Best long gun cleaning vise??

togliat · August 10, 2007, 01:08 PM

I'm looking for something to help hold my long guns when I clean them. Currently, I'm using a PLANO plastic box which works ok but I'm worried that it might not be stable enough and I might have a tipover or sorts.

What support/base do you use when cleaning your rifles and shotguns? Is there a vise that clearly outshines the rest?

k Squared · August 12, 2007, 09:39 AM

Togliat,

I'd like to add to the question instead of answering it.

Everything I've read about cleaning long guns says the barrel should be pointed downward slightly to allow cleaning fluids to flow away from the receiver, but every vise and cleaning box I see advertised holds the barrel perfectly horizontally. What's up with that?

togliat · August 12, 2007, 10:26 AM

K-squared,

You're correct in that the muzzle ideally is lower than the breech to minimize solvents and crud from getting into the receiver/trigger assembly. The vices that I have seen, such as the "MTM Gunsmith Maintenance Center" do indeed keep the muzzle lower than the breech. Even my PLANO box does that. The "Sinclair Cleaning Cradle" is another example. Sometimes, it is not easy to tell that there is an angle until you actually place the rifle in the cradle saddles and see how the muzzle settles deeper into a lower, thinner groove than the stock, which catches higher in its own, differently-shaped cradle. I hope that makes sense!

Martyn4802 · August 13, 2007, 06:44 AM

I have two Tipton gun vises that I use. But, there are some beautiful vises made from wood if you want one that looks good too. Midway sells the Tipton vises. I clamp mine to a work table top so they don't move around in use.

Martyn

togliat · August 13, 2007, 07:31 AM

Thanks, Martyn. I just ordered the Tipton Best Gun Vise from Midway yesterday!

August 10, 2007, 01:08 PM	#1
togliat Member Join Date: December 8, 2004 Location: Midland, NC USA Posts: 34	Best long gun cleaning vise?? I'm looking for something to help hold my long guns when I clean them. Currently, I'm using a PLANO plastic box which works ok but I'm worried that it might not be stable enough and I might have a tipover or sorts. What support/base do you use when cleaning your rifles and shotguns? Is there a vise that clearly outshines the rest?

August 12, 2007, 09:39 AM	#2
k Squared Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 238	More to the Question Togliat, I'd like to add to the question instead of answering it. Everything I've read about cleaning long guns says the barrel should be pointed downward slightly to allow cleaning fluids to flow away from the receiver, but every vise and cleaning box I see advertised holds the barrel perfectly horizontally. What's up with that? __________________ K Squared

August 12, 2007, 10:26 AM	#3
togliat Member Join Date: December 8, 2004 Location: Midland, NC USA Posts: 34	yes, the muzzle should be lower than the breech K-squared, You're correct in that the muzzle ideally is lower than the breech to minimize solvents and crud from getting into the receiver/trigger assembly. The vices that I have seen, such as the "MTM Gunsmith Maintenance Center" do indeed keep the muzzle lower than the breech. Even my PLANO box does that. The "Sinclair Cleaning Cradle" is another example. Sometimes, it is not easy to tell that there is an angle until you actually place the rifle in the cradle saddles and see how the muzzle settles deeper into a lower, thinner groove than the stock, which catches higher in its own, differently-shaped cradle. I hope that makes sense!

August 13, 2007, 06:44 AM	#4
Martyn4802 Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2007 Location: Grayling, Michigan Posts: 737	I have two Tipton gun vises that I use. But, there are some beautiful vises made from wood if you want one that looks good too. Midway sells the Tipton vises. I clamp mine to a work table top so they don't move around in use. Martyn __________________ US Army Retired NRA Benefactor Life Member JPFO

August 13, 2007, 07:31 AM	#5
togliat Member Join Date: December 8, 2004 Location: Midland, NC USA Posts: 34	Midway sells Tipton Thanks, Martyn. I just ordered the Tipton Best Gun Vise from Midway yesterday!