I need some help with borescope education

[MBTcustom]

Hello fellers.
I need some help. It is becoming increasingly necessary for me to have a borescope in my shop, but I just can't break off $850 for a Hawkeye at this point unless I sell something (Natalie asked me why I was looking at her that way LOL!)
I know I shouldn't go looking to cut corners and go cheap, but at this point, the most I could break off is $250, and I started wondering if that was enough to get me into something I could use.
I may be able to tell enough about what I am looking at with a slightly less quality image?
I found some borescopes on Amazon that are a flexible fiber optic with a 54 degree viewing angle (I assume that's just a wide angle, front facing lens.)

I know exactly how awesome a Hawkeye borescope is, but unfortunately, so does Hawkeye LOL!
Is there an alternative that will get me 4" down the barrel for less than $250?

If the answer is NO, then I'm cool with that. I'll just resign myself to being screwed for another year, but if there is an alternative, or a place to find a deal on something that will work, I sure would love to know about it, and I don't know who else to ask.

Thank you very much.

[mrvmax]

I do not have one but there are a couple cheaper ones http://www.provision100.com/ and this one http://www.larrywillis.com/

[lancem]

In my short amount of research into them the cost comes with the diameter, if you can use a 10mm objective end then you have a lot of cheap choices, go down to 5mm so you could actually used it in a bunch of things and no, you won't find anything for less than $250.

[Skipper]

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/borescope

[MBTcustom]

Thanks for the help fellers. Most of the ones on ebay are way too big to be used on a 5.56mm barrel, but there are a few that advertise 3.5mm scope diameter, and you just plug them into your smartphone and download a free app to view the image. I would gladly give them a try, but they still cost nearly $250. That's a chunk of change to be taking a chance on. I know the Hawkeye gives me a 90 degree image of the wall of the barrel and are amazingly detailed.

[cbrick]

Interesting links mrvmax posted. I've no experience with those scopes but if anyone does it would be interesting to hear about them.

I have the Hawkeye slim 17" kit. Used it for few years with the Mini Mag light that came with it and last year the flashlight gave it up and I popped the $95 for the LED light. Yowzer, yikes what a difference. One look with the LED made me realize that with the Mag light the scope was only barely useable, at least in comparison. At least a 500% improvement.

I just now looked at Gradient Lens web site & prices sure have gone up ordering direct. Midway though out of stock right now sells the kit (less LED light) for $770 while factory direct is $995. Midway didn't offer the LED light so that would be $95 from the factory.

Tim is right, for what he is doing a scope would be invaluable. For anyone that hasn't used one they are simply amazing for what you can learn about chambers, throats & bores. Even for just curiosity such as thinking your bore is clean . . . Wanna bet on that? :mrgreen: I use mine a lot for checking throats & rifling leade, condition of rifling, for checking to see if or how much leading there might be & where any leading might start & end. I had terrible buyers remorse after I ordered mine and it lasted right up until the first bore I looked into. They are a profound educational tool for sure and they are very good at telling you things that maybe you don't want to know or at least were happier not knowing.

I bought a 26" octagon barrel Winchester 94 in 30-30 for cheap even though it is a beautiful rifle because nobody could get it to shoot. It leaded something horrible, here is what the borescope said the reason was. This was the start of the rifling and how it left the factory in 1967, this is the very first thing the boolit saw. A throating reamer made this a nice shooting rifle.

99060

Let us know what you end up with Tim & how it works out for you.

Rick

[swheeler]

Looks like a 45* leade angle, maybe even steeper? Or maybe no throat at all just the end of chamber to 90* start of rifling? either cant be good;)

[TCLouis]

Three of us at work went in on a Hawkeye.

Don't know about others, the it is a dandy scope.

Caary whe you look down the barrel of something you thought was perfect.

Best barrel in my stable is a the 1886 Winchester.\

Obviously it saw no Black Powder, or it was cleaned after use.

[B R Shooter]

I too have the Hawkeye Slim Kit 17". Get the 90 degree adapter, or you're just looking down a tube, not the barrel surface. One word of caution, keep it away from cutting fluids or oils. The mirror on the 90 degree adapter is fragile. I use the mini mag light, and put an LED bulb in, works good.

[MtGun44]

I have used a Hawkeye for years, it is a truly quality instrument and will tell you a
lot about a barrel that is otherwise impossible to know. Another vote for slim 17"
with right angle mirror device, really necessary.

