The Real Avid Master Gun Vise® undoubtedly lives up to its revolutionary assertion in my workshop. Nonetheless, my interaction with this vise encompasses a concoction of doubt that eventually transformed into pure admiration. This transformation stems from my immersive practical encounters and the meticulously crafted product description provided by Real Avid.
Labeled as a bench-mounted vise specifically crafted for firearms, it serves as the foundation of my DIY Gunsmithing endeavors. The precise engineering provides unmatched functionality and effectiveness, simplifying activities ranging from gun assembly to maintenance and scope installation. The game-changer for me has been the articulating 360-degree feature, eliminating any difficulty in locating the ideal angle for my tasks. This single attribute has greatly enhanced my efficiency and accuracy, perfectly aligning with Real Avid’s commitment to ideal firearm positioning.
Although this is marketed as a gunsmithing vise, I can see where it has use in other areas like crafting or hobby work.
Master gun vise harnesses high-torque applications with ease
I had hesitations about the locking ball and socket configuration, especially about it being effective in high torque applications up to 100ft/lb. After rebarreling a couple of AR-15s I found that the vise is up to the task and that my skepticism of the ball was unfounded. And for extra assurance, you can use the Torq-Lok® pin to mechanically lock the vise for extra security. I have barreled and re-barreled countless ARs with ease on the Master Vise.
Elevating scope mounting to new heights with the Master Gun Vise
For me, the included leveling knob for micro-adjustments has completely changed scope installation convenience. This feature helps you get the micro adjustments you need to fine tune the level of your rifle to insure proper scope mounting. Obtaining the ideal level for a scope is challenging at times, but the leveling knob simplifies this process.
The Master Gun Vise expands capabilities with seamless compatibility
Work on an AR-10 or AR-15 is made simple and easy by the Master Gun Vise’s compatibility with other Real Avid products, including the Smart-Fit Vise Block and Lug-Lok®. Despite being add-on items, these enhance the vise’s worth for professionals and do-it-yourselfers alike.
The included Gun-Fit Jaws are great for to work on pistols and some rifles, However, with Real Avid releasing optional task-specific Gun-Fit grip capabilities, I find that my work has improved and the risk of damaging a firearm has decreased. There are currently three additional jaws for the vise, and each have their strengths.
- Multi-Fit Jaws: Provide a secure hold on non-cylindrical objects, such as octagonal barrels, enhancing the vise’s utility for complex projects.
- Soft Fit Jaws: Feature a leather lining for delicate handling of fine firearms, safeguarding against damage to valuable pieces.
- Tube Fit Sleeves: Offer a versatile solution for cylindrical objects like suppressors, catering to both gunsmithing and hobbyist needs.
A lasting investment in your gun DIY passion
I find that the Master Gun Vise is durable and meets my needs for working on a firearm. Often, I find myself reaching for this vise before I have my gunsmithing plan completed in my head.
As great as this product is, I find that the head of the vise, where it attaches to the stalk, does have a little wobble (twisting) along the vertical axis. This is not too much of a concern for most tasks, but it could cause problems in fine-detail work like carving and checkering.
Also, from the factory, the ball has a lot of grease on it. Leaning over my vise, I did get some grease on my shirt and while doing some part fitting on a 1911. The grease also trapped metal shavings, making the ball not move as freely as it should. This would eventually damage the ball and joint, so I removed all the grease so that shavings could be cleaned up with a vacuum. Since then, I run the ball dry and with no lubrication.
Regardless of the minor drawbacks, this vise has still proven to be a cornerstone of my DIY gunsmithing, empowering me to build, repair, customize, and clean firearms with ease.
The quick and dirty
The Real Avid Master Gun Vise completely transformed my approach to gunsmithing projects. Its features, add-ons, and ease of use, solidify its place as one of my key go-to tools.
Pluses:
- Articulating arm
- High-Torque Stability
- Scope Mounting Precision
- Versatile Compatibility
- Ease of Use
- Included Gun-Fit Jaw Sleeves
Minuses:
- Slight Vise Head Twisting
- Over Greased
My overall recommendation is that the Real Avid Master Gun Vise a valuable third hand for gunsmithing or crafting enthusiasts. From its design to its function, this is a worthwhile investment.
Editor’s note: If you’re interested in checking out Jason’s video review of the Real Avid Master Gun Vise, you can check it out HERE or in the embed below.
Where to Purchase:
Available from Amazon or Real Avid’s Website
Specifications:
- Multi-axis bench-mount capabilities with Torq-Lok® for optimal positioning and high-torque handling.
- 360º Articulation: Enables a faster, more efficient workflow by allowing any orientation positioning of firearms.
- Compatibility: Works seamlessly with other Real Avid tools
- Reversible Gun-Fit Jaw Sleeves: Offer a dual approach with a padded side for compression grip and a grooved side for secure gun parts grip, ensuring versatility in gun DIY tasks.
