Build kit or ready pistol: which one to buy
Same shelf, two very different purchases. Here is how to choose between a complete Polymer80 kit and a factory pistol.
Buy the kit if
- you want to understand the pistol part by part, and are comfortable with a drill, a file and an afternoon;
- you want a grip texture, colour or slide configuration no factory offers;
- your state allows unserialized frames. Several do not, and others require you to serialize the finished frame.
Buy the ready pistol if
- you need it to work reliably the day it arrives, for carry or home defence;
- you want a factory warranty;
- you live somewhere unfinished frames are restricted.
How the orders differ
A kit ships to your door with no dealer involved, where it is legal. A ready pistol ships to an FFL dealer and you finish the purchase there with a background check and any state waiting period.
Cost
A complete kit usually lands near the price of a factory pistol once you add tools and a slide. The saving is rarely the reason to build; the control over the result is.
Reliability
A well-finished frame is as reliable as a factory one. Most early problems come from finishing: rail tabs left proud, a rushed pin hole. Take the finishing stage slowly and function check before firing.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws on unfinished frames, receivers and firearms vary by state and city and change often. Check the current law where you live before ordering.
