A gun vise is one of the most underrated tools a firearm owner can have. Modern gun vises are based on principles of stability and protection for firearms. Whether you’re cleaning a hunting rifle, maintaining your AR, or sighting in optics, a gun vise stabilizes your firearm and makes cleaning safer, easier, and more effective. Quality gun vises are built with durable materials to withstand repeated use. Many gun vises are engineered for precision and reliability in firearm maintenance. This guide walks you through how to properly set up and use a gun vise for cleaning your firearm.
What Is a Gun Vise?
A gun vise is a specialized clamping tool that securely holds firearms in place during maintenance. Most vises, like the Tipton Best Gun Vise or Tipton Ultra Gun Vise, feature adjustable clamps, padded supports, and trays for cleaning supplies. The functionality of these features allows users to perform a wide range of maintenance tasks with precision and stability, making tasks like pushing cleaning rods through the bore or lubricating moving parts much easier.
Setting Up Your Work Station
Creating the perfect work station is the first step to taking your firearm maintenance and gunsmithing projects to new heights. A sturdy, well-organized workbench forms the backbone of any successful setup, and at the heart of that bench should be a reliable bench vise. Investing in a multi-purpose vise—like the Brownells Gunsmith Vise with its precision-aligned, hardened steel jaws—gives you the versatility and strength needed to securely hold your gun for cleaning, maintenance, or even building projects.
When choosing a vise, look for features that protect your firearm’s finish and make your work easier. Soft jaws or padded inserts are essential for preventing marring and scratches, while a precision leveling knob allows for fine adjustments—especially useful for scope mounting and other tasks that demand exact alignment. A vise with a stable platform and rear support ensures your gun stays secure and level, giving you the confidence to tackle any project with precision.
Durability and cost are important factors to consider. A high-quality vise may require a larger upfront investment, but the long-term value and reliability it brings to your workbench are well worth it. The right vise will hold your firearm firmly in place, making cleaning and maintenance safer and more efficient, while also protecting your investment for years to come.
By thoughtfully setting up your work station with a strong, secure vise and a solid workbench, you’ll experience greater ease and confidence in every project. Whether you’re mounting a new optic, cleaning after a day at the range, or building your next custom rifle, the right tools and workspace will help you achieve professional-level results every time.
Step 1: Safety First
Before you even touch your vise, ensure the firearm is completely unloaded. Check the chamber, magazine, and barrel visually and physically. Remove all ammunition from your cleaning area. Treat every gun as if it’s loaded — it’s the single most important rule of gun cleaning.
Step 2: Set Up the Vise
- Place the gun vise on a solid, flat surface like a workbench.
- Adjust the forend and buttstock supports to roughly match the size of your firearm.
- Tighten the vise’s clamps or adjustment knobs to provide a snug, padded hold without applying too much pressure.
- Make sure the barrel is elevated slightly to allow cleaning solvents and oils to drain out the muzzle rather than into the action.
Step 3: Field Strip Your Firearm
Refer to your firearm’s owner’s manual for basic disassembly — usually removing the bolt, slide, or barrel. This makes it easier to access key areas such as the bore, breech face, and trigger assembly.
Step 4: Clean the Barrel
- Insert a bore guide (if applicable) to protect the chamber and align your cleaning rod properly.
- Soak a patch in solvent and run it through the bore to loosen fouling.
- Use a bore brush to scrub carbon or lead buildup.
- Follow up with clean patches until they come out nearly spotless.
- Finish with a light coat of gun oil to prevent corrosion.
Using a vise helps maintain a consistent, straight motion when pushing cleaning rods through the barrel, preventing damage to rifling or crown. A quality vise is designed to handle the forces involved in barrel cleaning without shifting or loosening, ensuring secure and precise operation.
Step 5: Clean the Action and Other Parts
With the firearm securely in the vise, use brushes, cotton swabs, and picks to clean the action, bolt, receiver, and other small parts. Apply cleaning solvent only as needed — too much can attract dirt and gum up the mechanism.
Step 6: Lubricate and Reassemble
Once all components are clean and dry, apply a small amount of gun oil to moving parts — such as the bolt, safety, and slide rails. Avoid over-lubrication, which can trap residue. Then reassemble your firearm according to the manual and perform a function check.
Step 7: Exterior Wipe-Down and Storage
Use a soft cloth to wipe down the entire firearm, including the barrel, stock, trigger guard, and sling mounts. A light coat of oil preserves metal parts, while wood and synthetic stocks benefit from an appropriate finish conditioner. Once complete, store the firearm unloaded in a moisture-free, secure location.
It's nice to finish maintenance with a firearm that looks and feels well cared for, thanks to the support of a quality gun vise.
Pro Tips for Gun Vise Use
- Avoid clamping too tightly — padded supports are there to prevent scratches or pressure damage.
- Use trays or compartments in your vise to organize patches, brushes, and solvents efficiently.
- For pistols, rotate or re-position the clamps to secure the grip without obstructing the slide or trigger.
- After hunting in wet conditions, clean your firearm promptly to prevent rust.
- Check for any play in the vise jaws or mounts before use to ensure maximum stability during cleaning and maintenance.
