7 Best Gun Vises For The Money – A Complete Buyer’s Guide

If you’re a frequent shooter, enjoy hunting, or have a military background, chances are your firearm is one of your most prized possessions.

If this happens to be the case, you know the importance of caring for it and maintaining it regularly. To do so, you may visit your local gunsmith for gun cleaning, repairs, or similar services.

But with the high-quality gun vises on the market, taking care of these services yourself is made possible. Cleaning up your firearm is made quick, easy, and safe with one of these versatile tools.

These luxury tools allow you to lubricate, brush, and clean your firearm with maximum stability.

We have researched dozens of options and put together a review of the top 7 gun vises currently on the market.

Aside from reviewing our top gun vise picks, we also want to touch on a few important points regarding them, the importance of having one, the benefits they offer, and the elements to consider when shopping for one.

We hope this guide helps narrow down your search for the right vise for your firearm.

This Is My Personal Pick For The Best Gun Vise

CALDWELL LEAD SLED DFT 2

Why is it the best?

• The large frame of this vise can fit rifles and shotguns of virtually any size
• It offers precise adjustments, thus giving you the flexibility to change windage and elevation levels as needed
• It minimizes felt recoil and vibration, thus keeping your firearm in optimal shooting condition

7 Best Gun Vises

With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.

Let’s dive into the specifics and review each gun vise individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models or you can read along and go through all the information.

1. Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2

Our first pick without a doubt must be the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2.

You’ll greatly benefit from this gun vise and its dual-frame design which disperses recoil energy better than any of the other vises we’ve come across.

The dual frame alignment is great for adjusting as necessary to fit your shotgun or rifle.

You’ll also receive maximum stability with the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2.

The battle tray holds up to 100 lbs. of lead shot. Additionally, this gun vice offers 18 inches of adjustment to fit rifles and shotguns of virtually any size.

After you lock your gun in place, it will stay there until you’re done cleaning it.

PROS

• The large frame of this vise fits firearms of virtually any size without any problem
• The Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2 offers precise adjustments, giving you the flexibility to change windage and elevation levels as needed
• It minimizes felt recoil and vibration, keeping your firearm in optimal shooting condition
• It features a skeletonized front rest, a read cradle, and no-skid rubber feet with a non-marring material that will securely hold your gun without damaging any point of contact

CONS

• Compared to other models, it’s a more expensive option
• This vise is not suitable for ARs

PRODUCT INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Battenfeld Technologies
• Model: Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2 Adjustable Ambidextrous Recoil Reducing Rifle Shooting Rest for Outdoor Range
• Model number: 336677
• Weight: 24 pounds
• Dimensions: 30 x 12.01 x 16.06 inches
• Department: unisex-adult

2. Tipton Best Gun Vise

This is one of the most sought-after gun vises and not only because of its affordable price.

Composed of polymer materials, the central aluminum channel supports the vise properly to make the cleaning process quick and easy.

The nylon shell surface protects this gun vise from harmful chemicals and cleansers.

Additionally, this gun vise fits handguns and ARs by adjusting their components. Once it clamps your gun, this vise will hold it firmly and give you good access to all its parts.

A setback that it may have is the plastic material it’s made of, which makes it less durable than other available options.

PROS

• This gun vise is very affordable (please check the Amazon link for the precise price)
• Its excellent design makes it durable and extremely stable
• It’s resistant to damaging solvents and chemicals
• It offers maximum versatility (easily configurable to handle bolt-action rifles, break-open shotguns, extendable magazine rifles, etc)
• Its rear base features two adjustable offset clamps for a tight grip on a wide range of buttstock configurations

CONS

• This product is made from plastic which is not ideal for many customers

PRODUCT INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Battenfeld Technologies
• Model: Tipton Best Gun Vise for Cleaning, Gunsmithing, and Gun Maintenance
• Model number: 181181
• Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Dimensions: 33 x 9 x 6 inches
• Department: men

3. CTK PRECISION P3 Ultimate Gun Vise

Third on our list is the CTK PRECISION P3 Ultimate Gun Vise.

This is a great item for any shooter to have in their workspace as it’s good for firearm maintenance, cleaning, and bore sighting.

It fits both rifles and pistols, which means you don’t need to purchase separate vises for each of your guns.

Highly adjustable, this vise secures your firearm in place until you’re done with the cleaning process.

