I first ran across Real Avid and the AR-15 Tool at NRA 2014. They were nestled somewhere between Kimber and Del-Ton in an otherwise nondescript booth. I don’t even remember them having a banner. But, their multi-tools were on display and I was drawn to it like carbon to a DI AR bolt.

Author’s Note: This was a personal purchase. Real Avid did not offer nor has had any contact with me about this Lightning Review. 

As the name prescribes, The Real Avid AR-15 Tool is a purpose-built AR-series multi tool, replete with knife, pliers, cutter, etc. Also included are the scraper, driver with multiple bits, punch, and pick, which are enough to break down an AR down to the individual pin (minus the bolt) and clear/clean the sucker from top to bottom. As a bonus, it includes a “glass breaker” tip. (Not sure why that was needed on a AR multi-tool, but its appreciated anyways).

The breaker tip.

I have had mine for about two months, having used it for various tasks including picking ticks off the dog. Its best feature is hands-down the scraper. For my Del-Ton rifle which is used as my base test bed, it makes cleaning the bolt-carrier a breeze. I wish I had one when I was in the Corps. CLP and a nylon brush have nothing on that gadget.

This is the best thing since sliced bread.

The Real Avid is well-built, but it does subjectively “feel” like a Leatherman or high-end multi-tool. Perhaps its the oxide finish, but the tools have a bit more grit folding in and out. Still, it doesn’t impede function and for guys who like lock-stock ARs, it will feel right at home. I prefer a bit more polish, but appreciate the functional. This is the epitome of function.

The Good:

• Everything I or any shooter would need for most malfunctions and field disassembly.
• Multiple drive bits work for most AR accessories
• The AR-15 scraper is a blessing. Where was that while I was scrubbing in the Corps?
• Sheath is MOLLE compatible. I have mine installed my range bag.

The Notable:

• Definitely “Tacticool” with the FDE finish.
• Tools lock into place but the locks can sometimes stick. All it takes is a bit more pressure.
• It doesn’t “feel” like a well-made Leatherman, but it handles anything I have thrown at it.

The Bad:

• The quality of the sheath is to be desired. The AR-15 front sight tool was poking through.

Bottom Line:

Entirely more useful than the MUT and an excellent price to boot (currently $64.34 on Amazon Prime), this is a good tool for those who do not already have a set of legacy items or a gunsmithing kit.

For those that do, this is a smaller option that easily fits in a range bag. At the very least, check out the stand-alone scraper tool. Its a blessing.

Specs (Direct from Real Avid):

» Combination needle-nose pliers
» Carbide cutter
» G10 grip plates
» Carbide glass-breaker
» Carrier scraper
» 10 function bolt/firing pin/cam pin scraper
» Cotter pin puller
» Bolt override tool
» A1 & A2 front site adjuster
» Interchangeable pin punch
» Interchangeable hooked pick
» 8-32 male and female thread receivers
» 3.25” 440c serrated Tanto knife
» 12 high quality bits with bit driver
» Tap hammer
» Metal file
» Durable black oxide coating
» MOLLE compatible ballistic nylon sheath