Ever tried holding a wiggling gun while you work on it? It’s tough, right? Gunsmithing needs a rock-solid grip. A good bench vise is essential for gun work. It securely holds your firearm, so you can make accurate repairs and modifications.
Choosing the best bench vise for gunsmithing can be tricky. There are many sizes, styles, and features. You need a vise that’s strong, won’t damage your gun, and fits your workspace. Picking the wrong one can lead to frustration and even damage to your precious firearms. We’ll explore what to look for in a vise, from jaw materials to mounting options. You’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and find the perfect fit for your gunsmithing needs.
In this post, we’ll break down the key features of a gunsmithing vise. You’ll learn how to pick the right size and type. We’ll also discuss important factors like jaw protection and ease of use. By the end, you’ll be ready to confidently choose a bench vise. Let’s get started and find the best vise for your workshop!
Our Top 5 Bench Vise For Gunsmithing Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Tipton Ultra Gun Vise with Heavy-Duty | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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Tipton Best Gun Vise 360 with Swiveling Head Design | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Tipton Best Gun Vise with Secure Adjustable Cradle | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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VEVOR Bench Vise | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Real Avid Vise – 360° Swiveling Bench Vise for Optimal Positioning | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Bench Vise For Gunsmithing Detailed Reviews
1. Tipton Ultra Gun Vise with Heavy-Duty
Rating: 9.3/10
The Tipton Ultra Gun Vise is a heavy-duty tool for gun owners. It helps with cleaning, gunsmithing, and maintenance. This vise is built to last and helps you work on your firearms safely. It has adjustable parts to fit different guns. The vise is made of strong materials that won’t damage your firearm.
What We Like:
- The vise has non-slip feet that you can adjust.
- You can remove the tool trays.
- It can attach to your workbench.
- Clamps adjust to fit different guns.
- It’s made of materials that won’t scratch your gun.
- The frame is made of strong steel.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vise does not come with the hardware to mount to your benchtop.
- You should not use this vise to shoot your gun.
- It is not a bow press.
This Tipton Ultra Gun Vise is a good choice for gun owners who want a sturdy and safe way to work on their firearms. The vise is easy to use and has many great features.
2. Tipton Best Gun Vise 360 with Swiveling Head Design
Rating: 9.5/10
The Tipton Best Gun Vise 360 is a must-have for any gun owner. It is designed for gunsmithing, cleaning, and scope mounting. This vise has a swiveling head. It also features non-marring jaw pads and stainless steel jaws. This helps you work on your firearm with ease and precision.
What We Like:
- The ball head design lets you move the gun in any direction. You can reach every part of your firearm.
- A tensioning handle makes it easy to adjust the jaws.
- An ergonomic friction knob helps you fix the gun at any angle.
- The mounting base is great. It can be bolted to your workbench for a strong hold.
- It is built to last. The vise and clamp are made from glass-filled nylon.
- Special pads grip barrels without scratching them.
- Tipton offers a limited lifetime warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- No cons found.
This Tipton Gun Vise is a great tool for any gun enthusiast. It will help you maintain your firearms safely and effectively.
3. Tipton Best Gun Vise with Secure Adjustable Cradle
Rating: 8.5/10
The Tipton Best Gun Vise is a must-have for gun owners. It makes cleaning, gunsmithing, and maintaining firearms easier. This vise is made of red and gray materials. It has a secure adjustable cradle and storage compartments. The Tipton gun vise is built to last and helps you work on your guns safely.
What We Like:
- The L-shape support holds break-open guns very well.
- Quick-release cam blocks adjust to fit any gun stock.
- It works with rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
- The vise is made from strong, solvent-resistant polymer.
- It has handy compartments for parts and supplies.
- You can store patches easily.
- The clamping mechanism holds different buttstocks tightly.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want more detailed instructions.
The Tipton Best Gun Vise is a great tool for gun owners. Its features make gun maintenance simple and safe. This vise will help you keep your firearms in great shape for years to come.
4. VEVOR Bench Vise
Rating: 8.8/10
The VEVOR Bench Vise is a strong and versatile tool for your workbench. This heavy-duty vise is made of tough ductile iron. It has a 6-inch jaw width and a 5.9-inch jaw opening. The base swivels 360 degrees, so you can work from any angle. It also includes an anvil for shaping metal. This vise is great for drilling, cutting, and many other projects. It also comes with all the parts you need to set it up quickly.
What We Like:
- It’s built to last with strong ductile iron and a rust-proof coating.
- The replaceable jaw plates grip your work tightly.
- It has a large anvil for hammering and shaping.
- The 360-degree swivel base lets you work from any direction.
