Top 3 Gun Vises for Cleaning and Maintenance
Tipton Best Gun Vise for Cleaning and Maintenance
This robust vise is ideal for both rifles and handguns, making it versatile for various cleaning and maintenance tasks.
- Adjustable grips on both sides for a perfect fit.
- Made from solvent-resistant polymer, ensuring durability.
- Does not include an AR mag block.
Hoppe’s Gun Vise
We found this affordable option works well across multiple calibers, making it a good choice for budget-conscious users.
- Features dual lockable sides that secure weapons without scratching.
- Includes a tray for tools and chemical-resistant components.
- Not the best choice for cleaning handguns.
Tipton Ultra Gun Vise
This heavy-duty vise is perfect for serious firearm enthusiasts looking for durability and functionality.
- Sturdy steel construction with adjustable feet for stability.
- Includes removable accessory trays for convenient storage.
- Cannot be used as a bow press, though it can hold a bow for cleaning.
Which gun vise is best?
Maintaining your rifle and handgun is crucial for ensuring safety and performance. Regular cleaning involves lubricating parts and ensuring no debris is present in the barrel, magazine, or firing chamber. To facilitate this, having a reliable gun vise is essential. A tabletop gun vise, like the Tipton Gun Vise for Cleaning and Maintenance, offers a secure working environment wherever you are.
What to know before you buy a gun vise
Understand the capabilities and limitations
Choosing a gun vise can be challenging without knowing what to consider. It’s important to select one that accommodates the calibres of your weapons, allowing sufficient space for maintenance tasks. Primarily, a gun vise is designed to hold your firearm firmly in place while you clean or make adjustments. It’s also useful for centering your hunting scope using a hunting boresight or by eye.
Designate a stable surface for your gun vise
When using a gun vise, it should remain securely positioned on a stable surface. Ideally, you should have a dedicated cleaning area. Tabletop vises can be attached with clamps that fasten to the edge of a table, while free-standing models rest on a tripod, which may be less stable but offer greater portability.
Regular maintenance of the gun vise
Just like the firearms being serviced, a gun vise requires proper care to ensure longevity. Regular cleaning is necessary, and all moving parts should be accessible for lubrication. Keeping the vise free from dust and dirt will enhance its lifespan.
What to look for in a quality gun vise
Adjustability for multiple calibres
It’s not financially feasible to buy a vise specifically for each calibre of weapon. A good-quality vise should be adjustable, particularly in its grip width. This means you can service both handguns and larger rifles. Note that different weapons require varying maintenance techniques; for instance, bolt-action rifles may remain horizontal while servicing, whereas some shotguns require breaking open the action to access the barrel. If you focus solely on handguns, consider a vise specifically designed for that purpose.
Durable construction
The last thing you need is for your vise to fail or for the grips to break while you’re working. High-quality vises are typically constructed from robust steel to keep your weapon stable and secure. The grips, levers, and knobs should ideally be made from hardened plastic or metal to ensure durability.
Functional accessories
A vise that offers additional functionalities can help you save money over time. Some vises allow for additional attachments that enable you to work with various calibres, hold tools, or assist with reloading ammunition.
Expected costs for a gun vise
Entry-level vises generally range from £30 to £50, depending on their brand and features. More robust models can cost between £100 and £150. If you prefer a free-standing option, expect to spend around £200.
Gun vise FAQ
Can a gun vise be used as a shooting platform?
Answer: This is not advisable. The recoil from many rifles could damage the vise or cause injury. A vise should only be used for cleaning and maintaining stationary firearms.
How do you clean a gun vise?
Answer: After each use, wipe it down with a damp cloth. To maintain the moving parts, periodically lubricate the threads, joints, and sliders with oil or grease based on usage frequency. If the vise has exposed steel, applying anti-rust agents is also beneficial.
What’s the best gun vise to buy?
Top gun vise
Tipton Best Gun Vise for Cleaning and Maintenance
Key features: This durable vise is suitable for both rifles and handguns.
What we appreciated: The Tipton brand has a solid reputation, and this vise exemplifies why. The adjustable stock grips can slide toward the barrel rest, making it suitable for handguns, long rifles, and break-action shotguns. Its construction from solvent-resistant polymer prevents damage to your firearm, and it includes compartments for storing spare parts and cleaning tools.
Consideration: There is no AR magazine block for this model.
Best value gun vise
Hoppe’s Gun Vise
Key features: An economical vise that performs well for various calibres.
What we liked: This model comes with dual lockable sides to secure your weapon without causing scratches. It includes a tool tray and features plastic parts that are treated with a chemical-resistant polymer. It is effective for cleaning long rifles and break-action shotguns.
Consideration: It’s not the optimal choice for cleaning handguns.
Recommended option
Tipton Ultra Gun Vise
Key features: A heavy-duty vise designed for dedicated firearm enthusiasts.
What we enjoyed: Measuring 32 inches long and 11 inches wide, this steel tube vise is designed for extensive cleaning and maintenance tasks. It features four slip-resistant feet that are individually adjustable, and the entire structure can be mounted on a work surface. The uniform width and height of the slidable barrel and stock clamps accommodate all calibres of firearms. Additionally, it comes with two removable trays for storing cleaning supplies and parts.
Consideration: It cannot serve as a bow press, although it can hold a bow for cleaning purposes.