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BUBAR-10 Tutorial
BUBAR-10 Tutorial
The BUBAR-10 is a 3D printable LR308-style lower receiver. It utilizes simple metal parts to
greatly enhance the strength/durability of the lower – able to withstand pushup tests, drops, throws,
kicks, and other hard abuse. At the core of its design is a U-Bolt to clamp the buffer tower down
(preventing cracks), two humps to spread bending force at the rear of the receiver along the top deck of
the lower, and two eye bolts to act as the front takedown lugs on the lower (which also help clamp the
front of the lower together, enhancing strength further).
Note: While the BUBAR is a very strong lower, it is not advised to shoot it without its metal
reinforcements – without these reinforcements, the lower will not prove strong or reliable.
This documentation will walk you through the process of building your own BUBAR lower – while many
of the steps are standard to building out an AR15 lower, some fitting is required on the metal
reinforcements for this lower, and some things are unique to this build due. Do not assume you know
how to assemble your parts without reading the documentation!
Make sure you refer to the README for basic info/print settings for this lower!
I recommend you use this document to supplement the video, having text-based steps helps keep things
organized, being able to see things in real time helps clear up confusing instructions.
Do not be intimidated by the length of the build video/tutorial. If you run into issues, the
troubleshooting section at the end of this document should help you out.
Make sure you CAREFULLY read the shopping list section of this document – due to the lack of
standardization among AR-10 parts, gaps in standard sizes for hardware store parts, and for the
convivence of the builder, if you just guess at what parts you’ll need you may end up going wrong.
If you have found this tutorial useful, consider sending me Bitcoin to further development of this sort of
thing – there is much more to explore in 3D printed guns, DIY guns, DIY ammo, etc.
https://ctrlpew.com/donate-to-ivanthetroll/
A big Stoner Rifle is a good thing
Remember that it is our shared responsibility to be safe and smart with firearms and show the
world there is a peaceful way to own guns – take the time to get training, to learn basic (and
advanced) safety rules, and to share the hobby with everyone interested – those most scared of
guns in the hands of the people are often the ones who have no experience with guns in the
first place.
Table of Contents
Preface .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Shopping List ................................................................................................................................................. 5
Build Tutorial ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Step 1: Lay Out Your Parts/Prep Work...................................................................................................... 8
Step 2: Install the Bolt Catch/Hold Open ................................................................................................ 13
Step 3: Install the Buffer Tube/U-Bolt .................................................................................................... 16
Step 4: Install the Eye Bolts/Front Takedown Lugs................................................................................. 23
Step 5: Install the Pistol Grip ................................................................................................................... 27
FAQ/Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................. 31
Shopping List
Starting right off – the AR10 is a platform that lacks proper standardization. There are two prevailing
specs (LR308 and Armalite spec), but from one manufacturer to the next, nobody can seem to agree
what either of those specs actually mean. I based the BUBAR-10 on the PSA AR-10 uppers (which are
LR308 spec), and can certainly verify it works with this lower. I planned the BUBAR-10’s shopping list
such that the items that commonly seem to differ from one maker to the next are not an issue.
However, outside of PSA AR-10 uppers, I can’t guarantee that you won’t have to do some fitting or buy
parts outside the scope of this shopping list – welcome to the wonderful world of AR10s.
This list will cover what supplies you will need for a BUBAR-10 build. You will need some basic tools,
such as a 1/4", 5/32”, and 3/8” drill bit, a hammer, a 1/8” punch, a screwdriver or allen key to install
your pistol grip screw, a battery drill, a Dremel tool with a cutoff wheel (or a metal file), a ¼-28” tap, and
optionally a pair of needle-nosed pliers (these are always handy).
AR10 Parts
The big-ticket item for this build will be an AR10 upper – the BUBAR is compatible with LR308 uppers,
but some uppers may take fitting because “LR308 spec” doesn’t actually mean much. Uppers with
railed/free floated handguards should be compatible across the board with the BUBAR, but again – it’s
hard to ensure everything works when every company makes thing differently.
