Building a custom AR-10 rifle is something that most firearm enthusiasts take a lot of pleasure and pride in. There is something special about choosing every part for a rifle to your exact specifications, putting them all together properly, and sending lead flying at the range with it.
While it isn’t as exciting as some other parts, the buffer tube is still an important part of any AR-10 build. After all, it does allow the stock to be attached to the rifle which is, of course, a key factor in a completed rifle! The buffer tube also contains parts that allow your chosen bolt carrier group to do its job.
Keep reading to gain more knowledge on buffer tubes and to see the best AR-10 buffer tubes of 2022.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for AR-10 Buffer Tube
- OUR TOP PICK: Aero Precision - AR .308 M5 Carbine Buffer Tube Kit
- RUNNER-UP: GUNTEC USA AR-10 Mil-Spec Buffer Tube Set,.308 Cal
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: 2A Armament 8 Position Billet Buffer Tube
Comparison Chart of the Best AR-10 Buffer Tubes
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What to Watch For When Buying AR-10 Buffer Tubes
A buffer tube serves two purposes on any AR-10 rifle. One purpose is to attach the stock to the rest of the rifle. Aside from that, an AR-10 buffer tube also contains and holds the buffer and the buffer spring. Those two parts allow the bolt carrier group on the rifle to function correctly.
In case that wasn’t clear enough, a rifle’s buffer tube is an important part to consider. That means that it pays off to keep an eye out for things such as material, finish, and compatibility. The following information is a good place to start your search for the ideal buffer tube for your needs.
This Section Written By: Brian Belko
Expert Author
Brian is an experienced freelance writer and technical writer who has previously written for publications such as Wide Open Spaces, Bigfoot Gun Belts, Alien Gear Holsters, and Kampgrounds of America. He brings both a passion for writing and a love of the outdoors to his published content.
Aside from writing and the outdoors, Brian enjoys gardening, being a co-host on The Nostalgia Blast Podcast, and learning to code.
Quality Control
It pretty much goes without saying that if you are building a custom rifle, you don’t want to cut any corners on parts. However, after spending a lot of money on an upper, lower, stock, and some accessories it can be tempting to opt for budget options for parts like the buffer tube.
However, it pays off in the long run to put just as much thought into which buffer tube is best for your build. Going with a reputable or well-reviewed company helps to make sure the quality you want is there. Many people also opt for an aluminum buffer tube because they are relatively light in weight, resistant to corrosion, and strong.
Will It Fit?
It is vitally important to ensure that the buffer tube you select is compatible with AR-10 rifles. That might sound obvious, but AR-10 buffer tubes and AR-15 buffer tubes look very similar. It can sometimes be easy to overlook this point when you come across a buffer tube that fits all your other needs. The most important thing to remember here is that buffer tubes are not interchangeable between AR-10 and AR-15 rifles even if they look similar and are the same length.
For those rifle builders going for a mil-spec build, a mil-spec buffer tube will have the following features: outside diameter of 1.148 inches, one-piece construction, rolled threads, and a forged design.
Finishing Up
Before making a final buffer tube decision, make sure to pay attention to the finish on it. A high-quality finish will go a long way towards ensuring that your AR-10 rifle looks good and performs well for a long time even in rough conditions. An anodized coating is always a good option. This is also an excellent time to make sure the finish color matches the rest of your rifle or at least looks good next to them.
Review of the Best AR-10 Buffer Tubes
The following is a list of five of the best AR-10 buffer tubes currently available on the market as of this writing. While this list might be subject change, one of these tubes might be yours for a long period of time. But don’t worry, it won’t be something that will go out of style within the next year.
If you’re looking for a buffer tube for a possible upgrade or if you need an addition to a rifle that you’re currently building, this list is a great place to start. With that said, let’s begin by revealing our “best overall” choice:
Best Overall
Aero Precision – AR .308 M5 Carbine Buffer Tube Kit
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First on the list, we’ll be taking a look at the Aero Precision AR .308 M5 Carbine Buffer Tube Kit. This is perhaps one of the best quality buffer tubes currently available. And since it’s made in the U.S.A., it will definitely back our previous statement.
