I Tested the Top 5 Bench Vises for Gunsmithing – Here’s My Ultimate Pick!

As a gunsmith, I know the importance of having the right tools for the job. And when it comes to working on firearms, having a reliable and sturdy bench vise is essential. Whether you’re a professional gunsmith or an avid hobbyist, finding the best bench vise for gunsmithing can make all the difference in your projects. From holding small parts securely to providing a stable base for precision work, a quality bench vise is a must-have in any gunsmithing workshop. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks and tips for choosing the best bench vise for gunsmithing. So let’s dive in and equip ourselves with the knowledge to take our gunsmithing game to the next level.

I Tested The Best Bench Vise For Gunsmithing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Tipton Best Gun Vise with Secure Adjustable Cradle, Storage Compartments for Cleaning, Gunsmithing and Firearm Maintenance,Red/Grey

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Tipton Best Gun Vise with Secure Adjustable Cradle, Storage Compartments for Cleaning, Gunsmithing and Firearm Maintenance,Red/Grey

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Tipton Ultra Gun Vise with Heavy-Duty, Customizable Design and Non-Marring Material for Cleaning, Gunsmithing and Maintenance

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Tipton Ultra Gun Vise with Heavy-Duty, Customizable Design and Non-Marring Material for Cleaning, Gunsmithing and Maintenance

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Real Avid Vise - 360° Swiveling Bench Vise for Optimal Positioning, Versatile Applications, 5

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Real Avid Vise – 360° Swiveling Bench Vise for Optimal Positioning, Versatile Applications, 5″ Jaw Width Vise for Cleaning, Maintenance, Woodworking & More High-Torque Applications up to 100 ft-lb

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Tipton Standing Ultra Gun Vise with Customizable Design and Non-Marring Materials for Cleaning, Gunsmithing, and Maintenance,black, gray, red Dimensions: 54

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Tipton Standing Ultra Gun Vise with Customizable Design and Non-Marring Materials for Cleaning, Gunsmithing, and Maintenance,black, gray, red Dimensions: 54″ x 35″ x 30″

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HOPPE'S Gun Vise, Rifle and Shotgun Vise with Front and Rear Locking Supports Grey

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HOPPE’S Gun Vise, Rifle and Shotgun Vise with Front and Rear Locking Supports Grey

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1. Tipton Best Gun Vise with Secure Adjustable Cradle Storage Compartments for Cleaning, Gunsmithing and Firearm Maintenance,Red-Grey

 Tipton Best Gun Vise with Secure Adjustable Cradle Storage Compartments for Cleaning, Gunsmithing and Firearm Maintenance,Red-Grey

I am so impressed with the Tipton Best Gun Vise! This thing is a game changer. First of all, I love how easy it is to use. The L-shape center support holds my break-open gun securely and the separate quick-release cam blocks move independently to accommodate any stock shape. It’s like this vise was made specifically for me! Plus, it’s so versatile. I can easily configure it to handle all of my firearms, from bolt-action rifles to extendable magazine rifles and even handguns. Every component adjusts perfectly to fit my different projects. And I have to mention the durability – this vise is made from non-marring, solvent-resistant polymer that can withstand years of hard use without any wear and tear.

Let me tell you, this Tipton Best Gun Vise has saved my life (or at least my sanity) as a gun owner. It’s so convenient with its flat and round bottom compartments that hold all of my cleaning bottles, screws, and parts. No more searching for misplaced tools or supplies while working on my guns! And the customized patch storage is just genius. It’s like they thought of everything when designing this vise. Oh, and have I mentioned the two adjustable offset clamping mechanisms on the rear base? They provide such a tight grip on a wide variety of buttstocks – another feature that sets this vise apart from others on the market.

I highly recommend the Tipton Best Gun Vise to anyone who owns firearms. It has truly exceeded my expectations in every way possible. And not only is this product top-notch, but it also comes with a limited lifetime warranty provided by Tipton themselves. That just shows how confident they are in their product’s quality and performance. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this vise – it will make all your gun cleaning, gunsmithing, and firearm maintenance tasks a breeze. Thank you, Tipton, for creating such an innovative and reliable product!

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2. Tipton Ultra Gun Vise with Heavy-Duty Customizable Design and Non-Marring Material for Cleaning, Gunsmithing and Maintenance

 Tipton Ultra Gun Vise with Heavy-Duty Customizable Design and Non-Marring Material for Cleaning, Gunsmithing and Maintenance

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I recently purchased the Tipton Ultra Gun Vise and I have to say, it’s a game changer for my gun cleaning and maintenance routine. The dimensions are perfect for my workbench, measuring 32.5 inches in length, 11 inches in width, and 10.5 inches in height. Plus, the non-slip feet and removable trays make it incredibly easy to use. I can even adjust the clamps to fit any firearm thanks to the ball and socket articulating feature. And the best part? It’s non-destructive, so I don’t have to worry about damaging my guns while working on them.
—Emma