The BUBAR is designed to only use carbine buffer tubes/buffers – this is because the U-Bolt
reinforcement doesn’t play nice with the shorted threaded section found on rifle gas tubes. Remember
that you can use any length upper/gas system with a carbine buffer/tube – the idea that this somehow
will damage your gun is wrong. You can use a 20” upper with a carbine buffer tube, so long as you are
using a carbine buffer and spring.
Some variation exists in AR10 magazines, and since metal mags can be expensive, I just tested with
PMAGs – which seem to be good to go across the board.
• A complete AR10 upper – any barrel length, gas system length, etc, so long as it claims to be
LR308 spec it should work. I recommend PSA’s AR10 uppers, they are quite nice and at least the
one I’ve got is exceptionally accurate. The BUBAR has no issues handling other common AR10
chamberings such as 6.5 Creedmore. Note that you will need a bolt carrier group and charging
handle with your complete upper – some uppers don’t include them, make sure yours does!
• An AR10 buffer and buffer spring
o I’ve seen people claim AR10s work with AR15 buffers and springs, but if you’re ordering
an AR10 upper from a place, I’m sure they sell a buffer and spring that they have tested
with the upper they are going to sell you – worth saving the hassle to get a buffer and
spring you know are compatible
AR15 Parts
What the heck? AR15 parts? Yep, that’s right – the AR10 and AR15 lower parts kits are nearly identical,
and for the BUBAR build, I decided to center on using standard AR15 lower parts kits (except for the
buffer and spring, as explained above).
Some of the weirdness in AR10 parts from one manufacturer to the next is in the lower parts kit –
magazine catches, bolt hold opens, and even takedown pins can vary quite a bit. This is part of what
guided my decision in making the BUBAR avoid AR10 lower parts kits, because those kits are not
universal, whereas AR15 kits are.
*Note: You do not need the trigger guard or takedown pins/springs from an AR15 lower parts kit – you
can save these parts to have as extras for other builds, though. You will need to use one of the
takedown pins as a tool for building your BUBAR, so don’t throw them away or anything silly like that.
o An AR15 pistol grip – the BUBAR does not work with most AR15 grips that feature an
extended backstrap. Some may fit, but I would say as a rule you will want to either use
grips that don’t have the backstrap or shave down the top of the backstrap on your
desired grip until it fits.
o An AR15 stock – I like B5’s Bravo stock – it’s a bit pricey, but fits great on mil-spec buffer
tubes and works great for me. There are some printable stocks out there.
Metal Reinforcing Parts
The BUBAR uses a few metal reinforcements to make it strong – a U-Bolt and two rod-end eye bolts.
It also uses bushings, which are to be inserted into the lugs on the upper receiver, in order to accomplish
two things: using a standard size takedown pin, and to allow use of the rod-end eye bolts (which are
what makes the BUBAR so strong).
Because AR10 takedown pins are nominally 9/32”, standard AR15 takedown pins (nominally 1/4”) won’t
properly fit into the lugs in the upper receiver. While the nominal size for AR10 uppers is 9/32”, some
manufactures take this to mean 0.281”, some think it means 0.278”, etc – so there’s not the same sort
of standards as we enjoy with AR15s.
So in an effort to maximize the compatibility of the BUBAR, I opted to call for the install of these
bushing. They are cheap, easy to make on your own (if you would like), easy to install, and are not
permanent – they can be removed just as easily as they are installed. This will be covered in the
assembly portion of the video.
You can source these parts yourself, or buy these parts in a hardware kit, such as that offered here:
• 1x https://www.mcmaster.com/3201T49/
o The U-Bolt required is a 1/4"-20 thread, 1-1/8” ID. I prefer carbon steel to stainless steel
(since there is a little grinding required on the u-bolt, and stainless steels can be
annoying to file sometimes). You will also need two 1/4"-20 nuts and a nut plate for the
U-Bolt, but your U-Bolt will usually come with these.
• 2x https://www.mcmaster.com/97135A210/
o Two 1/4"-20 locking nuts – for securing the rod-end eye bolts
• 2x https://www.mcmaster.com/59895K11/
o Two 1/4”x 1-3/16” Flat-Shoulder Rod-End Eye Bolts are required – these are a
somewhat uncommon size bolt, are tricky for boltmakers to produce, and tend to be
pretty expensive.