This buffer tube features six different positions that will best fit your buttstock of choice. Whether it’s an adjustable stock or a fixed “one-size-fits-all” kind of stock, this buffer tube will have the ability to accommodate it.
This is crafted from high-quality aluminum, making it a very durable addition to your AR-10 rifle. Also included in this kit is your castle nut, spring, and end plate.
These parts are easy to install and won’t take advanced gunsmithing skills. With just minutes of your time and the right tools, will be installed and good to go.
If you’re looking for a product that has all the parts you need to make it function as it should, then the Aero Precision kit might just be exactly what you’re looking for.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a kit that is considered the best of the best, then the Aero Precision buffer tube kit might be just what you’re looking for. In fact, we are quite satisfied with the kit and it was good enough to give it the “best overall” honor.
If you’re looking for a tube with the whole kit and kaboodle that makes it work, get this kit. The installation is stress-free and will be functional once installed properly.
Pros
Very High in Quality
Fits Perfectly With Most Buttstocks
Easy to Install and Only Takes Minutes
Cons
None
Runner-up
GUNTEC USA AR-10 Mil-Spec Buffer Tube Set,.308 Cal
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Next, we’ll be taking a look at the GUNTEC USA AR-10 Mil-Spec buffer tube. Once again, we’ll be looking at a complete kit that not only consists of a standalone buffer tube but also the parts that will get the thing to work properly.
Aside from the tube, you’ll get the castle nut, end plate, and a .308 CAR short buffer. The material used for the tube is 7075-T6 aluminum. In other words, this will be a tough piece of equipment worth installing on your AR-10 rifle.
On top of that, this will fit most AR-10 buttstocks and it has six different positions you can use to ensure your buffer tube will work with the stock you use most. If the Aero Precision kit doesn’t impress you somehow or if this GUNTEC kit catches your eye, then it’s obvious this is the product for you.
Bottom Line
All and all, this is a great alternative kit if the Aero Precision doesn’t seem right for you. However, this product is quite durable and includes the parts that will take only minutes to install.
Plus, it’s a buffer tube that is as close as you can get to a mil-spec style. If you’re a sucker for all things mil-spec, you should give the GUNTEC kit a closer look.
Pros
Fits Perfectly Without Any Issue
A Great Replacement for Fixed Stocks. Will Work Well Aith adjustable Stocks
A Bit Shorter Than Most Factory Buffer Tubes, But Much Better in Terms of Performance
Cons
Some Reviewers Have Complained That it Feels Cheap and Foreign Made
Best for the Money
2A Armament 8 Position Billet Buffer Tube
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There are a lot of AR-10 owners always looking for great accessories. But there’s also a handful of those on a budget. If you’re one of them, rejoice. Because we’ve found the best AR-10 buffer tube that will fit almost any budget.
We give you the 2A Armament Eight-Position Billet Buffer Tube. This item is made from billeted aluminum. For added durability, it also includes an anodized coating to ensure it can handle all kinds of punishment.
If you’re looking for a product that will last you a long time and won’t break the bank, the 2A Armament might be the best thing you’ve invested in. This has eight adjustable positions designed to work with almost any buttstock you choose for your AR-10 rifle.
So if you have a polymer stock you’re dying to add on to your rifle, then a buffer tube like this will make it even more adjustable and easy to use for most shooters.
Bottom Line
Like many accessories that are the best for the money, it exceeds expectations. It’s not a “you get what pay for” kind of buffer tube. And for the price it’s going for, we’re shocked it wasn’t priced any higher.
The eight adjustable positions are more than enough for any shooter, but it guarantees that anyone can use an AR-10 rifle if they can find the adjustment that makes them most comfortable.
With the 2A Armament product, you just can’t lose. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to use and easy on the wallet, you’d be insane to pass up on the opportunity to look at this a little further.
