borescopes
- Thread starter lpreddick
- Start date
The way I looked at it, I have many $thousands in guns, and it is a worthwhile tool for about the price of one barrel installed to be able to properly maintain them. I don't have or miss the right angle eyepiece however. Also skipped the super nova light source and installed an LED conversion in the stock Mini Mag light.
Brunos has the best deal. The hawkeye is a quality product made in the USA.
Many of the borescopes look straight down the bore {great for checking out some things but not really telling you enough about fouling problems.
The hawkeye has a sleeve that fits over the main tube and allowes you to se 90 deg to the bore. You cah buy the optional eye piecre seperate but Brunos has it included at a really good price. You can also buy a video adapter at some time in the future or Buy a model already set up for comercial applications.
They are a great product/
Many of the borescopes look straight down the bore {great for checking out some things but not really telling you enough about fouling problems.
The hawkeye has a sleeve that fits over the main tube and allowes you to se 90 deg to the bore. You cah buy the optional eye piecre seperate but Brunos has it included at a really good price. You can also buy a video adapter at some time in the future or Buy a model already set up for comercial applications.
They are a great product/
I have a basic 7" with the .165" tube. No focusing eyepiece, 90 deg eyepiece, or 45 deg mirror tube. When I found it, batteries had leaked into the barrel, but the optics were still good. $12 minimag barrel fixed it. It's the best money I ever spent on a tool. In addition to examining bores and chambers, I use it to look into corners, holes, blind spots, etc. Even close examination of crowns.
You made the best choice getting the 17". I watch for a used one, but will probably keep the 7" even if I find a long one. It's real handy.
Tom
You made the best choice getting the 17". I watch for a used one, but will probably keep the 7" even if I find a long one. It's real handy.
Tom
I've been using the Hawkeye borescope(s) for over 6 years now without using a bore guide when going into the chamber & certainly not when going into the muzzle (see my posted pics), am extremely careful about undue pressure/force being used and have never seen any damage. The barrels are worn out, and need to be replaced because of what they were intended for: Shooting! If someone believes they are so delicate that they cannot come into contact with anything, then they had better stop firing those copper jacketed bullets down the bore at velocities of over 3000 fps, and temperatures of well over 2000 degrees F. 
Your completely missing the point. Granted it will help protect it . It also keeps it centered in the bore so you get a more evenly focused image when you turn it 180. If you have a Lucas you can even put a smaller insert to match scope diameter to really center it up. Try it youll like it.
lloydx2: O.K., you have a point, something I never considered. Although the vast majority (about 95%) of my shooting is with 22 & 6mm calibers, and with those very small bore diameters, there is just not that much "wiggle" room for the tube to move around. I've never had a focusing problem. I've always used the Neil Jones custom made bore guides, and will give it a try. Who knows ?. It may be a better way. Thank you, Frank
am using my hawkeye almost daily and, boy, am i seeing things . a carbon ring from hell! i've almost got it out. a word of caution...patch and mop clear ALL solvent from chamber and bore before inserting scope. i got some oil on the mirror and the lens cleaner supplied doesen't get it off...used q tip and cleaner and all is well. my friends are now calling to come over to look in their guns...nice to be popular.[/quote] if i can see you i can touch you. BANG!
Not only does oil and solvent 'fog' up the mirror but it might also soften the glue holding the mirror in place.
It has often occurred to me that there may be more borescope owners than we know about. After all, they are fragile and easy to tweak or damage in inexperienced hands. Not likely someone will buy you a new one if they wreck your borescope. After making such an investment, who wants to lend it and risk the time and money of having to send it in for repairs. Besides, once you have borrowed a borescope you will want to use it often. I would rather people not know I have one than have to explain why they can't borrow it.
It has often occurred to me that there may be more borescope owners than we know about. After all, they are fragile and easy to tweak or damage in inexperienced hands. Not likely someone will buy you a new one if they wreck your borescope. After making such an investment, who wants to lend it and risk the time and money of having to send it in for repairs. Besides, once you have borrowed a borescope you will want to use it often. I would rather people not know I have one than have to explain why they can't borrow it.
