Brownells' master super set - QUARTERMASTER

Guns Magazine, Jan 1, 2002 by Cameron Hopkins

Screwdrivers are among the more mundane tools. Slotted or Phillips, what else is there to it? Ah, grasshopper, the screwdriver is like the petal of a flower -- so simple, yet so complex.

The Brownells' Master Super Set is a gunsmith-quality set of screwdrivers with 44 custom ground bits in nine shank sizes. The hollow-ground bits are made to fit the small and often fragile screws found on firearms.

With Brownells' "magna-tip" drivers, the bits are instantly swapped from one of two included handles -- one stubby, one full-size -- and are magnetized to assist in picking up small screws.

The entire parade of bits comes neatly packaged in a custom case, perfect for the workbench. The blade widths range from .120 to .360 inch, each 1.5 inches long and marked with its blade width.

There are three types of bits in the Brownells' Master Super Set: 44 slotted heads, three Phillips and 10 Allen heads.

Brownells claims that the Master Super Set of bits "fit 99 percent of all guns screw slots." We doubt that claim is accurate. We have used the Brownells' Super Set for nearly 20 years and we have not yet encountered a 1-percent screw.

The Brownells' Master Super Set retails for $102.46. The Super Set with just the 44 slotted heads -- no Allens or Phillips -- goes for $93.02. A Starter Set with 22 bits sells for $55.73.

As honest and fair dealing as it is dedicated and innovative, the family-run Brownells business is a true pleasure to deal with. It is strictly a mailorder outfit, but with the highest ethics you will ever run across.

If you have any gun friends or family members for whom you struggle to find a Christmas present, order Brownells' free catalog. Be careful with that Visa... Brownells is habit forming.