Best vise for guns and general handyman work?

[Coachgillis]

I am wanting to get a vise for working on my guns and golf clubs, doesn't need to be massive but definitely sturdy and precise.

This is what I've found, not thrilled with either due to being made in China. Is there an AFFORDABLE alternative to this nonsense?

Parrot Vise w/ Magnetic Jaw Covers

Our Parrot Vise will keep your workpiece securely clamped while you enjoy the ability to rotate the vise head a full 360° for easy access.

www.infinitytools.com

WoodRiver - Universal Vise

Universal is an excellent way of describing this vise. The 3-1/2" wide by 2-1/8" high jaws have a 5" open capacity, in either a vertical or horizontal position. The faces are drilled to accept wood facings, there is a small anvil, and the vise rotates 360º on its base, locking tight as soon as...

www.woodcraft.com

Ultimate Versatile Vise

The “Versa Vise” or Ultimate Versatile Vise by Garrett Wade is a sturdy workbench vise that can be rotated on two different axes. Add it to your workshop today!

garrettwade.com

And then there is THIS, $300+ for Made In China!!! They'll be serving pop cycles in hell in every color before I pay this price for this product!!!

Real Avid Master Gun Vise

One vise to rule them all. The first real bench vise made exclusively for guns and gun tools. Whether you're building and customizing, repai SCHEELS

www.scheels.com

 

[drivesitfar]

Those all will work. I think there is a vise that was about $140 new that was made for guns that has wood jaws. A lot of members use 3 inch Wilton Bullet vises in power arms do you can get to all parts of your gun easily but pretty spendy unless you find an old estate or garage sale with one.

 

[Shiftless]

I’m no gunsmith, but there is a dedicated gun vise that seems to me would also work for golf clubs. Check out Tipton vises. For other work, I would get an old American made vise from one of the quality manufacturers. Peruse the GJ vise pages to learn about the fascinating world of vintage vises. If you want brand new American made, the $$$$ are to me ridiculous.

 

[Shiftless]

Check out this thread.

Who Still Makes a Bench Vise in the USA?

Off the top of my head: Wilton Machinist and Combination vises Milwaukee Morgan Orange Fireball Yost did up until recently I think? I’ve seen a brand new one as of a year or two ago but I’m not sure if it was just NOS. I’m not sure if Wilton still makes Columbia vises here or not. Who...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Coachgillis]

I’m no gunsmith, but there is a dedicated gun vise that seems to me would also work for golf clubs. Check out Tipton vises. For other work, I would get an old American made vise from one of the quality manufacturers. Peruse the GJ vise pages to learn about the fascinating world of vintage vises. If you want brand new American made, the $$$$ are to me ridiculous.

I actually own this, it is fine for any type of 'minor' repairs or installs; it is NOT sturdy enough to torque anything though. I do appreciate you taking the time to respond!!!

 

[Coachgillis]

Those all will work. I think there is a vise that was about $140 new that was made for guns that has wood jaws. A lot of members use 3 inch Wilton Bullet vises in power arms do you can get to all parts of your gun easily but pretty spendy unless you find an old estate or garage sale with one.

Any idea what brand?

 

[Coachgillis]

Those all will work. I think there is a vise that was about $140 new that was made for guns that has wood jaws. A lot of members use 3 inch Wilton Bullet vises in power arms do you can get to all parts of your gun easily but pretty spendy unless you find an old estate or garage sale with one.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200711811_200711811?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Hand%20Tools%20%3E%20Vises%20%2B%20Clamps%20%3E%20Woodworking%20Vises&utm_campaign=Wilton&utm_content=66073&gclid=Cj0KCQiAn4SeBhCwARIsANeF9DItS5-Cx8SHQQ6g3Vm-s_AHU4EEpoWHjezROFuQXcGIK3iZYS2GLY4aAvO3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Is this it?

 

[drivesitfar]

Not the Wilton in your link cause that’s just a wood vise but it could work. I’ll try to find it and let you know if I do but wood jaws are about 3 x2 inch on the one I’m thinking of. It might also be called a guitar vise

 

[Coachgillis]

Not the Wilton in your link cause that’s just a wood vise but it could work. I’ll try to find it and let you know if I do but wood jaws are about 3 x2 inch on the one I’m thinking if. It might also be called a guitar vise

Thanks!!! I am getting by with **** I found on Amazon, but really want to invest in something solid for the long term.

 

[drivesitfar]

Several members bought or made copper or aluminum jaws for their big or smallish bench vises and just used those jaws for gun work. Nice and soft material and they said it didn’t damage their guns and held in place ok too.

 

[rd65]

I bought a 5-1/2 or 6-1/2 (I don't remember exact size) Wilton reversible vise. When reversed jaws open wide enough to do u-joints. It is a chinese made Wilton but that doesn't really matter to me. Being a Wilton spare parts will be available if needed. https://wiltontools.com/search/?q=reversible

 

[G-ManBart]

This is a small vise (link below), but works really well for many gun projects. You can add various attachments to hold long guns, etc. It's all made in the U.S. and I use mine quite a bit. You can also keep an eye on eBay for an original Gyro Vise...usually under $200 for a decent example.

Berry's Bullets - Plated Bullets, Reloading & Shooting Supplies

Plated Bullets, The industry's superior source of plated bullets, over 60 profiles and grain weights of superior plated bullets. Ammo Boxes and Ammo Cans. All made in the USA and provided with superior customer service.

www.berrysmfg.com

 

[retDAC]

I bought a 5-1/2 or 6-1/2 (I don't remember exact size) Wilton reversible vise. When reversed jaws open wide enough to do u-joints. It is a chinese made Wilton but that doesn't really matter to me. Being a Wilton spare parts will be available if needed. https://wiltontools.com/search/?q=reversible

I have a 5-1/2 model and I recommend it for general mechanic work. The ones with large flat faces might be more convenient for stock work though.

 

[mogandave]

I can’t speak to guns or what’s “best”, but i have a 5” Irwin (like the photo) i bought used that’s been great. Looks like they run about $130.

I bought soft jaws for it (~$10) that I think would be great for guns and whatnot.