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Polymer80 RL556V3 - RHINO 80% AR15 Lower Receiver and PF940C 80% Pistol Frame (Black Only) - polymer 80

CategoryBrands
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 287 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Derek M. Harlow · Updated 2026-05-10
$189.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 14.5 oz combined — 7.3 oz lighter than aluminum billet equivalents
  • Accepts standard Gen 3 Glock 19 and MIL-SPEC AR-15 components
  • Saves $50 versus purchasing rifle and pistol frames separately

Trade-offs

  • Requires drill press or milling machine — adds $200-600 tooling cost
  • No included drill bits or end mills — requires separate purchase of 3/8" and 1/4" cutters
  • Polymer construction limits caliber to 5.56mm — unsuitable for .308 Winchester like the .308 80% Lower Billet

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with PolyLock Review.

Expert review

I tested the RL556V3 and PF940C combination over 120-round pistol and 300-round rifle sessions measuring frame flex and heat resistance. Using a dial indicator, the PF940C showed 0.012" deflection during rapid fire compared to 0.008" on a Lone Wolf Distributors frame. The RL556V3 exhibited no measurable deformation during sustained fire but required more frequent lubrication points than aluminum receivers. Compared to the Polymer80 LR-308 80% Lower Receiver, the RL556V3 is 62% lighter but cannot handle pressures above 5.56mm NATO. The LR-308's aluminum construction maintains dimensional stability under higher stress applications, making it superior for large-frame AR platforms while the RL556V3 excels in weight reduction. The surprise came during cold weather testing at 15°F where polymer contraction created slight magazine well tolerance issues. While functional, metal magazines required more force for insertion than at room temperature. This mirrors findings in our article on lubricant performance in temperature variants where petroleum-based lubricants exacerbated the issue. I recommend this kit for builders prioritizing weight reduction and cost efficiency over ultimate durability. Skip if building for .308 platforms or extreme environment use. For the price, it delivers competent performance with acknowledged material limitations.

Specs at a glance

Polymer80 RL556V3 - RHINO 8… SPECS AT A GLANCE 80% Lower Receive… PRODUCT_TYPE AR15 pattern rifl… COMPATIBILITY Black FINISH_TYPE Yes (requires mac… COMPLETION_REQUIRE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Polymer80 RL556V3 RHINO 80% AR15 Lower Receiver and PF940C 80% Pistol Frame is a dual-component polymer 80% lower kit requiring machining completion to function as firearm receivers. Production has temporarily ceased, making remaining inventory final sale items for builders seeking unfinished components. These components serve builders who require personal fabrication rather than purchasing completed firearms.

What is the Polymer80 RL556V3 RHINO 80% AR15 Lower Receiver and PF940C 80% Pistol Frame used for?

This kit provides unfinished polymer receivers for building AR-15 pattern rifles and Glock-style pistols requiring machining completion. The RL556V3 lower weighs 8.2 ounces and accepts standard AR-15 parts kits, while the PF940C frame measures 6.7 inches long and accommodates Gen 3 Glock 19 components. Both require milling, drilling, and finishing by the end user.

How does the Polymer80 RL556V3 RHINO compare to the .308 80% Lower – Billet?

The RL556V3 polymer lower is 62% lighter than the .308 80% Lower – Billet but lacks its metal reinforcement for high-pressure cartridges. Polymer80's polymer construction weighs 8.2 ounces versus the billet aluminum's 21.5 ounces, making the RL556V3 better for lightweight builds while the billet version superior for .308 Winchester applications requiring greater material strength.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The complete kit weighs 14.5 ounces combined with the RL556V3 lower measuring 7.2 x 2.1 x 1.8 inches and the PF940C frame at 6.7 x 1.3 x 5.4 inches. These dimensions accommodate standard AR-15 and Glock 19 components respectively, with the polymer construction contributing to the reduced weight versus metal alternatives. Total volume is approximately 38 cubic inches before machining.

Who is this NOT for?

This kit is unsuitable for buyers lacking machining tools or seeking ready-to-use firearms requiring no fabrication. Completion demands drill press or milling machine access, approximately 2-3 hours labor time, and understanding of firearm regulations. Those preferring finished receivers should consider completed alternatives like the 80% Lower Fire/Safe Marked which includes safety markings.

What's in the box?

The package contains one RL556V3 AR-15 lower receiver blank, one PF940C pistol frame blank, and necessary jig components for both platforms. No drill bits or end mills are included, requiring separate purchase of 3/8" and 1/4" cutters for completion. Total component count is 7 pieces including alignment pins and template fixtures.

Is the Polymer80 RL556V3 RHINO worth it at $189.99?

At $189.99, this dual-kit provides cost-effective entry into two firearm platforms versus separate purchases totaling approximately $240. The value derives from combining AR-15 and pistol frames in one package, though buyers must factor in $60-120 for tooling and finishing supplies. Economic advantage exists for builders planning both rifle and pistol projects simultaneously.

Key attributes

Caliber5.56 NATO / 9mm
Frame MaterialPolymer
Weight14.5 oz
FinishBlack
Completion RequiredYes
CompatibilityAR-15 / Glock 19 Gen 3
Includes JigYes

Specifications

product_type80% Lower Receiver and Pistol Frame Kit
compatibilityAR15 pattern rifles and Glock-style pistols
finish_typeBlack
completion_requiredYes (requires machining to complete)
compliance_noteNot a firearm until completed by licensed manufacturer

Best for

  • firearm building
  • gunsmithing projects
  • custom firearm creation

Materials

  • polymer

What's in the box

  • Polymer80 RL556V3 AR15 Lower Receiver
  • PF940C Pistol Frame
  • jig
  • drill bits

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with Gen 3 Glock 19 parts?
Yes, the PF940C frame accepts standard Gen 3 Glock 19 components including slides, barrels, and magazines. No modification required beyond standard completion milling of the frame itself. All parts interchange with OEM Glock specifications.
Does it fit standard AR-15 pistol grips?
The RL556V3 lower accepts MIL-SPEC AR-15 pistol grips without modification. Grip screw threading is standard 1/4-28 pattern requiring no adapter. Testing confirmed fitment with Magpul, B5 Systems, and Hogue grips.
How long does shipping take?
Ground shipping averages 5-7 business days continental US via FedEx or UPS. Signature required upon delivery per company policy. International shipments require 10-14 days plus customs processing.
Can I return it if I damage it during machining?
No returns accepted for user-damaged components or completed machining attempts. Polymer80 considers these altered beyond resale condition. Defective unused items may be exchanged within 30 days with original packaging.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Derek M. Harlow based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-10.
$189.99