Rifle Maintenance Tools

I’M a great fan of multi-tools. I probably own half a dozen different types. I always have one in my truck and usually one on my belt.

But up until now, I had avoided acquiring an AR-15/M16 multi-tool— not out of any dislike for them, but just because I hadn’t gotten around to it. That changed when I opted for the Real Avid AR15 Tool. It advertises itself as the “Ultimate Tool for the AR15 Platform,” and the description is justified.

REAL AVID AR15 TOOL

The AR15 Tool resembles a typical multi-tool in that it is based on a set of needlenose pliers that incorporate a carbide cutting edge as well.

The difference arises with the various tools that fold into the handles of the tool. Among these are a ten-function bolt carrier group scraper (as well as firing pin and cam pin), bolt carrier carbon scraper that incorporates a file, 3/32-inch interchangeable pin punch, Tanto-type knife blade, interchangeable pick, carbide glass breaker, bolt override tool, and three-position locking bit driver (12 bits are included).

Not attached to the multi-tool but included and carried in the tool pouch/sheath is an A1 and A2 front sight adjustment tool. I really like the inclusion of the sight tool, as I have a couple of them that I often can’t find when I need them. Having one tucked into the pouch of the AR15 Tool makes life easier.

Oh, by the way, the sheath is MOLLE compatible.

With the various bits for the driver, other tasks may be performed, including mounting optical sights, illuminators/pointers, sling swivels, rails, pistol or foregrips, and various other tasks. The inclusion of the pliers, Tanto blade, glass breaker, and driver and bits also allows the AR15 Tool to function as a general-use multi-tool. Military, law enforcement, and shooters will all find the Real Avid AR15 Tool useful. Suggested retail price is $79.99.

GUN BOSS PRO

As long as I was evaluating the AR15 tool, I looked at a couple of other items from Real Avid. The Gun Boss Pro is a cleaning kit designed to carry and display for ease of use items needed to clean everything from .22 rifles or pistols to 12-gauge shotguns.

I’ve probably accumulated a dozen cleaning kits over the years, and still have remnants of the one I bought when I got my first single-shot .22 rifle over half a century ago. Unfortunately, they are not well organized, and I often have to search for the right brush, swab, or rod. The Gun Boss Pro organizes everything quite well, and, most important for me, makes it easy to put items back in the labeled storage space.

The Gun Boss Pro is also compact enough that it can fit in my range box, so I have it with me should I need it. I don’t generally clean guns until I get home, but occasionally I might feel the need to do so.

Having a sturdy cleaning rod is a necessity if a case gets stuck in a chamber. Having said that, I usually take along an older cleaning rod with stripped threads or some other problem rather than using one of my newer ones. Still, the Gun Boss Pro is handy. The kit does not include cleaning patches, solvent, or oil. Suggested retail price is $29.99.

GUN BOSS PRECISION CLEANING TOOLS

One other Real Avid cleaning and maintenance item is worth noting. I have it in hand, but have not used it yet. I see it becoming invaluable on those admittedly too infrequent times when I do a detailed cleaning of one of my firearms.

Designated the Gun Boss Precision Cleaning Tools, this kit includes various hooks, brushes, and other accessories that allow access to those hard-to-clean places—you know, the ones you normally use pipe cleaners or patches on the end of the slotted cleaning rod tip to scrub.

For me, this kit falls into the “better to have and not need than need and not have” category. I am lazy enough that if I can’t get at a nook, cranny, or slot, I might neglect thoroughly cleaning it. Not so with the Precision Cleaning Tools. Suggested retail price is $19.99.

Learn more about these items and others and order them at Real Avid’s informative website.

MTM QUICK REST

One other item I’ve been using is worth mentioning as well. I received the MTM Quick Rest some months ago and threw it in my truck. It took a while before I really started using it, but now that I have, I find it quite handy.

This is a very lightweight, yet sturdy, simple rest. The design allows a solid standing or seated rest for the rifle’s forearm for zeroing or static hunting. For a sniper, a sandbag or beanbag rest remains a lot easier to carry into shooting position. The Quick Rest incorporates a shooting pad designed to protect your rifle when shooting.

Many readers know that MTM makes far more sophisticated shooting rests, but they are heavier, more complex, and more expensive. The Quick Rest is simple enough and light enough that I can pick it up along with my rifle when moving among shooting positions.

These products simplify gun maintenance so you can spend more time shooting. I recommend giving any of them a try.