No idea how good the cheaper ones are, but I suspect you get what you pay for.

Bill

[MBTcustom]

I'm wrestling with a few choices. I just sold one of my pistols with the intention of buying a Ruger SBH (I really really want that gun), but now I'm thinking of adding more to it and getting a Hawkeye.
It's a hard choice, because the Hawkeye is not going to provide any direct returns, nor give me any enjoyment in my personal time at the range.
I know I get what I pay for, but dam this one bites!
Sacrifices must be made, but to have a SBH within reach, and then just turn your back on it to buy a fancy periscope is hard to do. Grrrrrr.

[cbrick]

Perhaps this will help you decide.

Is that Ruger you want in stock & available right now?

The cheapest place I know of for the Gradient Lens Hawkeye borescope kit is Midway. Midway is out of stock & no idea how long before they get any.

Ok, now which one do you want most? Hhmmm . . .

Rick

[cbrick]

Oopsie . . . I checked Midway a few days ago and they were out of stock. Just checked again now and they have them.

Back to square one huh?

Rick

[B R Shooter]

try Bruno's Shooters Supply, he has good prices.

[MBTcustom]

Thanks, I'll do that.

cbrick, I want both of them. But the reason I want them is vastly different and of opposing interests.

When I wear my gunsmithing hat, the need for a borescope is becoming more and more apparent, and I want to be able to see the throats I cut, so I want it badly.
From a personal standpoint as a booliteer and gun enthusiast, I have never owned a revolver that was worth a tinker's curse except that model 19 that I no longer possess. I have an oportunity to finally obtain something that I can learn from and shoot well with, it's in stock, dealer cost is attractive to say the least, and it's much less expensive than the borescope.
I need to make a decision soon, and I think I'm leaning towards the responsible choice.

[MBTcustom]

These are the cheapest ones, and thank you B R Shooter, for the tip. Looks like Brunos is the better cost.
Now, Please tell me if you fellers think this is the one for me.
It lookslike it's the same as the more expensive 17" slim but without the schnazy case.
Opinions appreciated.
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/borescopes/17-limited-edition-kit-sku338000002-25186-16104.aspx
http://www.brunoshooters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BSS&Product_Code=HS17-LE-KIT

Thanks fellers.

[B R Shooter]

Wait a minute, mine was focus adjustable. The eye piece could be rotated to sharpen things up. Go to the
Gradient website, make sure what you want, then shop. I know my scope is adjustable.

[cbrick]

I need to make a decision soon, and I think I'm leaning towards the responsible choice.

So your getting the revolver huh?


These are the cheapest ones, and thank you B R Shooter, for the tip. Looks like Brunos is the better cost.
Now, Please tell me if you fellers think this is the one for me.
It lookslike it's the same as the more expensive 17" slim but without the schnazy case.
Opinions appreciated.
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/borescopes/17-limited-edition-kit-sku338000002-25186-16104.aspx
http://www.brunoshooters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BSS&Product_Code=HS17-LE-KIT

Thanks fellers.

Neither of those scopes has the focus adjustment. The Brownell's does have the 90 degree attachment but not sure about the Bruno's as it really says nothing about it. Focus is important, if your looking in a large bore and the image is out of focus you can move the end of the tube further or closer (sideways) to the point you need to see, if your in a small caliber, 22 or 6mm for example you can't move the tube much to focus and your stuck with a blury image. Both Brownell's and Bruno's are fixed focus and I can't tell from Bruno's web page if it has 90 degree view, I don't think so but their web page is kinda useless. The 90 degree angle you really, really need, make sure it has the this feature.

Midway is still the better deal at $770 because you get - Side angle - Focusing - The case. The case is kinda important because these things are fairly fragile, the tube bends very easily and a bent tube is not covered under warranty. The mirror at the end of the tube is also vulnerable and needs to be protected.

Rick

[DCM]

Tim you can get a USB job for very low $ that will do 25 cal but not 22.
I personally own one of these it is not bad but is no where near as good as the hawkeye!

I would Strongly recommend the Hawkeye adjustable focus with 90 Deg mirror for what you do, I have 3 friends that have them and they are clear as can be. My cheapy may work for your revolver stuff for ~$50 but for a good look at stuff the Hawkeye wins hands down.

