Borescope images

[DShortt]

So there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of readily available images from borescopes available, or at least not many with a description of what the image shows. I had a few takeoff barrels laying around so I thought it would be interesting to scope them and see what they looked like inside.

These images are from the inexpensive Teslong flexible scope. I have no axe to grind or any vested interest in what I post. I simply thought this might be some useful information for a few people.

The following images are from 4 takeoff barrels I had on hand. I never attempted to fire any of them at a target. 2 of them I know a little bit of past history about, the other 2 I know nothing about prior to my possession of them. All bores appear bright an shiny on the interior when viewed toward a light background, which really surprises me. You'll understand why I say that shortly. They were all only minimally cleaned with a mild solvent on a patch and 2 dry patches immediately prior to my scoping them. No brushes of any kind used and no copper solvent applied.

Here is an exterior photo of the 4 barrels. I would like to post an image of the bores of all 4 as a naked eye view, unfortunately I can't get my phone to take a clear image so you'll just have to take my word that the bores appear bright an shiny.

 

[DShortt]

This first set of images is from a .22 caliber Stevens bolt action. It spent many years living in a small barn and only occasionally used on a rat or opossum causing trouble in the hen house. There was no regular cleaning or maintenance given to it and it shows.

 

[DShortt]

Second image set. Lots and lots of corrosion damage. I'm astonished that this bore looks bright and shiny with what would appear to be full rifling when looking down the bore with a naked eye.

 

[DShortt]

Next is another .22 cal barrel from a Stevens semi-auto 'gill gun'. My understanding is there was a squib load then at least 2 additional rounds were fired afterwards. When running a patch or jag down the bore there are 2 definite loose spots but the bore appears shiny and undamaged to the naked eye. Knowing there is damage I can detect it slightly by looking, but I'd miss it if I weren't specifically looking for it. You can see where the bulges are in two of the images. It's where the literal gray areas are.

 

[DShortt]

Second set of images. Corrosion damage, and lots of it.

 

[DShortt]

This is a Remington 7mm Mag takeoff. I know nothing of it's past history. Again, bore appears bright and shiny to the naked eye.

 

[DShortt]

Second set of images. Firecracking in the throat, lots of carbon build-up and copper fouling.

 

[DShortt]

And last is a Mauser takeoff in 8mm. Once again I know nothing about the past history of this barrel. This bore also appears bright and shiny. Once again, lots of corrosion damage and what appears to be heavy carbon fouling. Crown is really messed up too. Visible in the last 2 images.

 

[DShortt]

Second set of images.

 

[DShortt]

Anyway, I just thought it would be interesting to show what can be inside a bore that's not readily evident with the most common visual inspection methods.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

You can find some stuff on youtube showing firecracking, carbon, and copper. It is way harder to remove that stuff than you might think. Just cuz the patch is clean doesn't mean the barrel is. I agree though, it was hard to figure out what I jas looking at at first.

 

[DShortt]

One thing that has really surprised me is that looking straight down the bore without the 90° mirror actually provides more information IMHO. I guess the intense light actually hides some things otherwise.

 

[DShortt]

I have several new barrel blanks lying around also. In the next few days I plan to post another thread with scope images from them also. I refuse to name which specific manufacturer provided which specific barrel because I think it will devolve into a urination contest otherwise. Still should provide interesting information though.

I am not a professional 'Smith so I have no dog in this. Just posted for general information.