Pros
Excellent in Quality
Fits Great With Most Stocks
The 8 Positions are Quite a Convenience. Can Be Adjusted to Fit Any Shooter
Cons
One Reviewer Said One Improvement That Can Be Made is Some Kind of Brace for Easier Operation
4. Luth-AR .308 Rifle Buffer Tube Assembly
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Next, we’ll be taking a look at the Luth-AR .308 Rifle Buffer Tube Assembly. Included in this kit is not just the buffer tube itself, but it also includes a buttstock extension tube, standard buttstock spring, and a buffer body assembly.
So in other words, you have a kit that will work best with your .308 caliber AR-10 rifle. Each part of this is light in weight and won’t add any extra weight to your rifle.
So if you’re looking for something that’s easy to install but won’t make your rifle significantly heavier, the Luth-AR buffer tube assembly kit could be yours to own.
You’ll be able to easily install these parts and the tube itself in a matter of minutes. This will complement almost any buttstock you use for your AR-10 rifle.
Adjustable or fixed, you’ll have a reliable tube which will support your buttstock without any issues. This Luth-AR buffer tube assembly might be the best option for your .308 caliber AR-10.
Bottom Line
The Luth-AR is probably one of the most reliable buffer tubes you can find that will be the best fit for a .308 caliber AR-10 rifle. If reliability is something you consider a high priority, this might be the best buffer tube to invest in.
This has the additional parts you’ll need to ensure that the buffer tube itself can work properly, however, it won’t take you forever to install.
So if you have minutes to spare, you can assemble this and install it on your rifle without any snags or other issues.
Pros
Easy to Install
High-Quality for Affordable Price
Fits With Most Luth-AR Billeted Lowers
Cons
None
5. Spikes Tactical Buffer Tube – .308
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For our last AR-10 buffer tube, we’ll be taking a look at another one fit for .308 caliber rifles. The Spikes Tactical Buffer Tube is also compatible with most mil-spec buffers.
If you’re looking for a good product designed to reduce a good amount of recoil, this might be what you’re looking for.
This is made from high-quality aluminum and has an anodized hard coat added on for extra durability. No buffer tube is complete without having six different adjustable positions. This will make your stock easy to use for most shooters.
Say goodbye to your non-adjustable, standalone stock. So if you’re looking for a good adjustable stock for your .308, the Spike’s Tactical Buffer Tube might be deserving of a closer look.
Bottom Line
The Spikes Tactical Buffer Tube to our knowledge is the best that you can get to a tactical-style buffer tube. Of course, it can’t be tactical without the adjustable positions. If you want something that will fit almost any shooter, then a product like the Spikes Tactical might be what you need.
Whether you’re short or tall in height, there’s always an adjustment that will best fit you. Aside from that, this is a tough piece of equipment that will definitely aid you in reducing a good deal of recoil. Of course, less recoil will always mean better accuracy with every shot.
Pros
Perfect for Any AR-10 Build
The Finish is Aesthetically Pleasing
Positions are Numbered, Making it Easy to Identify
Cons
Installation Might Be a Bit of a Challenge for Some
What is a Buffer Tube and What Are They Used For?
A buffer tube is an alternative term for a receiver extension. This is a protrusion that sticks out of your AR-10 rifle. The buffer tube is designed to serve two purposes. First, it will house what is known as the recoil buffer mechanism. Second, it also serves as an attachment to your rifle’s buttstock.
Inside a buffer tube, there is a large spring that is called an action spring. This spring contains the recoil buffer mechanism inside. The buffer tube allows the bolt, buffer tube, and spring itself to go in the tube compressed and shoot itself forward.
Are AR-15 and AR-10 Buffer Tubes The Same?
The short answer: no. To give you an even longer answer, almost all the parts of a buffer tube may not be compatible with each other.
In other words, an AR-15 buffer tube may not be able to function properly in an AR-10 rifle and vice versa. The tube lengths, however, are the same. But other than that, the parts like the lower parts kit or the rail system won’t be compatible with any other AR-style rifle other than its own (i.e. AR-15 or AR-10).
