Gunsmithing Tipton Ultimate Gun Vise Problems

[Pappakap]

I have one of the red and grey Tipton ultimate gun vises. Recently I set a rifle up in it to mount a scope and had a totally inability to adjust the elevations on the clamps holding the rifle. When I try to tighten the red rubberized knobs to the correct elevation they seem not to grip and twist right back out so there’s no tension to hold them in place. Has anyone else had this issue? It totally could be a user error but I’d love to get it working right again.

 

[Bluesman]

I have one of the red and grey Tipton ultimate gun vises. Recently I set a rifle up in it to mount a scope and had a totally inability to adjust the elevations on the clamps holding the rifle. When I try to tighten the red rubberized knobs to the correct elevation they seem not to grip and twist right back out so there’s no tension to hold them in place. Has anyone else had this issue? It totally could be a user error but I’d love to get it working right again.

Just get a barrel vise and be done with it. I have one of those Tiptons. They’re a one trick pony - holds your rifle nicely while cleaning the bore.

 

[Wannashootit]

Guess you mean the "ultra"?
I have a "best" and was going to buy an "ultra" for another bench and decided not to because of the many reviews stating the exact problem you mention. Do an online search and you'll see...rifles just drop in it. Didn't see anywhere that there was a fix for what seems to be a poor, friction-only design.

 

[Pappakap]

I did mean the ultra, got it when it was the “new and improved” design. Disappointed it held up so poorly.

 

[cmoore806]

you might try this one: CTK Precision P3 Ultimate Gun Vise. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W75L32/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[strikeeagle1]

I found the Tipton vise to be useless except maybe to use for cleaning a long gun, but it seems to clumsy even for that too as
I am working the cleaning rods parallel to the bench edge which was awkward especially since the four corners of the
mount slipped on the bench when I pushed tight brush / patch thru the barrels. I replaced the footings with adjustable
larger diameter rubber footings to try to solve some of the problems related to fine tuning the position of the firearm with those goofy plastic clamps etc. I mostly use a bench mounted vise block specific for various rifles that has a lot more positional options and does
not take up the whole bench. My Tipton sits in a black plastic bag collecting dust, probably should just throw it out and free up
some shop workspace.

 

[cmoore806]

I Mostly use a bench mounted vise block specific for various rifles that has a lot more positional options and does
not take up the whole bench

what kind of vise block?

 

[19Scout77]

If you have a Best, get rid of the base and break out the router and install the below...and use everything but the base.

 

[strikeeagle1]

For vise bench blocks I use either picatinny rail mount or magazine well mount. The magazine well mounts have pins to stabilize
the block in the vise to prevent it from rotating off center, for magazine wells that are canted the pins are proportionately off set as well
to make the rifle sit square while working on it. All fabricated with Delrin polymer. A few examples by request.

 

[Doc68]

Here's the solution to your problem....

 

[Pappakap]

Here's the solution to your problem....View attachment 7239608

mite starting to look that way.was just hoping someone knew something I didn’t. Apparently that thing was they are junk.

 

[rg1911]

I've reached the point where I use mine only for barrel cleaning and very minor tinkering. Fortunately, I bought it used for a good price.

 

[KAIFS]

I have an exact Tipton as Op has - it is basically a cleaning station for me now as well. while I do bring it to our 'men weekend' along with my 130lbs or so of tools, sets and etc to work on everyone's rifle and setting up new scopes before hunting season - it is NOT exactly sturdy or super friendly at all.

Saw this one about a year ago: granite countertop piece about 16"x10" with center/bullseye levels on the surface corners mounted, retractable legs (turn/screw out style) in the corners and top had a number of rails /bases mounted (bolted into granite) - there was like a dozen of more different rails/bases set up on that thing. Kid offered to level set your optics for $40 (with your rings) and for $100 he would do rings lapping and level your scope in em. Problem was - if someone just had single slot (2 pc bases) or snap/twist type (and did NOT have their rifles with em)- you could not do it unless you had an exact measurement. if it was a continuous rail (weaver type) or 10/11mm dovetail or 'forgiving' dovetail - it was actually a slick set up. I bet it cost him arm and a leg just to drill all these smaller thru holes into concrete... by my estimation he was making about $120-$160/hr as all 3 times I past him in a 3 hrs span - he had a 'line' of scopes to be mounted.

 

[Wannashootit]

If you have a Best, get rid of the base and break out the router and install the below...and use everything but the base.

View attachment 7238700

sounds like a good idea...
no sliding around, store the components when not being used- and recessing the rail into the bench top allows that area to be used for other things. I like it ?

 

[rustyinbend]

I use the Tipton "Ultra" Gun Vise ... and it's awesome. Use it for cleaning, mounting optics, repairs, mounting brakes, and everything else. It's never failed, nor has it ever "not" adjusted correctly. Had the cheaper one before, gave it to my nephew and bought this one a couple of years ago. Been totally happy with it.

Is this the one everyone "hates"? Cuz that would surprise me.

 

[_Windrider_]

I use the Tipton "Ultra" Gun Vise ... and it's awesome. Use it for cleaning, mounting optics, repairs, mounting brakes, and everything else. It's never failed, nor has it ever "not" adjusted correctly. Had the cheaper one before, gave it to my nephew and bought this one a couple of years ago. Been totally happy with it.

Is this the one everyone "hates"? Cuz that would surprise me.

View attachment 7262203

No it’s the garbage version before this one. I bought it and promptly disposed of it in the trash. I couldnt bare to return it or sell it and let someone else waste their money on such a piece of shit. this one doesnt Look any better though unless you modify it to work in a t track system. The biggest issue I had is it moved all over the place. I just use my bench vise now with the right tools.

 

[rustyinbend]

No it’s the garbage version before this one. I bought it and promptly disposed of it in the trash. I couldnt bare to return it or sell it and let someone else waste their money on such a piece of shit. this one doesnt Look any better though unless you modify it to work in a t track system. The biggest issue I had is it moved all over the place. I just use my bench vise now with the right tools.

Bench vise is good for some things, but not cleaning, mounting, etc. This one is great ... use it almost every day. I've found it to be very solid. When I tighten those knobs, the damn thing stays tightened. I've had my son hold down the vise as I've pulled off muzzle brakes that are torqued down and soaked in Rocksett ... so it's proven it's value to me based on a lot of abuse. Those are my experiences. As always ... YMMV.

 

[1moaoff]

For most things I just use a bipod and a firm rear support.
Magg blocks work great and have those also.

I have a real used cleaning thing but not like the tiptoes that have too many moving parts or look like legos

Really a good vice of the right type and set up will handle most tasks.