Let’s Talk About Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise
The Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise aims to be an all-in-one solution for firearm maintenance, cleaning, and light gunsmithing. Manufactured by Birchwood Casey, a company known for its gun care products, this vise boasts a rigid steel frame, adjustable clamps, and non-marring materials to protect your firearms. It also touts collapsible design for easy storage.
I needed a stable and secure platform for cleaning and maintaining my firearms. Tired of improvising with makeshift supports, I sought a dedicated gun vise to streamline my workflow.
Upon unboxing, the Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise felt reasonably sturdy, thanks to its steel frame. However, the plastic components felt a bit cheap and out of place. The overall weight was manageable, making it portable, though I immediately questioned the longevity of the plastic parts.
I considered other gun vises from Tipton and Real Avid. Ultimately, I chose the Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise due to its advertised compatibility with both rifles and pistols, along with its promise of easy storage. I was hoping for a versatile tool that could handle various firearm types and save space when not in use.
My initial reaction was mixed. While the steel frame offered a sense of durability, the plastic components and the apparent lack of adjustable leveling feet (as indicated on the box) left me feeling skeptical.
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise in my garage workshop while cleaning my AR-15 rifle. The concrete floor of my garage is mostly level, but it does have some subtle dips and rises. I was hoping the adjustable leveling feet (which the product was supposed to have) would help with this issue.
The vise struggled to maintain a perfectly stable position. I had to shim one of the legs with a piece of cardboard to prevent rocking, revealing the immediate downside of the missing adjustable leveling feet. The rifle itself was held securely, but the overall experience felt less refined than anticipated.
I encountered no immediate issues during my initial cleaning session, although the plastic storage trays felt flimsy. I was cautious about placing heavier tools or solvent bottles in them. The clamps held the rifle firmly, but I made sure not to overtighten them, fearing damage to the firearm’s finish.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise has shown some signs of wear, particularly on the plastic components. The plastic caps on the feet have started to slide off, and the finish on the steel frame has begun to scratch.
The vise requires regular cleaning to remove solvent and debris. Wiping it down with a clean cloth after each use has helped prevent corrosion. However, the plastic trays are proving difficult to clean thoroughly due to their textured surface.
Compared to my previous makeshift methods, the Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise offers a more stable and organized workspace. However, it falls short of the premium experience I expected, especially considering the misleading product description and initial quality issues reported by other users. The lack of adjustable leveling feet continues to be a source of frustration.
Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise
Specifications
The Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise features a rigid steel frame for stability. Its clamps are adjustable to fit a variety of guns, including break action firearms and pistols. It is designed with non-marring materials to protect firearm finishes.
The vise also includes multi-purpose storage trays and bench top mounting provisions. The stated specifications include compatibility with pistols, although the overall design is better suited for long guns. It is claimed to be collapsible for easy storage and transport.
The steel frame provides a solid foundation for gun maintenance. The adjustable clamps allow for secure positioning of different firearm types, while the non-marring materials prevent scratches and damage. The storage trays offer convenient organization of tools and cleaning supplies, but could be more robust. The bench top mounting provisions allow for permanent installation if desired.
Performance & Functionality
The Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise performs adequately in securing firearms for cleaning and maintenance. It offers a more stable platform than improvisational methods.
Its primary strength is its ability to hold a firearm securely in various positions. However, the lack of adjustable leveling feet and the fragility of the plastic components are significant weaknesses. It meets the basic expectation of holding a gun but falls short in terms of overall user experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise features a mostly functional design. The steel frame contributes to its sturdiness, but the plastic components detract from its overall quality. The weight is manageable, making it relatively easy to move and store.
The vise is reasonably user-friendly, requiring minimal setup. However, the lack of adjustable leveling feet makes it difficult to achieve perfect stability on uneven surfaces. The storage trays are a convenient addition, but their small size and flimsy construction limit their usefulness.
Durability & Maintenance
The Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise‘s long-term durability is questionable, particularly concerning the plastic components. With proper care and gentle use, the steel frame should last for years.
The vise requires regular cleaning to remove solvent and debris. Replacing the plastic caps on the feet might be necessary over time. Repairing or replacing the plastic trays could also be a concern, depending on their usage and exposure to chemicals.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise comes with multi-purpose storage trays. There are no readily available customization options or official accessories from Birchwood Casey.
Users could potentially modify the vise by adding aftermarket leveling feet or replacing the plastic trays with more durable alternatives. However, such modifications would require additional investment and effort. Aftermarket clamp pads could be added for even greater protection to firearm finishes.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise
Pros
- Rigid steel frame provides a stable platform.
- Adjustable clamps accommodate various firearm types.
- Offers a dedicated space for gun cleaning and maintenance, improving organization.
- Collapsible design allows for relatively easy storage when not in use.
- Multi-purpose storage trays for holding cleaning supplies.
Cons
- Lacks adjustable leveling feet, despite claims on the box and website.
- Plastic components feel cheap and are prone to wear and tear.
- Storage trays are small and flimsy.
- Initial product quality control issues (broken parts, misaligned components) reported by some users, including myself.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise?
The Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise is perfect for casual gun owners who need a basic, affordable platform for cleaning and light maintenance. It may also be suitable for those with limited space, due to its collapsible design.
Those seeking a high-quality, professional-grade gun vise should skip this product. Individuals who require precise leveling and maximum stability should consider alternatives with adjustable feet and more robust construction.
Must-have modifications include adding aftermarket leveling feet and replacing the plastic trays with more durable alternatives. Upgrading the clamp pads with softer, more protective materials could also be beneficial.
Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise
The Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise offers a functional, albeit imperfect, solution for firearm maintenance. While its steel frame provides a stable base, the cheap plastic components and missing adjustable leveling feet detract from its overall value.
At $66.79, the price is somewhat justified, considering the basic functionality it provides. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations and the possibility of encountering quality control issues.
I would cautiously recommend the Birchwood Casey Securelock Gun Vise to those on a tight budget who need a basic gun cleaning platform. However, I strongly advise potential buyers to inspect the product carefully upon arrival and consider investing in aftermarket leveling feet and more durable storage trays to improve its overall performance and longevity. If you are serious about gun maintenance and can spend more, look elsewhere.