[MBTcustom]

See there?
This is exactly why I ask from those who are in the know!
I didn't think the 90* viewer was an important feature (oh, you must mean the 90* mirror tip, and not the 90* eyepiece?), and I had no idea about the focus.
Never even seen one of these citters before, so I don't know where to shoot em.
Thanks for the advice!
SO how about THIS one?
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/303817/hawkeye-deluxe-borescope-17-slim-focusing-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding

[MtGun44]

90 degree will be used 80-90% of the time. Get the adjustable focus, too.

Bill

[cbrick]

It seems I remember someone recommending that one from Midway. [smilie=1:

Yes, the 90* tube/mirror, I've never used the 90* eye Piece, might be handy, dunno. If you look at the picture on Midway's site with the scope in the case there is the scope on top and another tube on the bottom, that bottom tube slides over the tube on the scope. Look at the enlarged image of the bottom tube, on the right end see the mirror on the side of the tube? That's why/how you can see 90* & the side of the bore, not just look straight ahead and there is a huge difference in what you see. Also when the bottom tube is on the scope it spins 360* so you can look all the way around the bore & not just one side.

Yes it's more money than the ones you were looking at but if your gonna spend that much you should get the one that will do what you need it to do & will be happy with, not spend the next several years thinking coulda, woulda, shoulda.

I'm not hardly rich, I do have some nice stuff including the borescope but it is all stuff that I had to save up for. Coulda had a whole lot more stuff but I opted for things that would do what I wanted and that I would be happy with, not have to buy again later.

Rick

[fireball168]

It's a hard choice, because the Hawkeye is not going to provide any direct returns.

Mine sure does.

I do inspections with digital photos and video. I've had guys call me to shops to look at new and used rifles prior to trade in/purchase.

Those inspections can turn into parts/labor sales.

I buy a fair amount of new & used take off barrels. I generally ask for a three day return if the borescope doesn't agree with what the seller claims for barrel usage. Amazing how the story and price can change before the deal is made.

Mine has more than paid for itself several times over.

[DCM]

See there?
This is exactly why I ask from those who are in the know!
I didn't think the 90* viewer was an important feature (oh, you must mean the 90* mirror tip, and not the 90* eyepiece?),
SO how about THIS one?
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/303817/hawkeye-deluxe-borescope-17-slim-focusing-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding

"you must mean the 90* mirror tip, and not the 90* eyepiece?", YUP!
That is the one I would highly recomend.

[MBTcustom]

It seems I remember someone recommending that one from Midway. [smilie=1:
Rick

Yes I know, I hope you don't mind me making really dam sure that's the $770 unit you were referring to.



Yes, the 90* tube/mirror, I've never used the 90* eye Piece, might be handy, dunno. If you look at the picture on Midway's site with the scope in the case there is the scope on top and another tube on the bottom, that bottom tube slides over the tube on the scope. Look at the enlarged image of the bottom tube, on the right end see the mirror on the side of the tube? That's why/how you can see 90* & the side of the bore, not just look straight ahead and there is a huge difference in what you see. Also when the bottom tube is on the scope it spins 360* so you can look all the way around the bore & not just one side.

Oh I get it. Cooooooool!


Yes it's more money than the ones you were looking at but if your gonna spend that much you should get the one that will do what you need it to do & will be happy with, not spend the next several years thinking coulda, woulda, shoulda.


I completely agree. That's why I called this thread "borescope education". You get what you pay for, and now I understand much better what exactly I am paying for.


I'm not hardly rich, I do have some nice stuff including the borescope but it is all stuff that I had to save up for. Coulda had a whole lot more stuff but I opted for things that would do what I wanted and that I would be happy with, not have to buy again later.

Yeah, that was supposed to be a 10.5 SBH. [smilie=b:[smilie=b:[smilie=b:
I'm definitely going to have to bust open the piggy bank for this one. I can afford it, it's just......painful!

[MBTcustom]

Mine sure does.

I do inspections with digital photos and video. I've had guys call me to shops to look at new and used rifles prior to trade in/purchase.

Those inspections can turn into parts/labor sales.

I buy a fair amount of new & used take off barrels. I generally ask for a three day return if the borescope doesn't agree with what the seller claims for barrel usage. Amazing how the story and price can change before the deal is made.

Mine has more than paid for itself several times over.

Good to know, Thanks!

[cbrick]

On a plus side this scope should be a nice tax deduction for the gunsmith business.

Another plus is that it does save a bunch of money and headaches on rifle purchases as was mentioned. I bought a Marlin 45 Colt Cowboy from Gun Broker, beautiful rifle. After I got it I ran the scope down the barrel and was shocked at what I saw. Looking down the barrel with the naked eye it looked like perfection but the scope showed what it really was. The rifling looked like it had been hacked out with a chisel. Not an abused bore, it was somehow made that way. I sent it back to Marlin for a new barrel on my dime. Got it back and the new barrel was worse than the original. To this day it sits in the safe waiting on an aftermarket barrel. A couple of years after that I was looking for a Marlin 45-70 & found a new one in the store, before buying it I looked down the bore with the scope . . . Worse than the 45 Colt, just terrible. Geez, what is Marlin doing with/to these barrels. Found two more brand new ones in different stores and the bores all were horrible. I still don't have a 45-70 or a good barrel on the 45 Colt or another Marlin.

So the scope while expensive can and does save you a bunch, even more so as a smith I would think.

Rick

[country gent]

When a friends Shop burnt ( 100% loss) his Hawkeye was in the shop. After things had settled down he called them and sent it back to be efurbished if possible. Hawkeye rebuilt free of charge for him. Thought knowing the service they give might help to make the purchase easier

[MBTcustom]

When a friends Shop burnt ( 100% loss) his Hawkeye was in the shop. After things had settled down he called them and sent it back to be efurbished if possible. Hawkeye rebuilt free of charge for him. Thought knowing the service they give might help to make the purchase easier

Things like that make the purchase much easier. Thank you very much!

Now, I have to ask, do I have to buy the $800 picture thingy in order to take pictures of what I see? Seems that being able to show what I see to a client would be an important capability.
How did you take that picture you posted Rick?

[cbrick]

It was rather difficult. Not so much because of the scope but rather my camera. My camera has no means of attaching anything to the lens, something I discovered when contemplating buying a spotting scope & wanting to take pictures of 200 meter targets. Besides the scope I would also need to buy a new camera so that never happened. But how cool would it be to sit on the firing line and take good close up pictures of your 200 meter groups. Ah well, the doctor says exercise is good for you, walk back and forth.

The picture in post #6 was taken with the rifle in a vice and the camera on a small tripod held up to the eye piece of the scope. I had to take several pictures because of the very small screen on the camera made it difficult to have the rifle, the scope and the camera all in the exact position, any one of them move slightly and it was out of focus and hard to see that on the camera screen. Also it takes a camera capable of taking quality close up pictures which my camera does, thus the good looking boolit porn.

I agree that as a gunsmith it would be invaluable to be able to either bring up the pictures on the computer or print them out but for me as a useful toy and hobbyist that cost was beyond reasonable. The bottom line is that it can be done but it was a PITA for me. If that's what you want to do it sounds like one step at a time & the correct camera set up on down the road. Before you spend that kind of money on their camera set up be certain that your camera can attach to it or you to will also be buying a new camera.

Rick

[MBTcustom]

It was rather difficult. Not so much because of the scope but rather my camera. My camera has no means of attaching anything to the lens, something I discovered when contemplating buying a spotting scope & wanting to take pictures of 200 meter targets. Besides the scope I would also need to buy a new camera so that never happened. But how cool would it be to sit on the firing line and take good close up pictures of your 200 meter groups. Ah well, the doctor says exercise is good for you, walk back and forth.

The picture in post #6 was taken with the rifle in a vice and the camera on a small tripod held up to the eye piece of the scope. I had to take several pictures because of the very small screen on the camera made it difficult to have the rifle, the scope and the camera all in the exact position, any one of them move slightly and it was out of focus and hard to see that on the camera screen. Also it takes a camera capable of taking quality close up pictures which my camera does, thus the good looking boolit porn.

I agree that as a gunsmith it would be invaluable to be able to either bring up the pictures on the computer or print them out but for me as a useful toy and hobbyist that cost was beyond reasonable. The bottom line is that it can be done but it was a PITA for me. If that's what you want to do it sounds like one step at a time & the correct camera set up on down the road. Before you spend that kind of money on their camera set up be certain that your camera can attach to it or you to will also be buying a new camera.

Rick

LOL! and now we know the rest of the story!
Good times.
Thanks for the info Rick. I think you're right. I could feasibly afford the full monty, but that would deplete my limited buffer more than I care to do. I should be in a position next year to buy additional stuff for it, but now, I think it would be wiser to just jump on the basic 17 Slim.

Ok, here I go. (geez, I'm going to limp away from this one. LOL!)

[cbrick]

Well, like I posted earlier. I had tremendous buyers remorse after I ordered the scope. Just couldn't believe that I spent that much money on something that I really could have done without. All that evaporated the very first time I looked into a bore. I actually use mine much more than I ever thought I would, what an education I get from it. It will be far more useful to you, it's a worthwhile investment.

Rick

[btroj]

My wife told me no. More like hell no.
I do have a few guns I would like to scope, I have a feeling I know what I would find. My Marlin 357 has a very steep throat, it any, I bet. That would explain the picky nature it has when it comes to bullets it likes.

[MBTcustom]

It's done.
I ordered from Brownells because I get a dealer discount, and I needed some more rifle shipping cases.
I feel kind of excited and clammy all at the same time. Can't believe I just dropped $750 on a tube with a mirror and a mini mag light. That's half what I spent on the bluing operation.

So, now I'm off to mourn the passing of my chance to own a SBH.
At least now when I get the opportunity to buy another one, I'll be able to check it out thoroughly and know that it is in fact all that and a bag of chips.

[cbrick]

That looks like the same kit even though it doesn't mention focus adjustment.

Ok, here's a couple of things you NEED to know. When sliding it into a bore use much caution that the tube is sliding into the bore straight. It bends very easily and bent tubes are not covered under the warranty. Be very careful that the leading edge of the tube (the end of it) does not scrape the bore collecting particles on the mirror or you'll see nothing and have to clean it. Never rub the mirror, those particles your trying to clean off will scratch the mirror. 90-95% of my cleaning of the mirror is done with a can of compressed air (not ever with the shop air compressor) available from the camera dept. of your favorite store. On the rare (if your careful) occasion you do need to clean it use a clean Q-tip very gently with a good camera lens cleaner - Don't rub on it, gently, lightly. Do this and it will outlast you, it is a high quality instrument and deserves high quality TLC.

Rick

Edit to add: Since it sounds like we don't have you completely broke yet go to this web site . . .

Gradient Lens Lighting Options (http://www.gradientlens.com/LightingAccessories/Lighting.aspx)

And order the Hawkeye® LED Light.

Relative Intensity: 12x
Adjustable Intensity: Yes
Power Source: AA Alkaline
Run Time (cont.): 3hrs
Lamp Life: 50,000hrs.
Weight: 4oz. (113 g)
Model #: HAWKEYE-LED
Price: $95

As I mentioned earlier in post #6, second paragraph, about a 500% improvement and well worth the money, even more so if you plan on taking pictures with it.

[btroj]

Tim, I expect photos of a certain rifle throat......

I have a feeling that borescope will pay huge dividends in the future for you as a gunsmith. If nothing else you can show customers photos of how bad their factory barrel and chamber are.

Give the scope a few years, it will bring in enough cash to pay for itself AND a 10.5 inch BH.

[cbrick]

My wife told me no. More like hell no.

I wonder if Gradient lens takes wives in trade for bore scopes? No, I have no idea why I'm still single!


Tim, I expect photos of a certain rifle throat......

If you want a photo of rifle chambers I could send you some . . . Or just see post #6. [smilie=1:

Rick

[detox]

My Hawkeye came with cleaning kit (pointed Qtips and bottle of cleaner).

The 90 degree mirror is very fragile, i cracked mine when looking at crown of rifle barrel, but it still works.

When using the 90 mirror, use different size rubber O rings to center scope tube mirror in barrel while inspecting.

The optional 90 degree eye piece is helpful to inspect chamber of rifle more easily without removing stock or squating down.

I want the LED light option

Midway is currently running $45.00 discount coupons if you spend over $300.00

[country gent]

One plus to the camera attachment or unit to show on computer screen is in your buisness showing to a customer they dont have to handle the scope, most are carefull but dont understand fragile either. We replaced a bore scope several time when certain trades tried to "spring " it around angles to get into holes.

[MtGun44]

Note that the scope apparently a solid piece of glass inside the tube, so do NOT bend
it even slightly.

VERY nice instrument, you will learn a lot about barrels (like almost all old BP and
milsurp barrels, even the ones that shine and look nearly mint - are pitted at least
a little bit when you look closely) and throats and chambers, and gas ports (amazingly
eroded!) and cleaning barrels. The cracked mudpuddle look of a modern high velocity
rifle throat that has been shot a lot is shocking, but some that look really bad will
still shoot. Turns out you can't see squat from the ends. And some really crummy
looking barrels can shoot well, too.