You also have the option to get the shooting rest attachment that goes with this vise which allows you to shoot your guns while locked in place.

This ensures they are perfectly zeroed in without beating your shoulder.

PROS

• The CTK PRECISION P3 gun vise fits any shotgun, pistol, or rifle without a problem
• Thanks to its heavy-duty steel construction, this vise is sturdy and withstands scratches
• The CTK PRECISION P3 is designed to accommodate both rifles and pistols and is equipped with a three-point leveling system and thumb locks that ensure stability

CONS

• The included instructions are not very clear, which makes the assembly process difficult

PRODUCT INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: CTK Precision
• Model: P3 Ultimate Gun Vise
• Package weight: 9.15 pounds
• Package dimensions: 24.25 x 6.25 x 4.5 inches

4. Tipton 110011 Ultra Gun Vise

A great feature of the Tipton 110011 Ultra Gun Vise is its versatility.

Its ability to accommodate break-open shotguns, conventional rifles, modern sporting rifles, muzzle loaders, compound bows, crossbows, etc.

A fantastic option for cleaning and gunsmithing, this model withstands years of hard use. The Tipton Ultra Gun Vise is of heavy-duty construction and its design is customizable.

This model is solvent-resistant and it features articulating over-molded rubber contact pads to prevent damage to your firearm.

As it’s designed with dual clamp technology, you can rest assured that once your firearm is clamped in, it will remain stable and secure.

This vise features 4 independently leveling feet to get your gun ready for scope mounting. An all-around excellent choice, this gun cleaning vise is among the best ones you can own.

PROS

• The Tipton 110011 Ultra Gun Vise is extremely durable (it features a steel tube frame structure)
• It makes a great gun cleaning vise
• It offers multi-functionality – it can be used for cleaning and mounting scopes

CONS

• The Tipton Ultra Gun Vise is more expensive than other similar models

PRODUCT INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Battenfeld Technologies
• Brand: Tipton Gun Cleaning Supplies
• Model: Tipton Ultra Gun Vise
• Model number: 110011
• Weight: 13.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 32.5 x 10.5 x 11 inches
• Department: unisex-adult

5. Hyskore Cleaning & Sighting Vise

This is yet another great pick for avid gun lovers.

What we love about this vise is that it’s sturdy but simple.

The materials used here are steel and plastic. The overall feeling when working with it is great. I didn’t encounter any problems whatsoever in the 4+ years I’ve been using it.

It aligns properly with your pistol and has its own weight distribution as well.

The lightweight design mixed with the additional features makes it well worth the modest price.

Everything here is completely waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof. Fog (and moisture in general) is the number one reason why optics get ruined.

It’s a big problem with binoculars and monoculars, which is why fogproof properties are highly desired.

Its mount is simple and tuning the range isn’t that bad either. The main issue I have is with the finish and how quickly it loses its luster.

It still functions fine and doesn’t build up any corrosion, but you only get a short time to enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-box feeling.

PROS

• This gun vise has a sturdy build (welded tubular steel construction)
• It’s durable
• It adjusts to any length gun
• It supports guns for cleaning and scope mounting perfectly

CONS

• This product is pricey

PRODUCT INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Hyskore
• Model: Hyskore Cleaning & Sighting Vise
• Model number: 1003627
• Weight: 10.9 pounds
• Dimensions: 25 x 12 x 10 inches
• Department: men

6. MTM GV-30 Gun Vise Cleaning Maintenance Center

The MTM GV-30 Gun Vise Cleaning Maintenance Center has so much to offer.

Made out of chemical- and solvent-resistant polypropylene plastic, this item weighs only 5 pounds. This means you can easily move it around when needed.

This tool can be used with a wide range of firearms, including rifles and shotguns.

All firearm touch points are treated with rubber to protect your gun’s finish. With this gun vise, your firearm will stay in impeccable condition.

This popular gun vise is mounted on 4 skid-resistant rubber feet. It’s free-standing, but you have the option to bolt it down.

Although it’s made out of plastic, this gun vise will serve you for many years to come.