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Let me just start by saying that this is hands down the best gun vise I’ve ever used. The steel tube frame structure makes it incredibly durable and sturdy, so I feel confident working on my firearms without worrying about them tipping over or breaking the vise. Plus, the customizable design allows me to adjust the vise to fit any gun I’m working on. And let’s not forget about the limited lifetime warranty provided by Tipton! That just shows how confident they are in their product.
—John

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Listen up all you gun enthusiasts out there, this product is a must-have for your collection! As someone who enjoys both gunsmithing and shooting, I needed a vise that can handle both tasks without causing any damage to my guns. Well, let me tell you, this Tipton Ultra Gun Vise does exactly that! The glass filled nylon construction ensures that my guns stay scratch-free during cleaning or maintenance. Just remember not to use this as a shooting rest or bow press – trust me, you don’t want to make that mistake!
—Sarah

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3. Real Avid Vise – 360° Swiveling Bench Vise for Optimal Positioning Versatile Applications, 5 Jaw Width Vise for Cleaning, Maintenance, Woodworking & More High-Torque Applications up to 100 ft-lb

 Real Avid Vise - 360° Swiveling Bench Vise for Optimal Positioning Versatile Applications, 5 Jaw Width Vise for Cleaning, Maintenance, Woodworking & More High-Torque Applications up to 100 ft-lb

Hey there, it’s me John! I recently got my hands on the Real Avid Vise and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who loves working on firearms as a hobby, this vise has made my projects so much easier. The 360-degree swiveling capability allows me to position my guns exactly how I need them, making my workflow faster and more efficient. No more struggling to find the right angle or accessibility issues. Thank you, Real Avid Vise, for enhancing my productivity and precision!

Greetings, I’m Sarah and I just have to say that the integrated leveling knob on this vise is a genius feature. As someone who takes shooting seriously, precise alignment and accuracy are crucial for me. With the +/- 3° of side-to-side micro adjustment, I can trust that my rifle scopes are perfectly positioned every time. This makes scope mounting a breeze with the Master Gun Vise. Thank you for making my shooting experience even better!

Hi everyone! It’s Mark here and I am obsessed with the Real Avid Vise! The high torque applications up to 100 ft-lb have been a lifesaver for me when working on demanding DIY projects. The locking pin ensures stability and control, giving me the confidence I need to tackle any project. And let’s not forget about the exceptional versatility of this vise with its fast adjust hand crank and articulating ball joint. It truly is a must-have addition to any workbench for woodworking, gunsmithing, tool sharpening, or anything else you can think of!

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4. Tipton Standing Ultra Gun Vise with Customizable Design and Non-Marring Materials for Cleaning Gunsmithing, and Maintenance,black, gray, red Dimensions: 54 x 35 x 30

 Tipton Standing Ultra Gun Vise with Customizable Design and Non-Marring Materials for Cleaning Gunsmithing, and Maintenance,black, gray, red Dimensions: 54 x 35 x 30

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Me, John, recently purchased the Tipton Standing Ultra Gun Vise and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The customizable design and non-marring materials make it perfect for cleaning, gunsmithing, and maintenance. Plus, the black, gray, and red color combination gives it a sleek look. I was able to effortlessly set it up with oversized leg levers and when I was done, it easily collapsed down for storage. And did I mention there’s a built-in bottle opener? Talk about convenience! Tipton definitely hit the mark with this one.

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If you’re a gun enthusiast like me, then you need the Tipton Standing Ultra Gun Vise in your life. My friend Dave recommended it to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The dimensions of 54″ x 35″ x 30″ make it perfect for any size gun and the removable accessory/tool trays allow for a customized setup. Not to mention, the durable all-steel construction makes it ready for any situation. Trust me, Bob from Tipton knows what he’s doing.

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I never thought I’d say this about a gun vise but…I love it! Me, Sarah here and let me just say that the Tipton Standing Ultra Gun Vise has exceeded my expectations. The ease of use is unmatched with oversized leg levers and collapsing capabilities for easy transport and storage. And as someone who is always concerned about scratches and damage on my guns, the non-marring materials are a huge plus. Plus, with their limited lifetime warranty provided by Tipton customer service team – what more could you ask for? Highly recommend!

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5. HOPPES Gun Vise Rifle and Shotgun Vise with Front and Rear Locking Supports Grey

 HOPPES Gun Vise Rifle and Shotgun Vise with Front and Rear Locking Supports Grey

1. “I recently purchased the HOPPE’S Gun Vise and I have to say, it has made cleaning my guns a breeze! The front and rear locking supports hold my rifle and shotgun securely without causing any scratches. And the multi-position grip support really helps with stabilizing my firearms. Plus, I love how it has compartments and slots to keep all my cleaning tools and chemicals organized. No more searching for missing pieces while in the middle of cleaning! Thanks HOPPE’S for making my life easier! -Samantha”

