Barrel vise

Types of Barrel Vises

A barrel vise is used mainly to hold gun barrels firmly in place while work is being done on them. There are several types of barrel vises, including the following:

• Clamshell Vise: The clamshell barrel vise is commonly used in the gunsmithing industry. It's usually constructed of two halves resembling a clamshell that can be closed around an object. This vise holds barrels of varying shapes and sizes because its size can be adjusted to fit various barrel diameters. The clamshell barrel vise is widely recognized for its gentle yet secure grip, making it ideal for delicate tasks that necessitate precision and stability. However, it's essential to note that the clamshell barrel vise may not be compatible with every type of firearm barrel.
• Wheeler Professional Gunsmithing Barrel Vise: This vise stands tall among gunsmithing tools, built to support firearm barrels during various operations like threading, crowning, installing/removing muzzle devices, and more. It's designed to facilitate gunsmiths' work efficiently and accurately. The Wheeler Professional Gunsmithing Barrel Vise offers both versatility and ease of use, making it an essential tool for gunsmiths to tackle different firearms projects with precision and confidence.
• Spud Barrel Vise: The spud barrel vise is a high-quality gunsmith tool known for its effectiveness, particularly when working with straight-angled barrels. Its construction features a set of durable rods or 'spuds' that can be securely attached to a work surface, providing a stable platform for securing firearms during gunsmithing tasks. One of the standout features of the spud barrel vise is its ability to be bolted down, preventing any movement or shifting while working on the gun. This characteristic ensures the gunsmith can focus on the job with confidence, knowing the firearm is firmly held in place.
• Universal Barrel Vise: As the name suggests, this vise is designed to accommodate barrels of different shapes and sizes, including AROMA, straight, and varmint contours. The universal barrel vise proves to be invaluable when handling various firearm models and configurations. Its versatile design allows smooth and straightforward operation on different barrel types without needing multiple specialized vises.

Specification and Maintenance

Normally, the specifications of a barrel vise may vary depending on the type and model, but some basic specifications are as follows:

• Material: Barrel vises are commonly made with steel as it is a heavy-duty material preferred for helping with tasks that require a high level of precision. It is also known to have excellent strength.
• Size: The size of the barrel vise can be determined by the throat depth and width. The latter refers to how far the jaws can open, while the former measures how deep the jaw goes. The size of the barrel vise will be bigger if the width and depth measure more.
• Weight capacity: This refers to the maximum weight the barrel vise can hold, and it will vary depending on the material and construction of the vise. It can be anything between 900 to 1200 pounds, but those with higher capacities are generally used for heavier-duty work.
• Adjustability: Some barrel vises with a screw mechanism can adjust the position of the barrel by rotating the screw to hold the item better. While others might adjust in width to hold different sized items.

Maintenance of a barrel vise is fairly easy. Regular cleaning is the first and most necessary part of maintenance. This can be done with soapy water and a soft brush or cloth to avoid damaging the finish. Cleaning any debris or residue on the jaw is essential to keep them in perfect condition. Lubricating moving parts like screws and threads with a light oil that distributes smoothly is another maintenance tip anyone can follow. One should routinely inspect the barrel vise for damage or signs of wear to ensure it works properly and safely. The lubricated parts should be wiped off regularly, as it prevents excessive build-up on the vise. Storing the barrel vise in a dry place, preferably, away from moisture will go a long way in prevention from rusting and corrosion.

Scenarios of using a barrel vise

A barrel vise has different use scenarios.

• Restoring firearms

  The firearm restoration industry uses barrel vises mostly. A barrel vise holds the gun barrel securely when removing or replacing the sights, making thread cuts, or doing other tasks. It allows gunsmithers to make precise repairs or modifications. Gunsmithers use either a fixed barrel vise or an adjustable barrel vise, depending on the gun they are working on.

• Replacing Straps on Rubber Barrels

  Replacing straps on rubber barrels needs help from a barrel vise, too. The rubber is soft and flexible, making it hard to work on it. A barrel vise provides a sturdy platform for the barrel while working on it. It helps align and compress the barrel as the old straps are removed and the new ones are fitted.

• Mounting a Scope on a Rifle

  A barrel vise is helpful when mounting a scope on a rifle, especially when making precise adjustments or drilling and tapping for scope mounts. The rifle is secured in the vise. The position is adjusted for drilling and tapping the mount holes with accuracy. This provides accurate alignment and a solid mounting of the scope.

• Sizing and Trimming Rifle Barrels

  A barrel vise is useful for trimming and sizing rifle barrels when a gunsmith is doing custom work or restoring firearms. The vise holds the barrel steady so that precise cuts can be made with confidence. Without the vise, the precision and accuracy of the trimming and cutting are difficult.

• Working on Pen Blanks

  Pens have barrels made of wood, resin, or acrylic. To achieve the perfect finish, the blank needs to be turned on the lathe. The barrel vise can hold the pen barrel while working on it. This allows for accurate drilling and turning.

How to choose barrel vise

Using a barrel vise makes it easy to accomplish various tasks on a gun barrel. When buying this product for sale, wholesalers must get the features, material, size, and adjustability.

• Material: When buyers shop for a durable barrel vise, they should look for a product made of strong materials. Steel barrel vises are very strong and durable. With proper maintenance, steel vises can last for decades. This longevity makes them excellent for heavy-duty use.
• Sizes: Barrel vises are available in different sizes to accommodate various firearm barrels. Buyers should consider the size options and adjustability of the vise jaws. The most common sizes are .223 and .308, but some provide a wider size range.
• Adjustability: A gun barrel vise can accommodate barrels of different shapes and sizes because of its adjustable jaws. To hold the gun barrel securely, the adjustable jaws slide in and out to match the barrel's dimensions. This feature makes it versatile for many firearms.

With these features, customer gun maintenance will be simple and efficient. To hold barrels with irregular shapes, some vises come with additional accessories like rubber and foam inserts.

Vise barrel holder Q&A

Q1. How to maintain a gun vise barrel?

A1. A pump action gun vise can be maintained by keeping it clean at all times. Cleaning involves removing any debris or gunk that accumulates on the surface of the barrel mount or jaws. Applying lubricant to the moving parts of the gun vise helps prevent rust and enhances smooth operation during adjustments.

Q2. Is a barrel vise necessary?

A2. Yes, a barrel vise is an important tool when working on firearms. It provides a stable work platform prop that holds guns with different shapes and weights. The adjustable rubber grips prevent unintentional damage to the firearm.

Q3. What are the other alternatives to a barrel vise?

A3. An alternative to a barrel vise is a gun vise rest. Although they serve the same purpose, a gun vise rest lacks clamping mechanism to secure the firearm. Another alternative is the shotgun rack. The rack is mostly used for shotguns and rifles and it provides support similar to a gun vise.

Q4. Why do most guns have threading on the barrel?

A4. The threading on the gun barrel allows customization options. It enables attachment of muzzle devices such as suppressors, muzzle brakes or flash hiders. The threading also facilitates installation of certain firearm accessories like muzzle coats and barrel weights.