However, some parts like the buttstock, hammer, or pistol grip are most likely compatible for either an AR-15 or AR-10.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Of course, it wouldn’t be smart to purchase the first buffer tube you see on the shelf. Or if you’re buying online, you simply can’t just go straight for the “add to cart” button. Before choosing the best buffer tube for you, you’ll need to consider some additional factors that may play a role in your final purchasing decision.
If you’re a first-time buyer, this list should be a must-read for you. This way, you’ll know what you’re looking for while searching for a buffer tube for your AR-10 rifle. With that said, here’s what you’ll need to consider:
Price
Obviously, if you’re on a budget you know the price will play a factor in which buffer tube you’ll choose. While price might be a good reason why you’ll choose a buffer tube, it’s also important to consider some of the other aspects as well.
If the price tag is within your budget range, always make sure that the quality is better than a typical cheap buffer tube. The last thing you’ll want to do is buy a buffer tube that’s low in price and ends up low in quality, as well.
Material
The overall quality of a buffer tube will depend on the material being used for manufacturing. Most of the buffer tubes on the market are made from high-quality materials like aluminum. Types of aluminum like 7075-T6, are among popular choices because they are resistant to all kinds of damage.
Plus, they are also good at absorbing the shock associated with recoil. This kind of aluminum will also be resistant to such things like corrosion.
Installation
If you have no gunsmithing skills at all, then you don’t have to worry about installing a buffer tube. Most of the AR-10 buffer tubes that we have listed are easy to install. All it takes are the right tools and minutes of your time in order for you to install a buffer tube properly.
Thankfully, we’ve even included installation instructions so you can follow along and install it without scratching your head and wondering if you’re doing it all wrong.
How to Remove and Install a Buffer Tube
Installing and even removing a buffer tube might be a challenge. That is, if you don’t know how to do it. Below are some instructions you can follow so you can easily remove a buffer tube. Likewise, we’ve also included instructions that will show you how to install a buffer tube without any issues.
How to Install a Buffer Tube
- As always, safety first. Make sure your rifle is clear and is not loaded in either the magazine well or the chamber. Once you’re clear, move on to the next step.
- Make sure that your parts like your pins, springs, rings, and tubes are included.
- You can add some lubricant to your springs before installation if you so choose. Now, add your retainer spring followed by the retainer itself.
- Add the takedown pin from left to right.
- Add the detent and the spring in order.
- Take your castle nut and screw it on the right way.
- Install the back pipe with the nub facing outward. Slide it over the threads. Then screw it onto your rifle’s backend. Push the retainer down until the tube flips over.
- Add the spring just below the tube itself. Follow it by installing the backplate. You can add Loctite to ensure it stays tight, but that’s optional.
- Tighten your castle nut down using a castle wrench.
- Grease the buffer spring if needed. Insert it in the buffer tube followed by the buffer itself.
- Add your buttstock onto your rifle. Slide it on as far as it can go. Then screw it on. At this point, check to see if everything is secure. Once all is good, you’re finished.
How to Remove a Buffer Tube
- Once again, make sure your rifle is clear and unloaded.
- The AR-10 should be in a vertical position. The buttstock should be at a resting position on a stable surface.
- Get a drift pin and extract the take-down pin. The take-down pin will be located on the left rear part of your rifle’s receiver right above the fire selector switch. Pull the back of the upper receiver away from the lower receiver.
- Push in the receiver pivot pin and make sure it slides out from left to right. Next, you should separate the upper receiver assembly from the lower receiver assembly.
- Next, find the buffer tube retaining pin. It should be located on the back of the lower receiver and in front of the opening of the receiver extension (which is the tube that will extend into the buttstock).
- Push the buffer tube back with your finger and using a drift pin, depress the retaining pin. Then you should be able to slide out the buffer tube and the action spring.
Conclusion
Finding the best AR-10 buffer tube might be a challenge, but if you know exactly what to look for, you’ll find the buying process a little easier. A good buffer tube will absolutely give your AR-10 rifle better performance. Find one that will be easy to install and easy to adjust. This way, you’ll have a fully functional and adjustable AR-10 to work with no matter what your application.
