I was not aware there even existed a military version of the 300 other than the EOD version that came out 10 years ago. Some of the things that set the EOD version apart from the regular 300 was a cap crimping plier head, a C4 spike/punch, and female treading on the side of the pliers that allowed the end user to use a #8-32 cleaning rod/snake and accessories. There is a unique hole in the side of one handle that allows access to this thread, turning your EOD into a T handle to help you clean your weapon.
Recently, I became aware that there was a new Super Tool 300 model after seeing it on the Leatheman.ca website (I imagine it came out recently). It came in two colours, black oxide and coyote tan. This newer model offers further modifications to make the 300M a much better platform to keep ones firearms in tip top shape compared to the older EOD version which was highly specialized for the demolition folks out there. Not only does it feature the same #8-32 adapter for cleaning rod/snake and accessories, but also included this time around is a somewhat generic carbon scraper, a Leatherman flat bit driver with included removable long AR platform sight tool, and an interesting prybar and nail puller.
The carbon scraper is not as nice as that found on the Leatherman MUT, being made of harder steel, unless my first impressions are wrong. Copper or some other softer steel is ideal to scrape carbon from a barrel without fear of scratching the all important barrel. From what I can ascertain with my preliminary inspection, it looks like this one is made from stainless steel, which is not ideal. The MUT is made using a softer material. The added sight adjustment tool is a neat idea, and there is a special storage spot in the included sheath to put it away when not in use. However, I cannot feel that there was a bit of a missed opportunity here. I know that Multitasker has such a tool that is removable. The included adaptor would have been more valuable it you could pop off the sight tool and use it as a general bit extender
(EDIT: After putting the tool away in my storage drawer, I had an idea to go back and take a closer look at the sight adjustment tool. I noticed that there appears to be a magnet at the bottom of the sight adjustment tool. I decided to take one of the flat bits from the carrier and see if I could pop one in, and true enough it fits in one orientation that was not evident upon first look. So my initial thought is proven wrong. You can definitely use the sight adjustment tool as a bit extender for the rest of the Leatherman flat bits). Not sure why a prybar and nail puller were added to this tool. In all my years of firearm usage, I have not once needed a pry bar or nail puller. It is a neat addition however, even if I question its efficacy here. On the plus side, you do get a full set of bits with this model which is very nice. I am used to only getting the average 4 on a not half full bit storage card. It is very nice of Leatherman to fill out that card with useful and much appreciated bits.
Meet the coyote tan on the left, and the black oxide on the right. Both are Super Tool 300M models. I must say, I still am not all that enthused with the new packaging. It feels more upscale than the older box packaging. I guess Leatherman has to justify the increased cost of their tools, and upscaling the package is one way to convey to the end user that the price is justified. I still am not sold on the new blocky Leatherman logo either...but that is just a personal observation on my part. It might grow on me the longer I look at it...just like the packaging I suppose. I will have to admit, the logo does look good embroidered onto the MOLLE compatible sheaths. So I might be coming around to liking it...
20201003_004600A by
Chako, on Flickr
Here we see the two 300Ms. I have one on its side showing the #8-32 access hole which is located on the side of the pliers. This setup allows you to use the tool as a T handle to anything that you can attach here. Note the full bit card carrier, and the included one piece sight adjustment tool for the AR platform.
20201003_004708A by
Chako, on Flickr
The tool loadout is fairly different from both the Super Tool 300 EOD version and the regular Super Tool 300. For this photo, I have the coyote tan model splayed open, with the included driver bit removed and the sight adjustment tool installed. Surprisingly enough, Leatherman could have improved this tremendously in not having the extender round. If they had flattened it a little more, you could have folded it back into the tool when not in use. The way it site right now, it hits the can opener. Yes, you can force the issue, but on a tool such as this, why would you need to force it and risk bending the can opener, or more with extended use. As it stands, it is a tool that is designed to be installed to do the job, and then removed to be stored in its sheath. It is not designed to stow away in the tool itself. I know, I would have liked to have the choice of storing it in the tool or the sheath. Also mentioned above, the carbon scraper is made of stainless steel, which is not ideal for cleaning your barrel. Most other multi-tools that feature such a tool usually have it made with a softer metal so that you do not scratch your barrel or other parts that need a bit of carbon scraping/cleaning. With this one, you have to be careful using it. With that said, the shape and length of it is very nice.
20201003_004936A by
Chako, on Flickr
Here is a comparison photo of the Super Tool 300 EOD on the left, and the 2 300M models center and right. The 300M has the same cleaning accessory adapter as the EOD version.
20201003_005935A by
Chako, on Flickr
A bonus photo of all the Super Tool 300s I have in my collection. The two new 300Ms are on the far right and bottom. The EOD is on the far left. Note that there are two black oxide versions of the regular Super Tool 300, one having a cap crimper plier head. Not sure if there was a cap crimper stainless steel version...if so, I am missing that one. The gold and laser etched versions are Texas Tool Crafter modified tools.
20201003_005706A by
Chako, on Flickr
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