My "rules" for using the borescope: (1) When looking into an unknown ( not mine) barrel I'm the one to do the looking. Mainly to be sure the bore is clean and dry. Some have insisted beforehand that their bore is "clean and dry"& when I go in, it's dirty and/or wet with solvent. If I see any trace of solvent, the scope tube is immediately withdrawn & the bore is either made clean & dry, or it's put away. More times than not, the bore is wet. Only after I verify the condition of the bore does the owner get to look. (2) I've watched several times as the owner begins putting side pressure on the tube so must remind them from time to time to keep it centered in the receiver/ chamber entrance. (3) No way would I ever lend it to someone. My experience has been that many do not want to look, claiming that they know their barrel is "perfect", clean without any copper and/ or carbon, as new condition, etc. so I seldom make an unsolicited offer. They must make the initial request. if the interest, or the belief in the possible benefits is not there, I do not raise the issue.
I bought a Hawkeye set short one for pistols and chambers. and long one (22") for target barrels. I have 90 degree eye piece and mirrored over tube for side observation. Bought mine as a Shot Show special think it was about $1,700.00 with lights and case.
It is hard to get customers to pay enough to get your return on your investment.
It in combination with slugging a barrel is the only way to check a barrel.
Nat Lambeth
It is hard to get customers to pay enough to get your return on your investment.
It in combination with slugging a barrel is the only way to check a barrel.
Nat Lambeth
I keep hoping that fiber optic technology will make borescopes available at a reasonable cost. If they could function like a remote accessory for a video camera like the special ops guys put under the door of the bad guys before they go crashing in. I know there are some larger diameter systems for engine inspection and similar applications, but it seems that we need a revolving 360 degree head on a really slim profile. It would be nice if interchangeable heads would keep the lens centered and allow one device to inspect .17s and up.
Dave: My 17" Deluxe Focusing Hawkeye has the revolving 360 degree mirror, and while I don't know about 17 cal. ( never had one), it does work fine with 20 cal. As I've said dozens of times: $620 delivered to my door after the $75 rebate. Not an outrageous price when you consider the cost of NF, Sightron, March, etc. rifle scopes. To me, worth more than any rifle scope ( including Nightfrorces) that I have. It's paid for itself many times over.
I had a problem with a barrel a couple of years ago and wanted to take a peek inside, but being short of cash at the time, I decided to try and make one. Although the results can't begin to compare with a professional job I was pleased with the results for a total cost of about $50
Here is a video of the inside of my barrel - WARNING - Some people might find the material offensive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah1VUZ1_4CI&feature=player_detailpage
Here is a video of the inside of my barrel - WARNING - Some people might find the material offensive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah1VUZ1_4CI&feature=player_detailpage
fdshuster--If you or anyone else thinks $620 is a high price for a bore scope, price out one that fits in a .172 caliber barrel like my Hawkeye 17" Pro SuperSlim Kit with a 17.2" tube!! 
That will make your hair stand on end or maybe even fall out if you don't have a heart attack first.
I would advise folks to skip purchasing the SuperNOVA light and charger. Adding the LED kit to a MINI Maglite will do just fine at WAAAAY less money. I did not get the 90º angled eyepiece and don't have much problem looking into my 26" barrels if I rotate the rifle in the vise properly and inspect the barrel from both the chamber and muzzle ends. A little careful guidance from your fingers will get the borescope into the muzzle without damaging the crown.
My borescope allows me to see any carbon buildup in the sharp corners of the grooves that has, no doubt, been escaping removal in most of my rifles. Like one poster mentioned, when you consider the thousands and thousands of dollars you have invested in your firearms, the cost of a bore scope is a worthwhile investment IMHO.
That will make your hair stand on end or maybe even fall out if you don't have a heart attack first. I would advise folks to skip purchasing the SuperNOVA light and charger. Adding the LED kit to a MINI Maglite will do just fine at WAAAAY less money. I did not get the 90º angled eyepiece and don't have much problem looking into my 26" barrels if I rotate the rifle in the vise properly and inspect the barrel from both the chamber and muzzle ends. A little careful guidance from your fingers will get the borescope into the muzzle without damaging the crown.
My borescope allows me to see any carbon buildup in the sharp corners of the grooves that has, no doubt, been escaping removal in most of my rifles. Like one poster mentioned, when you consider the thousands and thousands of dollars you have invested in your firearms, the cost of a bore scope is a worthwhile investment IMHO.
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