Keep in mind while discussing vises for a gunshop that the height the vise is mounted is of utmost importance, regardless the size of it. Often, in gun work, a vise is called upon to hold a part for filing. When filing it is imperative that the piece being filed is at elbow level, so that the file stroke is horizontal and not up, at an angle, then down at an angle. The best work with a file is done perfectly horizontal. I was taught this by a tool and die maker many years ago. Practice will prove this true. I have seen him even stand on a few pieces of plywood to make the work in the vise the right height for best filing, and so that the file stroke allowed his forearm to make perfectly horizontal passes, and not angling up and down.
SRH