PROS

• This gun vise is long-lasting
• It’s one of the most affordable options on the market
• It features a fast, single adjustment clamp down and a secure non-marring hold
• It provides various sized compartments for both big and small parts, including patches, screwdriver bits, jags, brushes, cleaning solvents, and cleaning rods
• Suitable for all gunsmithing needs

CONS

• This product doesn’t come with an instruction manual, which means you’ll have to figure out how to use it on your own or with the help of a YouTube video
• The hold isn’t perfect (but it should be noted that it’s been reported that it can tighten to any long gun)

PRODUCT INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: MTM Case-Gard
• Model: MTM GV-30 Gun Vise
• Model number: GV30
• Weight: 5 pounds
• Dimensions: 32.5 x 9 x 7.5 inches
• Department: unisex-adult

7. Lyman Revolution Gun Vise

This is the only rotating gun vise on our list. It’s engineered to accommodate a large selection of firearms with the help of a full range of adjustments, tilts, clamps, and inserts.

This gun vise can be rotated 45 degrees left or right and locked in position. This makes it ideal for working on actions, receivers, and other hard-to-reach places.

This is another great budget-friendly option.

PROS

• This gun vise is highly adjustable (suitable for practically all gun lengths)
• It features padded contact points for optimal firearm protection
• It features storage room for tools and accessories
• It’s affordable

CONS

• This gun vise is made of plastis

PRODUCT INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Lyman Products Corp.
• Model: Lyman Revolution Gun Vise
• Model number: 7832250
• Department: men

What Is the Best Gun Vise for You?

When shopping for a gun vise (or any other tool for that matter), it’s important not to buy into the hype.

Sure, popular products are popular for a reason, but it’s best to base your decision on your personal needs and preferences.

So, if you don’t own an AR and want to invest in a top-rated gun vise that provides precise adjustments and reduces felt recoil and vibration, you should definitely consider opting for the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2.

But if your goal is to find a multi-functional gun vise that won’t break the bank, then you might want to steer toward the Tipton Best Gun Vise or the MTM GV-30 Gun Vise. 

To find out more about a certain product on our list, please visit the respective Amazon link.

The Importance of a Good Gun Vise

If you take your firearm to your local armorer for cleaning, we congratulate you.

This means you are taking the proper action to keep your firearm clean and well maintained.

However, did you know you could save an abundance of money if you did this yourself with a quality gun vise and gun cleaning kit?

A gun vise will extend the lifetime of your firearm while reducing the cost of its maintenance.

So, instead of taking your firearm to an armorer, save yourself the time and money and clean it yourself in the comfort of your home.

Having your own gun vise is important because it facilitates the process of cleaning your firearm. It makes applying lubricant and oil simple and is compatible with different types of firearms.

Additionally, you can use a gun vise for repairing purposes or to zero in your gun. Believe me, this task is easy to learn and many gun owners prefer to service their own firearms.

The Benefits of a Quality Gun Vise

A gun vise offers several benefits like increasing the durability of your rifle.

Any professional armorer will tell you that to extend the lifetime of your firearm, you need to keep it clean and store it properly.

Gun vises help gun owners get this job done while lowering maintenance costs.

If you’re still debating whether you need a gun vise, there are additional benefits from investing in one:

• Longer Lifespan – Keeping your firearm clean extends its lifetime. To properly maintain your firearm, you need a quality gun vise as well as a gun cleaning kit.
• Saves Money – Imagine how much money you can save by maintaining your own firearm instead of taking it to an armorer. Learning how to properly care for your gun is easy and can save you both time and money.
• Maximum Stability – If you’re cleaning your rifle without the help of a gun vise, now may be the time to make this change as these products offer maximum stability when maintaining your firearm.
• Saves Time – Why take your firearms to a professional when you can care for them yourself? Aside from saving you money, your very own gun vise will also save you unnecessary trips to your local armorer.
• Affordable – There are hundreds of options currently on the market. This makes the process of narrowing down your selection a bit more difficult, but it means you have several prices to choose from.

Gun Vise Buyer’s Guide

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A GUN VISE

Now that you understand the benefits of a good gun vise, you need to know what factors to consider when looking to get your hands on a quality one.

When you know what to look for, finding a quality vise is not too difficult. Here are some of the features we kept in mind when reviewing the options currently on the market.

MATERIAL

Gun vises are made from several materials and sometimes this is the deciding factor between a reliable one that will last for years or one that will break easily.

The two main materials used in the construction of gun vises are plastic and metal. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each.

