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This is an old article that I recovered. One day I will get back to update it with new information as the jigs have changed over the years.
AR Jig Showdown (2025 Update): 5D Tactical vs. 80% Arms Easy Jig Gen 3
Five Years Later—What’s Changed?
Back when I first reviewed these jigs, they were different beasts. Each had its quirks, and I didn’t hesitate to point them out. Fast forward to 2025, and both 5D Tactical and 80% Arms have upgraded their designs to the point where they’re almost identical—at least at a glance.
This isn’t just a rehash of old content. I’m revisiting my original criticisms and checking whether those flaws still exist. Turns out, a lot has changed—and some things haven’t.
👉 As of 2025, both jigs are sold exclusively through ModulusArms.com.
🧱 Look and Feel
Both jigs now feature skeletonized, thickened side plates. This brings down the weight while maintaining durability. You can feel the quality when you handle either jig—they’re no longer rough-around-the-edges DIY tools; they feel like production-grade fixtures.
Edge: 5D Tactical, by a hair, still has a more overbuilt presence.
🔧 Ease of Use
Here’s where the gap used to be wider—but not anymore.
- 5D Tactical sticks to its original pin-based router depth system. It’s a little finicky when your fingers are greasy, but consistent across depths.
- 80% Arms made the biggest leap in ease-of-use:
- They eliminated the cross jig screw, one of my original complaints.
- Their Trident-style pin system holds the lower tight without extra tensioners or tools.
- Switching depths is more intuitive, and the whole jig feels easier to manage.
Edge: 80% Arms pulls ahead with its streamlined workflow.
⚙️ Product Quality
Both jigs now include:
- Hardened steel inserts where you need them
- Proprietary end mills (ReadyMILL for 5D, Speedmill for 80%)
- Clean fit and finish throughout
Where they differ:
- Drill guide design is now functionally equal. I used to give the edge to 80% Arms, but now? They’re the same.
- End mill install is still easier on 5D, but 80% Arms’ Speedmill is a little more forgiving if you push feed rates.
Edge: It’s a draw. Both are durable, refined, and professional-grade.
🧩 Modularity & Platform Conversion (AR-15 to .308)
This is where 80% Arms pulls off a subtle but meaningful win.
- Front Takedown Block:
- 80% Arms uses a single block with multiple pin locations. You just move the pin—no parts to swap.
- 5D Tactical still uses dedicated blocks for each platform, so you have to pull one and insert another.
- Rear Buffer Plate:
- 80% Arms has one backplate that screws into different mounting holes depending on the platform.
- 5D Tactical includes separate plates for AR-15 and AR-10.
So while both require repositioning hardware, 80% Arms uses fewer unique components. That might not sound like much, but it’s one less thing to misplace mid-build.
Edge: 80% Arms, for minimizing part count and simplifying platform conversion.
💵 Price & Value
Prices vary depending on who has stock and what bundle you buy—but here’s the reality:
- Both require a compatible router and proprietary end mill.
- 5D Tactical includes beefier plates from the start.
- 80% Arms simplifies your part inventory.
If you’re only building AR-15s, you can’t go wrong with either. If you want future flexibility, both jigs now support AR-10/.308 builds with no major cost penalty.
Edge: Tie. Pick based on availability and what’s in stock at Modulus Arms.
🏁 Final Scores (2025 Edition)
| Category | 80% Arms | 5D Tactical |
|---|---|---|
| Look and Feel | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| Ease of Use | 4.6 | 4.3 |
| Product Quality | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Features/Options | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Price | 4.2 | 4.2 |
Overall Verdict:
➡️ If you’re looking for fewer parts and faster setup across platforms, go with 80% Arms.
➡️ If you want a more traditional, overbuilt workhorse, you’ll still love 5D Tactical.
Either way, you’re getting a top-tier jig that’s lightyears ahead of where we were just five years ago.
🙋 FAQ
Where can I buy 80% AR jigs?
➡️ Both are sold at ModulusArms.com due to regulatory changes. This is the exclusive source now.
Do I still need a router?
Yes. Both systems require a compatible router and either a Speedmill or ReadyMILL depending on the jig.
Can these jigs handle .308 lowers?
Yes. Both are multiplatform and support AR-15, AR-9, and .308 receivers out of the box or with repositioning of internal components.
Are 80% builds still legal in 2025?
Federally yes, but local laws vary. Always check your state laws before starting a build.
Which one is better for first-time builders?
Both are accessible now, but 80% Arms offers a slightly smoother onboarding experience thanks to fewer parts and an intuitive setup.
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About the Author: Jason Schaller is a former FFL holder and founder of Eagle Eye Shooters Supply in Helena, MT, where he provided professional gunsmithing services and guided customers on all aspects of firearms ownership. Today, he teaches DIY gunsmithing at The Rogue Banshee and serves as a Chief Instructor at Freedom Crew University. With over a decade of hands-on professional experience with firearms and nearly 30 years in IT, Jason also holds top cybersecurity certifications including CISSP, CISA, and CRISC. When he’s not geeking out, he’s helping others build self-reliance, critical thinking, and firearms proficiency through real-world content.
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