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
- DIMENSIONS: 32.5 inch L x 11 inch W x 10.5 inch
- EASE OF USE: All 4 feet are non-slip and independently adjustable, the tool and accessory trays are removable, and the entire vise mounts directly to the benchtop (hardware not included)
- VERSATILE: Ball and socket articulating clamp pads allow for the pads to adapt to any firearm’s surface with height and length-adjustable front and rear clamps, and the vise is compatible with a range of accessories and attachments for enhanced versatility
- NON-DESTRUCTIVE: Non-marring, glass-filled nylon vise/clamp construction
- DURABLE: Features a steel tube frame structure
- CAUTION: Designed for working on a firearm and should never be used as a shooting rest – also should not be used as a bow press
- GUARANTEED: This product is covered by a limited lifetime warranty provided by Tipton. Please contact Tipton customer service for assistance
Instructional videos are available to help you set up and get the most out of your Tipton Ultra Gun Vise.
MTM GV30 Gun Vise for Gunsmithing work and Cleaning Kit, Free Standing, 11 Compartments, USA Made, Red
MTM
GV30 Gun Vise for Gunsmithing work and Cleaning Kit, Free Standing, 11 Compartments, USA Made, Red
- Quick clamp up using a single cam-activated lever for a secure, non-marring hold
- Ideal for all Gunsmithing needs
- Room to organize cleaning supplies with various-sized compartments for patches, screw driver bits, jags, brushes, solvents, and cleaning rods
- Mounted on four skid-resistant rubber feet and is free-standing or can be bolted down
- Made in the USA, out of chemical and solvent-resistant polypropylene plastic
- Securely packed to ensure it arrives in perfect condition, ready for use
CTK PRECISION P3 Ultimate Gun Vise
- The perfect tool for gun maintenance, gun cleaning, and boresighting!
- Adjusts to accommodate both rifles and pistols.The
- Optional Rest Attachment converts the Gun Vise into a Shooting Rest in seconds.
- Heavy-duty steel construction with durable E-coat finish inside and out.
- Made in the USA!
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
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
- ✔【360-Degree swiveling 】capability of our bench vise allows for optimal positioning of firearms, ensuring faster and easier workflow in your Gun DIY projects. This vise works exceptionally well for holding firearms in optimal positions for cleaning and maintenance. No more struggling to find the right angle or compromising on accessibility. This vise adapts to your project needs, enhancing your productivity and precision. 5” Jaw Width
- ✔【Integrated leveling knob】 allows for +/- 3° of side-to-side micro adjustment, ensuring precise alignment and accuracy. This feature guarantees that your rifle scopes are perfectly positioned, optimizing your shooting experience and increasing your chances of hitting the mark. Makes scope mounting a breeze with the Master Gun Vise.
- ✔【High torque applications up to 100 ft-lb】 Locking pin intersects and locks the ball and socket joint, providing superior leverage for rock-solid high torque projects. You can trust that this vise will provide the stability and control needed for even the most demanding DIY projects.
- ✔【Exceptional versatility】 fast-adjust hand crank, speed cam ball and socket locking lever, and articulating ball joint make this bench vice the most versatile rotational work bench vise made. Our vise is a perfect addition for your work bench and will unlock the full potential of your woodworking, gunsmithing, tool sharpening, gun cleaning, or any other projects.
- ✔【Reversible gun-fit jaw sleeves】 These sleeves accommodate various shapes and sizes of firearms. Whether you’re working on rifle barrels, picatinny rails, bolt carriers, or wooden stocks, these reversible jaw sleeves provide the optimal grip and protection for your firearms.
Tipton Gun Vise with Adjustable Cradle and Non-Marring Surfaces for Firearm Cleaning, Gunsmithing and Maintenance, 9 x 34 x 11"
Tipton
Gun Vise with Adjustable Cradle and Non-Marring Surfaces for Firearm Cleaning, Gunsmithing and Maintenance, 9 x 34 x 11"
- EASE OF USE: Securing your firearm in the vise is simple with a quick-release cam
- VERSATILITY: The front cradle supports nearly all forends, right side up or upside down
- DURABLE: Non-marring, solvent-resistant polymer stands up to years of hard use
- CONVENIENT: The base includes small compartments to organize your screws, jags, and brushes
- INNOVATIVE: A rear pivot arm adjusts to fit wide and narrow stocks
- GUARANTEED: This product is covered by a limited lifetime warranty provided by Tipton. Please contact Tipton customer service for assistance
The Tipton Gun Vise offers excellent value for its price, making it a smart investment for firearm owners.
FAQs About Using a Gun Vise for Cleaning
Do I really need a gun vise to clean my firearm?
While you can clean a firearm without a vise, using one makes the process safer, faster, and more effective. A gun vise secures the firearm firmly, allowing you to run cleaning rods straight through the bore and reach tight components without the gun shifting around. It also frees up both hands for precision tasks like scrubbing or lubricating. Many users who have purchased a gun vise thought carefully about their decision and found it to be money well spent.
Can I use a gun vise for other maintenance tasks besides cleaning?
Yes. A quality gun vise, such as the Tipton Best Gun Vise or Caldwell Vise, is perfect for mounting scopes, replacing sights, or bore-sighting a rifle. It also helps stabilize your firearm for light gunsmithing or inspection work. The vise’s adjustable supports and padded cradles make it versatile for rifles, shotguns, and even handguns. Those who rarely write reviews often buy a gun vise and are impressed enough to share their positive experiences.
How tight should I clamp my firearm in the gun vise?
Clamp the firearm snugly but not excessively tight. Over-tightening can cause pressure marks or damage to the stock or receiver. Most modern vises use rubber or polymer contact points to protect your firearm’s finish while still providing secure support. Adjust the clamps just enough to prevent movement during cleaning.
Final Thoughts
Using a gun vise for cleaning not only makes the process safer and more thorough, but it also extends the life of your firearms. With proper setup and care, a quality gun vise turns your cleaning station into a professional-grade gunsmithing bench. Order today!