• A plastic vise is usually more affordable, easier to adjust, and can fit all your firearms. While they can be just as efficient and versatile as metal ones, they do tend to be lighter and not as durable as metal models.
• A metal vise is more expensive but will normally last longer than a plastic option. It also distributes produced vibrations better, which is important if you plan on using the vise for sighting your gun.

No matter your budget, there is a great option on the market for you.

The material you need depends on how often you’ll be working on your guns and how many of them you need to service. If you have several firearms, we suggest investing in a sturdier gun vise.

On the other hand, if you won’t be needing your gun vise very frequently, a plastic vise will do, as they are inexpensive and easier to adjust.

As the most important factor when selecting a vise, keep the material in mind prior to purchasing. This will give you the best value for your money!

MULTI-FUNCTIONALITY

Depending on your intended use, there are several different kinds of gun vises to consider that differ in usability, quality, and price.

The best ones are very versatile and fit several types of guns which is great if you possess more than one firearm. Finding a vise that has adjustable parts to fit rifles, shotguns, and handguns is important.

Versatility needs to be considered especially if you own more than one gun type. Quality gun vises can handle several different types of firearms.

For instance, most gun vises can be used for shotguns and rifles. They’re composed of adjustable parts to fit both firearms when cleaning, maintaining, or bore sighting.

There are two types of gun vises that are better for certain tasks.

The more common kind is a fixed vise which allows you to secure your gun and keep it steady for a long time. This is ideal for cleaning or maintaining without the worry of the gun moving.

A rotating vise is not produced by a lot of manufacturers, but it does have its advantages, the main one being that you’ll be able to approach this gun from different angles and conduct precise adjustments.

A disadvantage is that it uses more moving parts which may not make it as sturdy as fixed ones. Also, you can’t apply too much force to it without causing permanent damage.

SURFACE

Don’t overlook the importance of this factor, especially if your firearm’s aesthetic appeal isn’t something you want to sacrifice.

If you buy a gun vise with rough surfaces, it’s quite possible that you’ll scratch your weapon while working on it. This is one of the main reasons why experienced gun owners and armorers prefer gun vises over bench vises.

To avoid scratches and damages to your firearm, look for a rubberized gun vise or a vise with foam padding.

PRICE

Finding a top-notch gun vise with an accessible price point is the perfect scenario. However, many of the gun vises on the market are quite pricey, which is why it’s best to set a budget before starting your hunt.

You can find both affordable and expensive products on our list, so do take a look at it (if you haven’t already).

Gun Vise FAQs

WHAT IS THE BEST GUN VISE?

This one’s tough because they are so many fantastic options on the market, but our absolute favorite is without a doubt the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2.

We love this gun vise because it’s user-friendly, offers flexibility, and provides optimal protection for your firearm. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the CTK PRECISION P3 Ultimate Gun Vise.

WHO MAKES THE BEST GUN VISE?

When it comes to gun vise manufacturers, our top pick has to be Battenfeld Technologies.

In addition to making our favorite gun vise, this company also produces the two Tipton vises that are great value for money.

WHICH GUN VISES ARE MORE EFFICIENT – PLASTIC OR METAL ONES?

Although some would say that metal gun vises are better than plastic ones, the truth is both can be highly efficient if made of high-grade materials.

There are plenty of gun owners who are more than satisfied with their plastic gun vises.

GUN VISE VIDEO

There are two types of gun vises that are better for certain tasks.

The more common kind is a fixed vise which allows you to secure your gun and keep it steady for a long time. This is ideal for cleaning or maintaining without the worry of it moving.

A rotating vise is not produced by a lot of manufacturers, but it does have its advantages the main one being that you’ll be able to approach this gun from different angles and conduct precise adjustments.

A disadvantage is that it uses more moving parts which may not make it as sturdy as fixed ones. Also, you can’t apply too much force to it without causing permanent damage.

Final Thoughts

Not only can a quality gun vise help you with cleaning, preparing, and maintaining your firearms, but it can also be used for other tasks like mounting and zeroing.

A quality tool will be easy to use and once you get the hang of one you’ll be able to use it for many purposes.

We hope this buyer’s guide has helped you narrow down your hunt for the best vise for you. Remember: a gun vise is an important tool that every shooter needs.

It’s a great investment and whichever gun vise you decide on, it’s important not to forget to properly care for it in order to keep it around for many years to come.

References:

• Smithandedwards.com
• Survivalcache.com