- It includes magnetic jaw pads and all the hardware you need.
- It can hold both flat materials and pipes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The clamping force is not specified, it’s important to know that.
The VEVOR Bench Vise is a solid choice for any workshop. It’s a great value for the money. It will help you get your projects done with ease.
5. Real Avid Vise – 360° Swiveling Bench Vise for Optimal Positioning
Rating: 9.1/10
The Real Avid Vise is a super handy tool for anyone who likes to work on projects. This bench vise swivels a full 360 degrees! It’s perfect for gun cleaning, gunsmithing, woodworking, and more. With its strong grip and adjustable features, it helps you get the job done right. The 5″ jaw width can handle many different projects. It has a lot of features to make your work easier.
What We Like:
- The vise swivels 360 degrees, so you can work at any angle.
- An integrated leveling knob helps you get things perfectly straight.
- It can handle high-torque projects up to 100 ft-lb.
- It’s great for many different jobs like woodworking and gun maintenance.
- The reversible jaw sleeves protect your items and fit many sizes.
What Could Be Improved:
- No cons found.
The Real Avid Vise is a great choice for anyone who needs a strong and versatile bench vise. It offers many features to make your projects easier and more accurate.
Bench Vise for Gunsmithing: A Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right bench vise is very important for gunsmithing. It helps you hold your work steady. This guide will help you find the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a vise, consider these features:
- Jaw Width: Wider jaws hold bigger objects. A good starting point is a 4-5 inch jaw width.
- Jaw Opening: The distance the jaws can open is important. Make sure it’s big enough for the parts you work on.
- Swivel Base: A swivel base lets you rotate the vise. This makes it easy to work at different angles. It improves your ability to work on different parts.
- Pipe Jaws: Some vises have special jaws for holding pipes. These are handy for certain gunsmithing tasks.
- Anvil: A small anvil is helpful for light hammering and shaping.
- Jaw Inserts: Look for vises that use replaceable jaw inserts. You can get inserts made of different materials. These may include softer materials like brass or nylon. They protect the parts you are working on.
Important Materials
The material the vise is made of impacts its quality.
- Cast Iron: Cast iron vises are strong and durable. They are a popular choice. They can handle a lot of force.
- Steel: Steel is another strong option. Steel is more resistant to breaking. This is important when you are working on tough jobs.
- Jaw Inserts: Jaw inserts are often made of steel, brass, or nylon. Brass and nylon are softer. They prevent scratching delicate parts.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect how good a vise is.
- Build Quality: A well-built vise will last longer. Look for smooth operation and solid construction.
- Machining: Precision machining means the vise works better. The jaws should close evenly. This ensures a tight grip.
- Finish: A good finish protects the vise from rust. Rust can damage the vise.
- Brand Reputation: Research different brands. Read reviews to see what other users say.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the manufacturer stands behind their product.
User Experience and Use Cases
A bench vise is used in many ways.
- Holding Gun Parts: You can hold gun barrels, receivers, and other parts securely. This is important for tasks like cleaning and repairs.
- Drilling and Tapping: The vise keeps your work steady while drilling. It also keeps it steady while tapping threads.
- Assembly and Disassembly: A vise helps you take apart and put back together guns. This makes the job easier.
- Working with Small Parts: A vise helps you handle small parts. You can use jaw inserts to prevent damage.
- General Gunsmithing Tasks: A vise is a must-have tool for most gunsmithing work.
Bench Vise for Gunsmithing: FAQ
Q: What size vise do I need?
A: A 4-5 inch jaw width is a good start for most gunsmithing. Choose a size that fits the parts you work on.
Q: What’s the difference between cast iron and steel?
A: Cast iron is strong and durable. Steel is very strong and more resistant to breaking.
Q: Why are jaw inserts important?
A: Jaw inserts protect gun parts from scratches and damage. They are often made of softer materials.
Q: Should I get a swivel base?
A: Yes, a swivel base is very helpful. It lets you work at different angles.
Q: What is an anvil on a vise used for?
A: The anvil is for light hammering and shaping. It is a small flat surface.
Q: How do I prevent rust?
A: Keep your vise clean and dry. Apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.
Q: What kind of jaw inserts should I use?
A: Use brass or nylon inserts for delicate parts. These prevent scratching.
Q: What should I look for in a vise’s build quality?
A: Look for smooth operation and solid construction. The vise should feel heavy and well-made.
Q: How do I use a bench vise safely?
A: Always wear safety glasses. Don’t overtighten the vise. Make sure your work is secure.
Q: Where can I buy a bench vise?
A: You can buy bench vises at hardware stores, online retailers, and gunsmithing supply stores.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!