You'll love it.

Bill

[largom]

A week from now, you should have it by then, you will be dancing a gig over making the right decision. Have had my Hawkeye for over 15 years and would not part with it.

Larry

[MBTcustom]

Well, if it's not exactly what I need, I'll send it back (ie, no focus or something).
I will post some pictures here when I get it of what I am seeing etc, so that others can understand just how useful it can be.
I just want to thank all you fellers for helping me out with this. I have come to believe that this is a necessary tool to have if I continue to advance towards the goals I am pursuing, and it's really nice to have more knowledgeable people I can turn to for advice, no matter how far I get.
I really appreciate your opinions and guidance.

[MtGun44]

You'll enjoy this fine tool.

Bill

[cbrick]

Note that the scope apparently a solid piece of glass inside the tube, so do NOT bend
it even slightly.Bill

I didn't know that. It does bend very easily though and care needs to be taken when slipping it into the bore that you aren't putting a bind on it.


Turns out you can't see squat from the ends. Bill

Ain't that the truth, what you see with the naked eye ain't what's really in there. The Marlin bores I mentioned are proof positive of that. Shine a light into the chamber and look into the muzzle and it looks like perfection. The bore scope shines the light of truth as to what the condition of the bore really is and it's nowhere near what the naked eye says it is.

The scope really is a profound educational tool, I learn something every time I stick it in a bore.

Rick

[MBTcustom]

Well, the borescope came in today.
It does have the focusing eyepiece.
I think I scoped about 50 barrels tonight.
Pretty awesome little piece.

[DCM]

Amazing and scary what you can see eh?

[Randy C]

Good post if you were in ND you could make some of that money back its hard to find some one here that wants to work on anything.

[Ghost101]

I have two, but they are short on length. Work great on handguns, which is why I got them in the first place. I bought some of the other ones mentioned and guess they work fine on plumbing an what not. But in a bore you have to be able to focus very close up.The image was never helpful on any of those units. Save your money and time. The mirror never leaves the scope when I use it.
The 90 degree eyepiece comes in very handy when using on the action end of a rifle. That is unless you have the stock off. Some day I will find a 17" or the 22" on ebay for a great price an snag it.
Other uses are to take one to a gun show an know what your buying or have a very good reason for not. Also I take it into a gun store an have a look at a gun I might be interested in. Not all New guns are in great shape from the factory as I have found out. I suppose just like everything else, it all depends on how old that tool was an who was using it. Many of the experts behind the counter have never seen the inside of a bore and this can give you a bargaining tool for a lower price also.
As far as the LED flashlite goes, you can pickup one at Walmart for $20.00 which will screw into the adapter.( MiniMagLite LED )
Now the really great thing to have is the camera that attaches to the eyepiece. This can be attached to a monitor or a computer, then send a file to your client showing the problem or what not. Might be just the thing for a gunsmith's website, to show the before an after work that you can do. But way to much change for my retired wallet. ( but still looking for one)
Be careful when you order one as one size does not fit all. I have one that will not fit into a .30 bore. The other works on .22's on up,( second one I bought).
This will be one item you will never regret buying after you use it the first time.

Just another Ghost story, believe it or not.

Ghost101

[Ghost101]

Ooops, I should've read all the post before putting my 2 cents in. I agree with all of the others. Glad you bought this item, it will change so much of what you do.

Ghost101

[cbrick]

Well, the borescope came in today.
It does have the focusing eyepiece.
I think I scoped about 50 barrels tonight.
Pretty awesome little piece.

You ain't seen nothing yet. Wait until you shine the white light of LED down a bore. :mrgreen:

On the down side . . . The long range forecast for the CSA Shoot . . . Rain all weekend. :-(

Rick

[MBTcustom]

On the down side . . . The long range forecast for the CSA Shoot . . . Rain all weekend. :-(

Rick

Wow, I'll bet that really slows a Californian down eh?
We Arkansans can shoot in the rain.
:kidding:

[dikman]

That sort of money is hard to justify for anyone, but I guess as a gunsmith you really need a quality, reliable piece of kit. Me, I plumped for an el-cheapo borescope from Hong Kong, cost me a whole $16, has approx. 5 ft of cable and plugs into my laptop. I'm sure that the resolution isn't up to what you got, but this is adequate for my needs, and has already proven to be invaluable.