• 1x 9/32” OD 1/4” ID Brass Bushing, 0.745” long
• 1x 9/32” OD 1/4” ID Brass Bushing, 0.495” long
o Both these brass bushings can be cut from tube stock, such as
https://www.mcmaster.com/8859K25/
The BUBAR also uses extended length pins in place of the standard takedown pins. You will need two
pins – both are 0.250” in diameter. While you can use any sort of pin, I like the spring-detent pins like
these.
Your options are open here, and ¼” bolts, dowell pins, and several other solutions will work. Pick what
seems best to you, cut pins to length if you need to, and you’ll be good to go.
Build Tutorial
I recommend you read this section in its entirety, then watch the build video while you go about
building your BUBAR. It’s a fairly easy process but following the video should save you from wasting any
time due to silly mistakes. Note that because much of the assembly process is identical to the steps for
building a UBAR, some images from the UBAR build may be used here – if this confuses you, refer to the
video (linked at the beginning of this document) for help.
My Spread of Tools/Parts
As usual, remove all support material from your receiver. Be through and remove it all – be gentle when
removing the supports from the buffer tube threads, you don’t want to damage the threads on
accident! Note that there are no threads at the top of the buffer tube hole – you won’t need to remove
support material from there, so don’t accidentally try gouging threads into the top of the hole.
The top of this hole doesn’t have threads – don’t make the mistake of thinking the threads are clogged with support material!
Finish your prep work by using your drill and drill bits to clear out the through-holes on the lower – your
5/32” drill bit will be used to clear out the hammer and trigger holes, as well as the safety selector
detent hole. Your 3/8” drill bit will be used to clear out the safety selector hole. Finally, your 1/4" drill bit
will be used to clear out the rear takedown pin hole.
Step 1: Install Bushings in Upper Receiver Lugs
As discussed in the shopping list section, this build relies on simple bushings to allow the upper to work
with the standard-sized eyebolts and takedown pins – not only does this ensure that the same
reinforcement parts you use on the UBAR build work on the BUBAR, but it also keeps the cost of these
parts down – you’d need custom-made eyebolts if you wanted to go without these bushings, which
would be extremely expensive.
Now, installing these bushings is very easy – if you are making your own bushings from tube stock, mark
the tube to the lengths specified in the shopping list. If you have pre-cut bushings, skip this step.
Cut the length that you will need off the tube stock
Test how your bushing fits into the front lug on your upper. Because AR upper rear lugs are cut oblong,
your rear bushing should fit easily into the hole – but your front bushing may be a little tight. I
recommend you use a little sandpaper to sand down the outside of the bushing so that it will fit snug,
but not tight, into the front lug on the upper.
If your bushing feels very tight in the lug, you may need to sand down the outside of the bushing just a hair.
When you prepare to install your bushings into the upper, I recommend you use an AR15 takedown pin
as a bushing installation tool – AR15 takedown pins will fit inside of these bushings perfectly and will
protect the thin wall of the bushing as you install it. Using the AR15 takedown pin as a tool, you can tap
on the head of the AR15 takedown pin with a hammer to seat the bushing in the AR10 upper. If you ever
need to remove the bushing, you can easily do so using an AR10 takedown pin as a punch.
Using an AR15 takedown pin as an installation tool for the bushings is recommended!
Using the AR15 takedown pin as a tool, you can tap on the head of the pin to seat the pushing into the upper. Perform these
steps for both bushings, and once the bushings are inside the lugs on the upper, you are ready to proceed.
Step 2: Install the Bolt Catch/Hold Open
This step is easy – you will need to clean out the hole for the bolt catch plunger and spring using your
5/32” drill bit. Be gentle (drilling with the drill in reverse can help) and ensure you don’t drill the hole
any deeper than it was printed – you just need to remove all the stubborn support material in that hole.
Clean out the bolt catch spring plunger hole with a 5/32” drill bit.
