Just a few words of advise for those using a Viper Barrel Vise.
I am editing this up front, after I initially put up this post, because I just got a call (12:25 pm PST, 11/13/2018)) from Bob Pastor at Viper. This man redefines customer service. He is taking care of me and my vise problem in a way that is completely satisfactory and is well beyond all expectations. He acknowledges the vise cannot handle extreme tapers. I thought it would be OK and was my fault for pushing the limits on the barrel taper. Above all, Bob Pastor was the epitome of stellar customer service and he has earned a permanent and loyal customer. Well done Bob. - Phil
The vise has a top plate with four holes, allowing it slide up and down on four studs. The top plate holes are a bit oversize to allow the plate to rock a bit (tilt) allowing it to grip tapered barrels. I found a section on a barrel, a few inches from the tenon, where the the barrel rested solidly in the bottom half of the vise. I pushed the top plate down onto the barrel and it too was solid. I then proceeded to tighten the bolts evenly to about 20 lb. ft. of torque. All looked even, but the top plate was lower on the muzzle side vs the breech side due to the barrel taper.
After failing to remove the barrel from the action (too tight), I loosened the vise nuts evenly, and saw the top vise plate was stuck and not moving upwards from the springs that push up on it. I saw some movement in three corners of the top plate, but not the fourth. Since some clamping force was reduced, I was able to get the barrel out. The fourth corner was stuck solid, but after some effort, I managed to get the top plate off. Three of the holes were badly scarred inside from the studs. The hole that was stuck was especially tore up.
Bottom line is that the vise cannot accommodate too much barrel taper before the studs bind in the vise top holes. The vise worked fine on another barrel with a more typical taper.
I am not happy failing to remove a barrel AND tearing up my new vise.
I have left a message with Viper Bench-Rest, who I think makes these, to see about a new top, as I like to keep my tools in top shape. I bought it from PMA, but doubt they sell spare parts. If no spare parts, then perhaps bore out the holes a bit and clean them up. Yeah, it is just a vise, but like to keep my tool in top condition. I will have a gunsmith remove the barrel from the action. And yes, I should paid closer attention to what I was doing.
I am editing this up front, after I initially put up this post, because I just got a call (12:25 pm PST, 11/13/2018)) from Bob Pastor at Viper. This man redefines customer service. He is taking care of me and my vise problem in a way that is completely satisfactory and is well beyond all expectations. He acknowledges the vise cannot handle extreme tapers. I thought it would be OK and was my fault for pushing the limits on the barrel taper. Above all, Bob Pastor was the epitome of stellar customer service and he has earned a permanent and loyal customer. Well done Bob. - Phil
The vise has a top plate with four holes, allowing it slide up and down on four studs. The top plate holes are a bit oversize to allow the plate to rock a bit (tilt) allowing it to grip tapered barrels. I found a section on a barrel, a few inches from the tenon, where the the barrel rested solidly in the bottom half of the vise. I pushed the top plate down onto the barrel and it too was solid. I then proceeded to tighten the bolts evenly to about 20 lb. ft. of torque. All looked even, but the top plate was lower on the muzzle side vs the breech side due to the barrel taper.
After failing to remove the barrel from the action (too tight), I loosened the vise nuts evenly, and saw the top vise plate was stuck and not moving upwards from the springs that push up on it. I saw some movement in three corners of the top plate, but not the fourth. Since some clamping force was reduced, I was able to get the barrel out. The fourth corner was stuck solid, but after some effort, I managed to get the top plate off. Three of the holes were badly scarred inside from the studs. The hole that was stuck was especially tore up.
Bottom line is that the vise cannot accommodate too much barrel taper before the studs bind in the vise top holes. The vise worked fine on another barrel with a more typical taper.
I am not happy failing to remove a barrel AND tearing up my new vise.
I have left a message with Viper Bench-Rest, who I think makes these, to see about a new top, as I like to keep my tools in top shape. I bought it from PMA, but doubt they sell spare parts. If no spare parts, then perhaps bore out the holes a bit and clean them up. Yeah, it is just a vise, but like to keep my tool in top condition. I will have a gunsmith remove the barrel from the action. And yes, I should paid closer attention to what I was doing.
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