Real Avid AMP Tool for AR-15: What Does It Do?

I like tinkering with AR-15 rifles, whether that be building them, fixing them, or making some type of modification. The first time I went to an armorer’s course, I was fascinated with how easy and enjoyable it was to take the rifle apart. I went to a second armorers’ course and then another. Each time, I learned something different, with each instructor giving different tips and insights.

I continue to attend firearms-related classes including armorers’ courses, and  I have started to obsess over all the little tools they make for just one rifle! On one hand, the AR-15 is simple to build and modify with very few tools. But on the other hand, each special tool makes the job so much easier that you never want to go without it.

And so here we are, looking at yet another AR-15 tool by Real Avid, one of the best manufacturers of tools for armorers and gunsmiths in the world. I like Real Avid because they put so much thought into every tool they produce. From their smart blocks and vices to their cleaning sets and armorer’s kits, they have it all.

Today we are looking at the AR-15 Multi-Tool Carry Kit called the AMP. This thing is like MacGyver’s Swiss army knife for gun gurus. It does just a little bit of everything. So don’t touch that dial because we are about to see the coolest AR-15 multi-tool you can buy. And I’ll let the cat out of the bag early, it’s also a knife.

What is an AMP?

The first thing that’s cool about the Real Avid AMP is that it’s two separate tools. When locked together, they can be carried on a belt, range bag, or backpack. When you take them apart, the first tool has a knife and several other fold-out tools. The second part acts as a bit holder, a bit driver, and a case/sheath for the first tool.

When you see the AMP for the first time, you don’t expect it to come apart. But it does, and it has bits down inside of it. This was a huge surprise for me since I played with it for 10 minutes before I realized they were in there. I could have read the instructions when I opened it, but hey, I’m a man, and real men don’t read instructions, right?

I’ll cover some basics about the whole tool before we separate it and talk about each one separately. The AMP has a belt clip, which makes it easy to attach to a belt or bag. It’s a bit on the bulky side, so I’m not sure I would ever carry it on my belt, but I plan to keep it on my range bag. It is approximately 5.5 inches long, 1.75 inches wide, and 1.5 inches thick.

It weighs 14.5 ounces, so it’s not exactly light but it’s built like a tank. The belt clip can accommodate up to a 2.75-inch belt, so it should work with most belts including duty/combat belts. Now let’s look at each side separately and see what all this thing does.

Bit Driver and Holder

The bit driver acts as a sheath for the side with the knife. To access the bits, this knife side must come off. This is done by pushing on the red button that releases the bit driver. Once it’s pushed, the knife/tool folder lifts out of the side with the bit driver. Nine bits are attached to the inside of the AMP by a magnet. The bit driver locks open when unfolded all the way so it can be used to work on the rifle. Here are the bits included with the AMP:

• 7/64 Hex
• 1/8 Hex
• 9/64 Hex
• 3/16 Hex
• T10
• T15
• Flat Head
• Philipps Head
• Front Sight Adjuster

The bit driver has a magnet at the end of it to help keep the bit in place when used. The handle feels a little awkward when using the bit driver, but that’s expected for a multi-purpose tool.

Knife/Tool Folder

The side of the AMP that has the folding knife and tools is closer to the size of a pocket knife once removed from the other side of the AMP. It is held together with screws, so it can be disassembled if needed. A tension screw also lets you adjust how much tension is on the blade and tools. The blade is 2.5 inches in length and has a tanto end. It’s not a big knife, but it will work for anything needed at the range. Besides the knife, the tool also has the following tools:

• Bolt Override
• Takedown Punch
• Firing Pin Retaining Pin Puller
• 12 Bolt Carrier Group Scrapers
• Firing Pin Scraper
• Carrier Scraper

There is even a tap hammer on the end of the knife/tool folder for those stubborn parts. According to Real Avid, the blade is made from premium titanium and has a black oxide finish. The tools on the folder are handy to have, but I think the knife and bit driver are what I would use the most. The takedown punch and bolt override tool are also handy tools to have from time to time. I can’t count how many times I have needed one of these tools at the range and not had one.

The AMP is worth its weight in gold.

The Real Avid AMP may not be worth its weight in gold, but when you’re in the field and need a tool, it’s worth a lot more than it sells for. I like gadgets and tools made specifically for guns and this is one of the coolest tools I’ve owned. Real Avid has a great reputation for making quality tools and this is no exception.

I’ve used them for years and they hold up as good as any other tool. My favorite power tools are Milwaukee. I would say Real Avid is their equivalent in gun tools. They last, they’re priced reasonably, and most importantly, they work. If you own an AR-15 rifle, this tool will make a perfect gift or new addition to your range bag.