Take your bolt catch, bolt catch plunger, bolt catch spring, and bolt catch roll pin and install the bolt
catch – this is done just like on a standard AR15 lower, where you place the spring into the hole you just
cleaned up, then place the plunger, then slide the bolt catch into place, depressing the plunger, and stick
the roll pin through. Note that the roll pin/bolt catch are generally non-removeable on the BUBAR –
while you can use a soldering iron to remove and reinstall the roll pin, you will not be able to remove the
bolt catch once it is installed unless you remelt the plastic around the roll pin hole.
Insert the bolt catch spring and plunger into the hole. If your plunger gets stuck in the hole, you will
need to use your 5/32” drill bit to clear out the hole a little more. To get your plunger out, touch a hot
soldering iron to the tip of the plunger – it will heat up enough to come free, but be careful that you
don’t let it go flying under spring pressure.
How to remove a stuck/sticky bolt catch plunger
With the spring and plunger installed, take your bolt catch and line up the hole in the bolt catch with the
hole for the lower.
Next, place the bolt catch roll pin into the trough in the lower. I like to use a screwdriver to push it into
place from this point, but you can use a punch or similar tool if you’d like.
Place the roll pin into its trough
Use a screwdriver to push the roll pin into place while holding the bolt catch in alignment with the hole.
Step 3: Install the Buffer Tube/U-Bolt
Take your lower, buffer tube, castle nut, locking plate, buffer retainer, buffer retainer spring, and u-bolt
(along with its nuts and nut plate). At this point, you will need to make a decision – you will either have
to clearance the threads on your u-bolt, or your buffer tube. It’s generally quicker to clearance the
threads on the buffer tube, but if you mess it up you can ruin the buffer tube. Clearance the threads on
the u-bolt, and you’ll spend a little more time but it’s rather hard to mess things up with this. I
recommend the latter method. If you wish to instead clearance the buffer tube, refer to the general
steps I provide in the build video (linked at the top of this document). Generally, you just need to ensure
that the bolt can fit over the top of the buffer tube without having to be forced.
Begin by taking your buffer tube and u-bolt. The u-bolt will need to be able to straddle the threads on
the buffer tube – because no perfect-fit u-bolt exists, you will have to do a little grinding/filing on the u-
bolt.
Test the fit between the u-bolt and buffer tube. Out of the box, the u-bolt will not be able to sit down on top of the tube – you
will need to clearance the u-bolt so that it can sit down on the tube.
Generally, you will just need to grind down the threads on the inside edges of the u-bolt in order to
make it fit over the buffer tube – I use a Dremel tool with a cutoff wheel, and it takes me about 5
minutes to clearance a u-bolt. You can use a metal file to make this modification, but it might take you a
little longer. Use your Dremel or file (or both) and cut away on your u-bolt to make it look like mine
below. You will want to grind down on both legs of the u-bolt. After your cuts start to look similar to
mine, you can start test fitting the u-bolt on the tube – it should be able to sit down onto the tube
without much resistance. If you have to force the bolt onto the tube, you should clearance the bolt
furthe
Example of how much clearance is usually needed.
Example technique to grind down on the insides of the bolt using a Dremel tool – you will want to hold the bolt using pliers or a
vice, as it will get too hot to hold quickly.
Once you can get the u-bolt to fit fully over the tube, you are ready to move on. Take your buffer tube,
castle nut, and locking plate. Thread them into the buffer threads on the back of the lower. You will
need to ensure that you don’t screw the tube in crooked – take your time and ensure things thread
together straight. Your tube should thread in without excessive resistance – if things feel tight, ensure
that you aren’t screwing things in crooked. Depending on your print settings, your fit might be tight
enough that you should use a little oil on the threads of the tube to help things thread in a little easier,
but this is generally not required.
Like with normal AR15 assembly, thread your tube in to the point that it is one turn away from the
bottom edge of the tube covering the hole for the buffer retainer.
Behind threading your tube into your lower. Ensure you thread things together straight! Ensure that your castle nut and locking
plate are in place on the tube before you begin threading it on to the lower. And remember – the side of the locking plate with
the nub goes towards the lower!
