Borescopes

[fdshuster]

I don't know where these "fragile" claims originated, but I've bought two, new 17" deluxe focusing models over the last 8 years, gave one to my son, and use the other a lot, and have never had any durability issues with either one.

The oldest model with the black head continues to operate as it did when new, and the newer green head model is also without any problems.

I guess if it were dropped onto a concrete floor, stepped on, or subjected to any other type of abuse, it would be damaged, like any other precision instrument, but to say they are "fragile" is pushing reality.

 

[1066]

A Hawkeye would be nice but when I was stuck I made my own for about $50.

Although it can't begin to compare with a commercial scope it did the job required.
Results can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah1VUZ1_4CI

 

[thekriebles]

I don't know where these "fragile" claims originated, but I've bought two, new 17" deluxe focusing models over the last 8 years, gave one to my son, and use the other a lot, and have never had any durability issues with either one.

The oldest model with the black head continues to operate as it did when new, and the newer green head model is also without any problems.

I guess if it were dropped onto a concrete floor, stepped on, or subjected to any other type of abuse, it would be damaged, like any other precision instrument, but to say they are "fragile" is pushing reality.

I agree with FDSHUSTER above that they are durable when used and cared for properly. We've had our two units for quite a while with zero issues.

Treat it like a scope, and it will be fine.

 

[thefitter]

Save yourself close to $700.00, and purchase a 3 power and 4 power watchmakers eye loupe

How would that work?

 

[ridgeway]

Save yourself close to $700.00, and purchase a 3 power and 4 power watchmakers eye loupe

How would that work?

You look through it, lol. .

There are well respected smiths that use a loupe. Check the chamber that is

 

[fdshuster]

JRS: It's the throat area and forward that needs to be closely inspected with a quality borescope. That's where the erosion, firecracking, copper and carbon buildup will have the greatest effect on your goal: an accurate, precision shooting barrel. I cannot think of a single time anything was learned by looking at the chamber.

Yes, I have and use eye loupes and they work fine when I am able to get close enough to the subject, usually an inch or two, but the length of the receiver prevents the eye loupe from getting close enough, even to the chamber, to see anything of value. What are you going to do? Remove the barrel every time you want to look at the chamber?

And borescopes are also used for a close up inspection of the entire length of the bore, from the throat to the muzzle, to determine if cleaning products (solvents) and methods are doing the intended job of cleaning the barrel. For that, an eye loupe would be worthless.

You keep using your eye loupe: I'll continue to use my borescope.

 

[JRS]

Frank: watchmakers eye loupe rule #1: use the correct power and you won't have to remove the action, #2: don't use it in the dark- overhead light works fine, #3: make sure you aren't using a jewelers loupe ;D

 

[fdshuster]

JRS: I understand all that you correctly say, but, how do you focus an eye loupe? And the view is straight ahead not perpendicular to the bore, which is needed to inspect the surface of the bore. Just askin, not trying to be a S.A.

 

[boiler_house7]

Well got the hawkeye in and it works very well. I discovered two barrels on my 7 saum heading to the dreaded carbon ring. No doubt need to looks at my cleaning regiment in that area or even powder. Sure looks like its going to be one of my best investments. Thanks for all the inputs.

 

[thekriebles]

Well got the hawkeye in and it works very well. I discovered two barrels on my 7 saum heading to the dreaded carbon ring. No doubt need to looks at my cleaning regiment in that area or even powder. Sure looks like its going to be one of my best investments. Thanks for all the inputs.

Glad you like it! I assumed you'd be impressed with the various key areas you now can see.

 

[fdshuster]

And the longer you use it the more you will see its' value. You will know what cleaning products work, and which are snake oil, if buying a used rifle you can see the true condition of the bore, not depending on the sellers claim of "only fired a couple of box's of ammo", if selling a rifle with a proven good barrel you can show the buyer the condition of the bore and sell for top dollar, etc.

I recently had an issue with a muzzle brake, suspected the bullet was making contact with the bore of the brake, was able to prove with the borescope, that it as not.

Inspect the inside of your sizing die(s) to verify they are scratch/ damage free. Suspect brass case heads are in danger of seperating? Inspect the inside of the case for the first signs. Buy a new custom barrel and 'scope it out before the gunsmith begins his very $$$$$$ work. Buy a used barrel claimed to have been fired "150" times, inspect it and find it's more like 1500.

And it goes on and on. One of my best purchases, ever.