includes the slide, barrel, recoil spring, and all internal slide parts (firing pin, extractor, etc.). We stock assemblies in Black Nitride, FDE Cerakote, OD Green, and Cobalt finishes. All slides are machined from 416R or 17-4PH stainless steel and come with factory sights.
80%% AR-15 Lower Receivers
Beyond pistol frames, we carry forged and billet 80%% AR-15 lower receivers in multiple finishes. These are mil-spec dimension lowers that accept any standard AR-15 upper receiver, lower parts kit, and buffer tube assembly. Available in anodized black, FDE, OD Green, Zombie Green, and Gray. Fire/safe markings included. Compatible with .223/5.56, .300 Blackout, and other standard AR-15 calibers.
Builder Tips from Our Gunsmith Team
Use a Drill Press
While a hand drill works, a drill press ensures perfectly straight pin holes. Misaligned holes are the #1 cause of build failures and reliability issues.
Go Slow on Tabs
The recoil spring channel tabs should be removed gradually. Take off material in thin passes. An uneven channel causes feeding issues and failure-to-return-to-battery malfunctions.
Break In Your Build
New P80 builds need 200-300 rounds to fully break in. Expect some stiffness in the first 50 rounds. Use quality brass-cased ammunition for break-in — avoid steel-cased.
Check Your Rails
Before your first range trip, verify both frame rails are seated flat and level. Uneven rails cause slide binding. A light sanding of high spots fixes 90%% of rail issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Secure the frame in the included jig, drill 3 pin holes using the provided bits, then remove the 4 polymer tabs with the end mill bit. Sand smooth, install your lower parts kit, and mount the complete slide assembly. Full guide above — most first-time builders finish in 2-4 hours.
Every Polymer80 frame ships with its own jig, drill bits, and end mill bit included. You do not need to purchase a separate jig. The PF940C, PF940v2, and PF45 each come with their specific jig designed for that frame.
You need: (1) PF940C frame with jig, (2) Glock 19 Gen 3 complete slide assembly (slide + barrel + recoil spring + internals), (3) Glock 19 Gen 3 lower parts kit, (4) one or more Glock 19 magazines. Optional: upgraded sights, extended controls, stippling.
Building a firearm for personal use is legal under federal law in most states. However, state laws vary — California, New Jersey, Connecticut, and others have specific restrictions on unserialized frames. Always check your state and local laws before starting a build.
First-time builders typically finish in 2-4 hours. Experienced builders can complete a P80 in under 45 minutes. The most time-consuming step is tab removal and channel cleanup — rushing this step causes reliability problems.
About Polymer80 Builds
Polymer80 Builds is run by a team of gunsmiths and P80 builders based in Austin, TX. We have collectively completed over 100 Polymer80 builds across all frame models. Every build guide on this site is written from hands-on experience, not copied from forums. We stock every component you need — frames, slide assemblies, lower parts kits, barrels, and complete pistols — all verified in stock and shipped within 24 hours.