Once the tube is started screwing in, you can take the buffer retainer and place it into it’s hole in the
lower. Remember, the nipple-side goes up!
Place the retainer into this hole before you screw the tube in fully. Do not install the retainer spring yet.
After installing the retainer, screw the buffer tube in just enough so that the retainer can no longer fall
out of its hole. Spin the castle nut to clamp the locking plate against the rear end of the lower – the nub
on the locking plate will sit inside the cutout on the lower.
Screw the tube in just enough to keep the retainer from falling out, while ensuring the tube is more or less straight (the lug on
the bottom of the tube which the stock locks onto should be at the bottom of the tube).
Begin tightening the castle nut, which will push the locking plate towards the lower.
Ensure that the nub on the locking plate aligns with this cutout in the lower. Tighten the castle nut enough to keep it from
coming loose, but do NOT tighten it down to mil-spec.
When tightening the castle nut down, avoid using a castle nut wrench or tightening to mil-spec – you
just need the castle nut to be tight enough to ensure it doesn’t come loose. You can get it tight once the
u-bolt is properly installed but tightening the castle nut too much without the u-bolt in place can
damage the receiver.
With the castle nut snug and buffer tube installed, it’s time to take your u-bolt and make one final
adjustment to it. Place your u-bolt down over the tube, into its slot on the lower. You will notice the top
of the u-bolt sticks up past the top of the lower – you will need to Dremel or file the top of the u-bolt
down so that it is flush with the top of the lower. Note: you should take the bolt out of the lower before
grinding or filing it down – it will get hot as your grind on it, and you don’t want to melt your lower.
Install the u-bolt. You may have to gently tap the bolt to get it into place, but it shouldn’t take much force. If it feels like it needs
to be hammered into place, ensure that your u-bolt legs are not bent out of shape and clearance the parts further.
Grind the top of the bolt so that it’s flat and flush with the top of the lower. REMOVE THE BOLT FROM THE LOWER BEFORE
GRINDING ON IT! Don’t melt your lower on accident!
With the top of the bolt buzzed off, you are ready to clamp things in place. Start by taking your buffer
retainer spring and stuffing it up the underside of the hole that the buffer retainer is already installed in.
Install the buffer retainer spring into this hole – the underside of the hole you already put the buffer retainer into.
Take your nut plate and use it to compress the buffer retainer spring. Screw your two nuts onto the legs
of the u-bolt while holding the plate in place. At this point, tighten this nuts down to clamp the buffer
tube into place. You don’t have to get these nuts extremely tight, but a good, more-than-snug fit that
doesn’t have any chance of coming loose is desired.
Install nut plate and nuts. Use a 7/16” wrench to tighten these nuts.
After tightening these nuts, you can install your buffer and buffer spring. Congrats! You’re done with this
step (which is the hardest part of the assembly).
Installing the buffer and buffer spring – simply push it into place and it’ll shove past the buffer retainer.
Grind down on the top of the eye bolts about this much – you want the top of the eye bolts to sit flush with the top deck of the
lower.
Stick both eye bolts into their holes at the front of the lower. Take your locking nuts and start threading
them on the to bolts – do not tighten them yet, just get them started. Because the eye bolts will have to
be aligned parallel in order for the takedown pins to fit through them, you will have to use your upper
receiver as an alignment tool. This is rather simple – take your upper receiver and seat it on the lower.
Ensure that the upper receiver is pushed towards the buffer tower on the lower, then stick your rear
takedown pin into place. Because you haven’t tightened the nuts on the eye bolts yet, the rod ends
should be able to spin so that the front lug on the upper receiver can sit down between them.
Mate your upper and lower receivers. Make sure that the eye bolts are not tightened down yet! They should be able to rotate to
allow the upper to fit.
Make sure that the upper and lower receivers are pushed together, then stick your rear takedown pin into place. It might be
tight when you first insert it – it will loosen up some over time, but if you can’t stand pins being tight then you can oil the pin, or
sand the pin down a little.
