Cleaning your guns is the most important thing you can do to keep your collection in pristine condition and avoid rust and metal defects in barrels. The last thing you need is to find rust in your receiver or barrel and have a bullet blow up inside the barrel because it’s obstructed by loose metal particles.
In short, you need a gun vise that’s going to be easy to use, easy on your gun’s finish, and easy on your body. I may not have used every gun vise out there, but I have used all 3 of the vise’s that I recommend below.
What’s the Difference Between a Gun Vise and Bench Vise?
I feel the need to address this question because it comes up more than any other question. I’ve seen a lot of poor reviews on products because some consumers don’t know the difference between a gun vise and a bench vise. In short, a gun vise is meant to be used to clean guns, make minor installations, such as optics, scopes, lights, and lasers. A gun vise is not designed to handle to pressure and torque that comes with building an AR from scratch or installing a new barrel or receiver.
The whole point of a bench vise is to bolt the vise to a bench that is also securely bolted to the ground (doesn’t always have to be grounded, but highly recommended). A bench vise will give you the security and stability that is needed to build your rifles in a safe and easy manner. For this blog, we’re specifically talking about a gun vise, which should be used for minor installation and maintenance upkeep.
1. Tipton Standing Ultra Gun Vise
My all-time favorite gun vise is the Tipton Standing Ultra Gun Vise. I’m only 36 years old, but years in the military and years as a police officer has taken a toll on my lower back. The last thing I want to do when cleaning my rifles is to bent over to reach my vise on a table or desk. The standing gun vise is 35", which comes up to my waist, but I’m only 5’9". Once the actual vise is added, it moves up so unless you’re an NBA player, you shouldn’t have to bend over to reach the vise.
The Standing Gun Vise also comes with these oversized levers on each leg of the vise for quick and easy setup or takedown. I never take more than a couple of minutes setting up the Ultra gun vise. I take my Ultra Gun Vise to the range when I’m shooting my rifles and use it every time in my backyard after I shoot. With the Ultra Gun Vise, you never have to worry about adding protective clamps to the vise because it’s already built with non-marring nylon clamps to keep your barrel looking good.
Where Can I Buy the Tipton Standing Ultra Gun Vise?
The Tipton Standing Ultra Gun Vise can be found at multiple locations for similar prices. You can buy the Standing Ultra Gun Vise at either Brownells, Kentucky Gun Company, Tipton, or Sportsman’s Guide.
2. Compact Range Vise
When it comes to cleaning my guns, I try to keep things as simple as possible with the gear I bring to the range. I actually prefer to bring the Standing Ultra Gun Vise to my range days, but it’s not always possible. For example, if I go to a public range with a lot of people, the room is limited, so my standing vise causes more problems in tight spaces. Luckily, I have private property that I can shoot at and take my time. However, if I go to the range and want to clean my guns, the best tool for the job is the Tipton Compact Range Vise.
As long as there is a small table at your range big enough to hold 17.75", then you can fit your vise and gun with no problems. When traveling with the Compact Range Vise, it collapses to 11.25" and will fit anywhere in your car, backpack, or range bag. One of the important features is the 6 non-slip rubber feet at the bottom to ensure the vise never moves.
Just like every other Tipton vise, the range vise is built with non-marring clamps to ensure your finish on your barrel and stock are kept in pristine condition. Make sure you never use this vise to gunsmith your AR or hunting rifle, but it’s perfect for cleaning and minor installation, such as a scope, light, laser, or sling attachment.
Where Can I Buy the Tipton Compact Gun Vise?
There is always more than one place to buy a product, but the 2 main spots I’d buy from right now are Kentucky Gun Company and Tipton’s official site. It’s listed at only $24.00 at Kentucky Gun Company, but you have to factor in shipping. Either way, whether you buy from Kentucky Gun Company or Tipton, you’ll get a great product that you’ll carry with you every time you visit the range.
3. Delta Series Mag Well Vise Block
The Delta Series Mag Well Vise Block is from a different company called Wheeler but works in conjunction with either the Tipton Best Gun Vise or the Ultra Gun Vise. The reason I love this tool so much is that it fits perfectly into my Standing Ultra Gun Vise and makes cleaning my AR-15 much easier and faster. It comes with the fasteners to secure directly to any benchtop or locks into place with the maglock on your receiver.
I’ve read a few reviews that complain about the durability of the vise block and with no disrespect intended, those people didn’t use the tool right. This vise block is designed to help you clean your AR lower receiver, your bolt carrier group, and your charging handle. As you can see in the picture below, you can move the mag well vise block to any angle that allows you to access your gun easier and with less stress on your arms and back.
Where Can I Buy the Wheeler Delta Series Mag Well Vise Block?
Luckily, there are many options where you could buy the mag well vise block from Wheeler. One thing to consider when buying from different stores is the shipping cost. If the difference is a few dollars and shipping isn’t free, go with the company with the best reviews.
Stay Tuned to the RE Factor Tactical Blog and be part of this all VETERAN-run website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for exclusive content and deals.
Visit our Amazon Influencer Page for more products we recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/refactortactical
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *