Leatherman MUT—A Multi-Tool for Firearm Maintenance
This will not be news to most of you: It’s not a bad idea to include a set of tools in your range-day loadout. Your kit can be as minimalist or as comprehensive as you like or need and is generally dictated only by the available space in your range bag or gun case(s).
That said, a good multi-tool can usually take care of most in-the-field or on-the-bench maintenance issues that arise. The Leatherman MUT takes it a step further, incorporating several tools and features that are tailored to firearm maintenance.
Full disclosure: What made me want a MUT was the bronze carbon scraper. I’d been searching for a tool to help me rid my AR bolts of the very stubborn carbon ring deposits that tend to build up on the bolt’s backside.
The MUT’s bronze scraper is a blade-shaped extension that is honed at an angle but not so sharp that it’d qualify as a blade. It’s not a cutting edge, but shaped to a degree that makes it ideal for whittling away stubborn carbon buildup on out-of-the-way and difficult-to-clear areas like the rounded and concave areas on the bolt. It was just what I needed.
The MUT features your typical Leatherman layout and profile, with handles that fold back to reveal a pliers head that is endowed with a few different features, including needle-nose and standard pliers functions, an electrical crimper, and three wire-cutting functions for “normal” wire, hard wire, and stranded wire.
Two blades are included, a 420HC combo knife and a serrated saw edge, both of which incorporate a locking function so they stay securely in place when deployed.
Other tools include a firearm disassembly punch, a bit driver with interchangeable bits to include Phillips #1-2, Phillips #2, 3/16” and ¼” flathead bits, and Torx #15 and 7/64” hex bits. When not in use, the loose bits can be securely stowed inside the handle.
Speaking of the handle, one side features a sturdy toothed hammer and replaceable cutting hook, as well as a bolt override tool. The end of the other handle holds the driver bits.
The MUT includes a carry clip so you can hook it to a pocket or piece of clothing for EDC carry, as well as a carabiner clip to allow you to hook it onto other gear or bags. (One end of the carabiner hook can also be used as a handy bottle opener for whenever liquid refreshment is required.)
An added bonus, the MUT ships with a front sight adjustment tool that can be used to manipulate the standard A2 AR front sight post, as well as analog sights of similar design. This tool can be used on its own, or it can be secured in the bit driver end of the handle for greater ease of use.
Finally, the MUT also features an #8-32 cleaning rod and brush adapter. Deploy the disassembly punch, unscrew and remove it for access to this feature.
A range of accessories is available for the Leatherman MUT, including readily available (from Leatherman) replacements for the bronze scraper, disassembly punch, cutting hook, and the wire cutter blades. Replacement pocket clips are also available.
Available MUT add-ons include the Bit Kit Set, which expands the bit driver’s capabilities with 21 double-ended bits for 42 tools in all. There’s also an available bit driver extender and 1/8” and 3/32” firearm disassembly punches if you need a different size.
The MUT is crafted from 420 stainless steel with a tough black oxide finish. It ships with a premium MOLLE-compatible nylon-web sheath with velcro closure. The sheath is available in black or ODG (we chose green).
Overall, the Leatherman MUT is probably one of the coolest (tacticoolest?) multi-tools we’ve run across. It has proven itself ideal for range duty, as well as home or shop use.
As with many modern Leatherman multi-tools, it is quite a bit larger than my old original Leatherman from 25 years ago, measuring roughly 5 inches long closed, an inch and a half wide, 0.79 inches thick, and weighing a shade over 11 ounces. But also it packs a ton of utility for my purposes and has found a permanent home in my range bag.
Leatherman
MUT
MSRP: $200
URL: leatherman.com