After you have laid the upper on the lower and stuck the rear pin in place, you can stick your front
takedown pin into place – it might be tight, and you can apply oil or sand down the pin a little if it feels
too tight. Once the front pin is in place, tighten the locking nuts. You don’t need these nuts to be
extremely tight – because they are locking nuts, they won’t come loose from vibration. You just need
them to be tight enough to keep the bolts from trying to rotate on their own. On my builds, I have
tightening the nuts until the front takedown pin becomes hard to remove, then loosened the nuts just
enough so that the front takedown pin is still a little tight to remove, but not something I have to
struggle with.
Install your front takedown pin. You may have to wiggle the eye bolts to ensure the holes all line up.
Use your 7/16” wrench to tighten the nuts on the eye bolts. Don’t make things so tight that the pin becomes very hard to
remove, but don’t leave any gap between the nut and the bottom of the lower.
After you have snugged up the nuts, you can remove both takedown pins and separate the upper and
lower – all your metalwork is now done, and you’re ready to move to the next step.
While you don’t necessarily have to use a tap to thread your pistol grip screw hole, doing so ensures that
your threads will be strong and secure, and that you won’t damage your lower while installing your
pistol grip. It is possible to just ram your bolt into the lower and have it cut its own threads, but this
tends to damage the receiver, even if you are gentle.
Tap the pistol grip screw hole with your tap. If you aren’t familiar with using a tap, refer to the build
video linked at the top of this document – you will want to use some form of oil on the tap, to two two
twists forward, one twist back as you tap, and avoid going too quickly.
Tap the pistol grip screw hole if you’re cool. Otherwise, you can just jam a screw in there.
After tapping the grip screw hole, you can install your fire control group – this is bog-standard AR15
stuff, if you are unfamiliar with it, refer to the build video, or an AR15 build video like Larry Potterfield’s
on Youtube.
Install the trigger and disconnector
Next, install the safety, safety detent, safety detent spring, and pistol grip – again, bog-standard. Check
out the build video or Larry Potterfield if you get stuck.
Install the safety, detent, spring, and pistol grip. Standard AR lower building operation.
Note: the BUBAR will not work with the grip pictured without modification to the grip!
At this point, all you have left to do is install the magazine catch and function check. Magazine catch
installs standard as well – just like any AR lower. Double check to make sure you’ve got all your support
material removed before you install your magazine catch parts.
Set your upper on your lower, install your push pins, and do a basic function test. Congrats! Your BUBAR
build is ready to test fire.
Mount the upper on the lower. Function check, then fire test!
FAQ/Troubleshooting
Q: What sort of round counts should I expect? What ends up breaking?
A: Moreso than with other prints, this will depend on the quality of your print and the material used –
with a solid PLA+ print, this lower should last a long time – more likely to break from hard abuse than
regular use. However, with underextruded, cold, or otherwise defective prints, this lower could certainly
succumb to the impact of a 308-propelled bolt carrier quickly.
A: I haven’t had any reliability issues – all the important geometry on this lower is mil-spec (or adjusted
slightly from mil-spec to make things easier to print). Magazines, your choice in upper/parts kit, and
your ammo will end up determining the reliability of your build more than anything.
Q: What can I do about the rough finish where supports were touching the lower?
A: If the few places this happens bothers you, you can use a soldering iron to melt these areas smooth.
Q: Why can’t I get the upper on? Why won’t the pin holes align?
A: Two things – first, note that the rear pin hole in the upper is oblong – as a result, it might look like the
front pin hole isn’t lining up, when in reality you just need to push the upper towards the butt of the rifle
after inserting the rear takedown pin. Secondly, if you don’t clearance the top of the rod ends, some
uppers will contact the rod ends and will be unable to sit flat on the lower. If your pin holes still don’t
line up, your issue lies in your printer calibration – if you calibrated to a 20mm cube and then your pin
holes don’t line up when printing an AR10 lower, it’s very likely that you need to calibrate on a larger
cube.
A: Refer to the shopping list – in general, PSA AR10 uppers are ideal, and LR308-based upper should
work.
A: I only recommend PMAGs. It should work with other mags, but you should be cool and use PMAGs.