When I bought my first muzzleloader not long ago (used) I noticed that the cleaning patches seemed to be catching at the breech end. A 39" .45 cal barrel meant that I had no hope of seeing down there. So I bought the 'scope, and when I poked it down I saw that the nipple drum (is that the correct term?) actually protruded into the barrel. With the aid of the 'scope I was able to gradually file the drum down so that it matched the contour of the barrel.
Recently I was interested in buying a used flinter at a gunshop (also 39" barrel, .50 cal). I asked if they had a borescope to check out the barrel and was told no, they don't have anything like that! So I asked if I could bring in mine, I set up the laptop on the counter and proceeded to poke the 'scope down the barrel. A couple of the employees watched over my shoulder, from their interest I presume they had never seen anything like this before :roll:. Anyhow, the barrel looked pretty good, no obvious signs of any nasties down there.
It gave me peace-of-mind before buying.

Oh, and it's easy to take photos with one of these, just click a button :D.

I'm sure, goodsteel, that yours will get a lot of use.

[cbrick]

Wow, I'll bet that really slows a Californian down eh?
We Arkansans can shoot in the rain. :kidding:

Californian?

Geez, no reason to be insulting. :sad:

Not to worried about me in the rain, I've been wet a couple of times already but not too fond of the guns in the rain if not necessary.

Rick

[largom]

When I worked in the gun shop we charged $15.00 for customers that only wanted to have their bores scoped. DO NOT let ham handed customers use your scope, it is a delicate instrument. Mine is over 15 yrs. old and still going strong.

Larry

[gmsharps]

My locksmith used a scope when he drilled one of my gunsafes in December. I took a look and could see exactly where the lever I needed to trip was located to open the safe. Without he scope we would have had to destroy the door.

gmsharps

[cbrick]

Here's an extremely interesting little tid bit for those that have the Gradient Lens borescope. Even for anyone with a Mini-Mag flashlight for that matter.

I paid Gradient lens $95 plus shipping for their LED light. I gotta admit that I do love it, what an incredible improvement it is.

But now I'm a little sick over doing that. No, I'm a lot sick over that.

Lowes and Home Depot sell an LED conversion for the Mini-Mag flashlight. The same Mini-Mag that the Gradient Lens borescope uses.

This LED conversion sells for $7.95 . . . :shock: :groner: :holysheep

I went to a shoot last weekend with Tim and since I had so strongly recommended he get the LED I got one from Lowes and gave it to him before he did what I did. Spend $105 at Gradient Lens. :groner:

He says it fit perfectly and works great.

Rick

[MBTcustom]

Yes it does. It works exactly like the one Rick had on his at the shoot. I took the Pepsi challenge and LED wins. I could tell no differance between the two lights, and LED freakin rocks.
Think of it like going on a cave crawl with a carbide lamp, and then somebody hands you a Surefire flashlight. You'll push the old mag light bulb away like it was diseased or something.

BTW, one tip: When you are installing the light, it doesn't work like you think it would. When you read a note that says DO NOT REMOVE, then DO NOT REMOVE!!!!

[mf79]

I have a mds incorporated flexable one I got a while ago

[contender1]

This is an old thread,,, but still a good read.

I bought a MDS myself several years ago,, and it has proved it's worth. It has saved me money,,, AND proven to many how bad OR good a barrel & chamber is.

But I also found that technology has improved,, and I bought one of the Lyman units a couple of years ago. I like the simple ability to use a SD card & transfer pics to my computer & such when necessary. My MDS doesn't have that capability. I did buy the MDS system that was supposed to allow me to record & download images & such,, but the software wasn't user friendly for a hillbilly like me & I never got it to work.

The MDS system is very good quality,, and it has some differences over the Hawkeye,, but both work quite well. However,, the Lyman is a more affordable & easier to use unit in general.

One trick I have used to assist my inspections is a supply of different O-rings. ID hole the same diameter as the rod,, and the OD similar to the bore diameter. Keeps the rod "centered" in the bore & easier to use.

[mf79]

mine is flexable shaft and scope you look into, not a camera at all.

[indian joe]

I bought a cheapy off ebay a couple years back - plugs into my samsung tablet (wont work on my phone for some reason, we couldnt get em to talk) didnt know what I was doing or how it would work - mainly use in muzzleloaders - I made a couple little short pieces of stainless to slip down bore as mirrors - mine needs to be a couple inches off the mirror piece but when you get it right is crazy what you see -- would be brilliant for examining chambers and throats from the back end I reckon. Not sorry I bought it .