Real Avid Master Gun Workstation: Full Review

If you work on any type of rifle, the new Real Avid Master Gun Workstation is something you should check out. I’ve used Real Avid tools for years and love them. But their newest products are setting a new standard in innovation and functionality. One of the hardest things about working on a rifle is holding the gun still and in the right position.

This new workstation isn’t just made to secure the rifle while you work; it does much more. It rotates, levels, holds tools and lubricants and works with the Smart Assist Quick Connect System. It’s perfect for mounting rifle scopes and optics, making repairs, cleaning, and everything in between.

Master Workstation Features

I have the Real Avid folding long gun stand, and it’s nice to have. But the Master Workstation is so much cooler. Some assembly is required, but it’s not too bad. Let’s start at the bottom of the Master Workstation and work our way up. Four feet screw into the bottom of the frame, but they are adjustable. This really helps in cases where your work surface is not completely level.

There are two holes in each foot, so it can be mounted to a workbench, but it’s also a solid frame when not mounted. The feet grip the surface just fine, so I haven’t mounted mine yet. What Real Avid calls the “tray base” and “tower” are all one piece. One end has a trigger clamp, or what I call a quick clamp for the buttstock end of the gun.

A leveling knob rotates the trigger clamp for scope mounting, which is handy. A trigger clamp release makes it easy to release guns from the clamp when you’re done. The other end uses Real Avid’s Gun Gripper and Gun Yoke to hold the muzzle end of the gun. This is a nice feature because the gun just sets in and self-tightens.

While the Trigger Clamp is attached directly to the tower (frame), the Gun Gripper is attached to two metal rods that allow it to adjust from side to side. This makes it possible to work on short-barreled rifles. Just behind the gun gripper is a parts and tool storage tray to keep tools organized. A small round lubricant holder and hex holders for punches are located on each corner of the workstation tray.

The Cadillac of Workstations

I had a couple of guns that needed some things done to them, so I used the opportunity to test out the new workstation. Gun tools for adults are like new toys for kids, so we all know I’m going to work on something even if it doesn’t need it. The first thing I noticed was how strong and stable the trigger clamp was. The rifle I set in it was on the heavy side and I was able to clamp the buttstock in it with no problem. This helps make the gun level instead of letting it fall to the bottom of the trigger clamp.

Two foam-fitting pads slide over the trigger clamp so it won’t scratch your firearm when you clamp it in. On the other side of the workstation is the gun gripper. My portable gun stand also has a gun gripper, so I already knew it would work very well. The rifle felt like it was glued to the workstation.

I tested out the leveling knob, which worked great, and put a few tools in the tool compartments to see if they were functional. It won’t hold larger tools, but it’s nice to have small compartments for those parts and tools that like to walk out and wander off.

Integrating the Smart-Assist Quick Connect System

If the workstation itself is not cool enough, the Master Workstation has a Smart-Assist Accessory System that slides back and forth on the two metal rods. This is one of the coolest things I have seen Real Avid do. The Smart-Assist Accessory System is sold separately and works with both the Master Workstation and the Master Vice. It also comes with a dock that can be screwed to the workbench for storage or independent use.

If you haven’t heard of the Smart-Assist Accessory System yet, it’s a light, magnifying glass and cell phone holder that attaches to the Smart-Assist base on the metal rods. Each tool is attached to a long, flexible line, so you can bend it around to wherever you need it. I never thought I needed a magnifying glass, but once I used this one, I realized how handy it is.

A 180-lumen light with a high and low setting is a lifesaver when you’re working on a rifle. I’m always trying to move lights around so I can see better when working on my rifles. The last tool is the cell phone holder, which I thought was a little silly to put on a workstation. I can just lay the phone on the workbench, right?

But when you are trying to watch a how-to video and work on something at the same time, it’s all too handy. I would like to say I know how to do it all with a gun, but I find myself watching YouTube constantly. For those who record how-to videos, this would also be a terrific way to record hands-free while you work on your rifle.

If you buy one, buy both.

This is by far the best workstation I’ve ever seen, and for what you get, it’s not that pricey. It’s built as tough as Real Avid’s other products, and it doesn’t take up that much room. As cool as it is, you almost have to buy the Smart-Assist system to go with it. For those who don’t want it taking up space when they’re not using it, it’s light enough to be stored in a closet or hung on the wall. The Master Gun Workstation retails for $199, and the Smart-Assist system goes for $99. Get ’em both. You won’t regret it.