For general purpose use on the typical vmc, consider getting reverse vices.
Your back, and the backs of your employees, will thank you as the years go by.
Plus, on a used vmc, reverse vices change the high-use area of the Y-axis ways and screw to a new area closer to the operator, which can improve accuracy if the vmc has high wear on the Y-axis where standard vices always put the tools.
ToolCat
I will 2nd the reverse vises! Why anybody uses a std. vise in a VMC is beyond me! Lots of bonuses:
Fixed jaw is usually integral to the vise body (zero jaw lift).
Less reach to get to working area of vise.
And the big one! The front of the vise is closed. When you are clearing chips from the bed with compressed air, they go out the sides and back.
Not the front shooting you in the crotch with a nice chip/coolant stew!
The Kurt 3610V is a good example. I ran GMT's version of the same basic vise for many years with great efficiency and success.
Only recently have I swapped the GMTs for Orange doubles.
Let me tell you something: the Oranges are freaking messy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(in comparison to the reversed premium style vises (esp. the way I had them set-up))
This is a double edged sword though. They are also very easy to break down and clean out.
Another thing about Oranges that needs to be pointed out! Especially after somebody above gave semi-false info:
You can no longer run std. jaws OR dovetailed jaws on Orange vises without buying a special set of jaw carriers!
I am also in the process of adopting the dovetail system. I like it. But, after using Monster-Jaws for about 10 years?
I am here to tell you: it is freaking expensive! NO, I do not think the time saved swapping jaws covers the cost difference. Not even close!
The Oranges are however quite versatile. The action gets a little weird after a couple years of hard use. But, they are really good vises.
Every Kurt or Chick double I have ever used has been a POS.
If I was in the market for single station vises it would be a really tough call. But, I think I would go Kurt 3610V and Monster-Jaws.
It is a tough combination to beat!
Chick is out simply because of their jaw system.