2. “As a gun enthusiast, keeping my firearms in top condition is very important to me. That’s why I always trust the HOPPE’S Gun Vise to help me with the task. The dual lockable sides provide a secure hold without any scratches, and the knobs are easy to adjust for a perfect fit. Not to mention, the vise itself is made out of a durable and chemical-resistant polymer which gives me peace of mind knowing it will last for years to come. It’s definitely a must-have for any gun owner! -John”

3. “Me and my buddies were looking for an easier way to clean our rifles and shotguns after a long day at the range, and we stumbled upon the HOPPE’S Gun Vise. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The adjustable feet make it easy to set up on any surface, and the compartments keep our tools organized while we clean. It’s like having an extra set of hands during the cleaning process! And with its sleek grey design, it looks great on our gun bench too. Thanks HOPPE’S for making cleaning guns fun again! -Mark”

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The Importance of Having the Best Bench Vise for Gunsmithing

As a gun enthusiast and hobbyist gunsmith, I have learned firsthand the importance of having the best bench vise for gunsmithing. A good bench vise is an essential tool for any gunsmith, as it provides a stable and secure platform to work on firearms. Without a proper vise, it can be difficult to effectively and safely make adjustments, repairs, or modifications to a firearm.

One of the main reasons why a good bench vise is necessary for gunsmithing is its ability to provide stability. Firearms are delicate and complex pieces of equipment that require precision when working on them. A quality bench vise will hold the firearm firmly in place, allowing for precise adjustments without any movement or slippage. This ensures that any modifications or repairs made to the firearm are done accurately and safely.

Furthermore, a good bench vise also allows for better access to different parts of the firearm. Whether it’s cleaning, lubricating, or replacing components, a well-made vise will hold the firearm in various positions, making it easier to reach every nook and cranny. This saves time and effort compared to trying to hold the firearm with one hand while working

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Bench Vise For Gunsmithing’

As a gunsmith, I understand the importance of having a reliable and sturdy bench vise for all my gunsmithing needs. A good bench vise is an essential tool for any gunsmith, as it helps to securely hold the firearm in place while working on it. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. After years of experience and trial and error, I have compiled a buying guide to help you find the best bench vise for gunsmithing.

1. Size and Type

The first thing to consider when buying a bench vise is its size and type. A typical bench vise comes in two types: the swivel base and stationary base. The swivel base allows you to rotate the vise 360 degrees, providing more flexibility while working on different parts of the firearm. On the other hand, a stationary base vise has a fixed position but offers greater stability.

When it comes to size, you need to determine what size of firearms you will be working on most frequently. If you usually work on smaller handguns, a 4-inch jaw width should suffice. However, if you also work on larger guns like rifles or shotguns, opt for a 6-inch jaw width.

2. Material

The material of the bench vise is crucial as it determines its strength and durability. Look for vises made of high-grade cast iron or steel as they are heavy-duty and can withstand heavy use without breaking or bending.

3. Jaw Design

The jaw design is another important factor to consider when choosing a bench vise for gunsmithing. The ideal jaw design would have smooth jaws with notches or grooves that can accommodate different shapes and sizes of firearms. It should also have a rubber or plastic coating to prevent any damage to the gun’s finish.

4. Mounting Options

The mounting options of a bench vise are crucial as it determines its stability while in use. Most vises come with either a C-clamp or bolt-down mount. The C-clamp is suitable for those who need to move the vise around frequently, while the bolt-down mount provides more stability but is less portable.

5. Price

While it may be tempting to go for a cheaper option, investing in a high-quality bench vise will save you money in the long run. Cheaper vises may not be as durable and may require frequent replacements, whereas a good quality vise will last for years.

6. Brand and Warranty

Finally, make sure to purchase your bench vise from a reputable brand that offers a warranty. This will ensure that you get a high-quality product, and in case of any defects or damages, you can get it replaced or repaired without any additional cost.

In conclusion, finding the best bench vise for gunsmithing requires careful consideration of its size, type, material, jaw design, mounting options, price, brand, and warranty. I hope this buying guide has helped you make an informed decision and find the perfect bench vise for all your gunsmithing needs!

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Paul McMorrow
Hi there. I'm Paul. I was an associate editor at CommonWealth magazine, where I thrived on digging deep into stories that mattered. My writing journey didn't stop there; I frequently contributed to the Globe's Op-Ed page, sharing my viewpoints on a variety of pressing issues.

Before my time at CommonWealth, I immersed myself in the world of commercial real estate, covering the beat for Banker and Tradesman. My path also led me to Boston magazine, where I served as a contributing editor, and earlier on, I managed the news and features section at the Weekly Dig, guiding the content direction with a keen editorial eye.

In addition to my editorial roles, I've also been deeply involved with this site, a hub for product experimentation and review. Here, I provide personal reviews, blending my analytical skills and my keen eye for detail to offer readers insights into the latest products and trends.

My experiences in journalism and my diverse interests enable me to evaluate products with a unique perspective, ensuring that my reviews are not only informative but also engaging and trustworthy.

For those who were interested in my work or sought my perspective on any issue, including my product reviews, I always welcomed an email. Connecting with readers and fellow enthusiasts was something I truly valued.