Affordable Borescope

[fayettefatts]

Hello All:

Is there a borescope available that is suitable for inspecting barrels .22 cal. and up, and up to 30" in length that won't break the bank? I know the Hawkeye is a good one, but as much as I would use one, it is hard to justify the cost.

 

[k80skeet]

The Hawkeye is the only one that is in most of the books. NOT CHEAP everybody that has one likes them. I guess there is no such thing as a affordable borescope.

 

[Clover_Shooter]

A 30" Borescope will be hard to find... 1/2 the size, most will use a 15" or 17" and inspect from both ends.

I have a Hawkeye Borescope Classic Slim Kit (HS17-AF-KIT) that I would consider for sale or trade- 17” in length, .165” (4.02 mm) diameter (easily does 20 caliber)

Interesting trades for… Optics suitable for 600 yards…Rifle similar to Savage LRP…Plus $$$ either way to make deal.

Thanks

 

[HillbillySniper]

The Hawkeye is the only one that is in most of the books. NOT CHEAP everybody that has one likes them. I guess there is no such thing as a affordable borescope.

+1

Hillbilly

 

[fayettefatts]

This is the one that really got me thinking there might be something else available that would work.

http://www.toolsource.com/fiber-optic-inspection-scope-light-43mm-p-99333.html

Any thoughts?

 

[necchi]

We use something like your linked scope at work, it's really nice for tubing and pipe.
However, the 4.3mm lense and flextube is what the cost issue is all about. It won't work as a borescope for anything smaller than a 50BMG!

I really think that's the deal with the high price of borescopes, getting the optics AND clarity small enough for practical use in a rifle IS the entire issue. And those small componants just cost a pile more, :-[

 

[Clover_Shooter]

Generally the Hawkeye rigid type are used for firearms. I have also used the flexable type for pipe inspections. As necchi stated the quality of optics is no comparison. Also the Hawkeye type have a 90 degree sleeve that allows better inspection of rifling as a opposed to straight through the bore.

 

[memilanuk]

However, the 4.3mm lense and flextube is what the cost issue is all about. It won't work as a borescope for anything smaller than a 50BMG!

Ummm... by my math the 4.3mm tip should be just a fuzz under .17 cal. How big is the diameter of the flex tube?

Edited to add: Looks like the whole shaft and tip are 4.3mm according to their site

Looks like that model has a mirror for 90 degree viewing also...

It would be interesting to see the visual difference between something like that model, and a Hawkeye side by side (or in a video, hint, hint, Editors )

The scary part about the Hawkeye prices is if you go to their site and price out the same parts they sell as a package kit thru places like Sinclair's & Brownell's (now one-n-the same, I know)... the vendor prices are twice (or more) what Sinclair's sells 'em for.

 

[dlong]

I searched and searched and searched but found that the only real borescope for a rifle was the Hawkeye. I broke down and got the less expensive one, cardboard box, straight lens. It was around $750.00 I think, but man that thing is amazing when it comes to looking into your barrel. Just wish I had the right angle lens. Maybe one of these days when I have an extra $250.00 laying around.

 

[necchi]

"Ummm... by my math the 4.3mm tip should be just a fuzz under .17 cal. How big is the diameter of the flex tube? "

Oop's :-[ my bad, Thank you for the correction

 

[bpratl]

This is the one that really got me thinking there might be something else available that would work.

http://www.toolsource.com/fiber-optic-inspection-scope-light-43mm-p-99333.html

Any thoughts?

Good find....worth researching and affordable, thanks.

 

[Greg110]

Memilanuk,
That is the mfr's way of saying " I would rather not sell directly to the customer." That way the mfr is supporting his retailers. He also does not need to employ so many front office staff.

 

[infantrytrophy]

However, the 4.3mm lense and flextube is what the cost issue is all about. It won't work as a borescope for anything smaller than a 50BMG!

Ummm... by my math the 4.3mm tip should be just a fuzz under .17 cal. How big is the diameter of the flex tube?

Edited to add: Looks like the whole shaft and tip are 4.3mm according to their site

Looks like that model has a mirror for 90 degree viewing also...

It would be interesting to see the visual difference between something like that model, and a Hawkeye side by side (or in a video, hint, hint, Editors )

The scary part about the Hawkeye prices is if you go to their site and price out the same parts they sell as a package kit thru places like Sinclair's & Brownell's (now one-n-the same, I know)... the vendor prices are twice (or more) what Sinclair's sells 'em for.

It appears that the fiber optic scope from toolsource.com has a focal range from 3/8" to infinity. Is this suitable for use as a borescope? Would the included mirror extend the viewing distance out to at least the 3/8" required by this scope?

Randy