Couple of questions for Hawkeye owners

[Linko]

I started to look at the various models. A little confusing. Maybe someone can answer a couple of questions for me.

The shooters version is one of the lower priced units. It is 17" If my barrel is 30" is it safe to assume we are only concerned at the area of the barrel right after the chamber. if we are using a 17" I cant imagine inserting it from the muzzle end. is the shooters version what people are using?

The other question is there clearance to insert the hawkeye solid rod with a F-class stock .

 

[Preacher]

Not a problem using them to look at both ends..
Good to check out the complete barrel length..

 

[ebb]

I feel much safer inserting from the muzzle end as you can see every thing. Inserting from receiver end you have to be careful to not hit the action or end of the barrel when inserting the tube in the gun. My friend showed me how to use the scope and always cleaned all oil and solvents out of the barrel, he said it would loosen the glue that holds the little mirror on and it would fall off. He also said the tube could be sent back to manuf to have mirror replaced if that does happen.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

If i remember right the shooters version doesnt come with the hard case or the 90deg eyepiece. No you wont be able to see with your stock on

 

[Linko]

If i remember right the shooters version doesnt come with the hard case or the 90deg eyepiece. No you wont be able to see with your stock on

so this would be only used with the barreled action removed. not a regular maintenance task when cleaning the gun. I have one of those cheap flex scopes that use your phone. it sort of works just not very clear

 

[mikecr]

I've yet to have a problem -without the 90deg eyepiece.
Replaced Hawkeye's light with modern/better standard flashlight. Big difference.
Preacher is right. You look at the bore from both ends. No big deal.

Hawkeye has a lot of competition now. I doubt they'll be in the business for guns much longer.

 

[billlarson]

I've been using a Hawkeye for around 20 yrs.Most commonly to look at throats. All done with stock on.You do have to use care to start with a dry barrel.Cleaning products on mirror will cause damage.
Bill

 

[rardoin]

Not a problem using them to look at both ends..
Good to check out the complete barrel length..

^^^^ Although I bought the 22" I could easily get the job done with a 17". I have to go from breech and muzzle regardless to view the entire bore.

And, yes, I can use it with the barreled action in the stock on both Kestros and X-Ring stocks.

 

[watercam]

If you are concerned about dinging up the mirror or lens (w/o the mirror) you can use your bore guide. Yes, wipe out all the gunk in it first of course.

 

[Devin Wiggett]

Hawkeye doesn't need to worry about losing there market share to Teslong, two completely different devises. The vast majority of people purchasing Teslong wouldn't have bought a Hawkeye anyway, I dought you will see a Smith of any competency checking a chamber job with a Teslong. Both are great products just used in different ways.

 

[Ned Ludd]

This is the kit you want: https://www.brunoshooters.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=19663. The shooter's version does not come with the angled eyepiece, which is something you really want to have. Yes, the 17" Kit with the angled eyepiece is much more expensive. However, if you merely want an inexpensive tool to look at the bore that has very good optics, get a Teslong. I have both and as mentioned, I consider them different tools for different (although somewhat overlapping) jobs.

 

[cem]

Replaced Hawkeye's light with modern/better standard flashlight. Big difference.

I have a pair of the Hawkeye branded Streamlight extra bright lights with chargers and they work just fine for my purposes. I also have a bore guide from Brownell's for the Hawkeye and a second mirror with one waiting to go back for service.

For negligible cost the furnished at no extra cost MiniMag can be modified for brighter light. I've seen modified MiniMag do the job but there can be a color shift with light source changes. That may or may not matter for a given user.

 

[F Class John]

No matter what borescope you use these are wonderful to have. I keep one with my borescope and then I never have to worry about junk from my bore guide screwing anything up.

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...re-scope-guide-sku080000983-54105-104252.aspx

 

[R.Morehouse]

You will appreciate the 90* eyepiece. You may not "need" it, but you will like it better for sure...

Regards
Rick

 

[bugman]

12 years with one and never saw a need to remove the barreled action from the stock.

No issues inserting from the muzzle end, as this is aluminum.....and gives a great view of the crown edge sharpness when positioned correctly. You will see a problem before you feel it with a Q-tip.

 

[LC Tikka]

I bought the shooter 17", the view with std bulb was poor, changed to led which is likely not a good match for this use, there is very bright spots which inhibit the view, is there a really good after market led kit that works well. Also adapted a 90deg eyepiece from a Canon camera, that works a treat at under $50.
Also put pvc tape on the shaft to centre and guide the mirror end.
LC

 

[kvd]

When I bought my 17" Hawkeye from Brownell's, It came with the brighter LED light standard - but not the 90° eyepiece. I had to buy that separate. The Kit I bought came with the hard, lockable case. The bore guide they sell really helps but of course it only works from the breech end so one must be careful inserting the bore scope from the muzzle end. I'm more worried about possibly bending the bore scope by loosing my grip on it than damaging the crown when examining the "second" half of the barrel. I have the wifi version of the Teslong that I use for quick checks while cleaning but when I really want to do a careful examination of the rifle bore I use the Hawkeye. Believe me, the Hawkeye folks have nothing to worry about from Teslong. The optics of the Hawkeye are noticeably superior, but the Teslong has its uses.

 

[nilebartram]

I use a the angled eyepiece and I have the video camera with monitor. The camera w/ monitor I can take pictures and videos. The angled eyepiece I can look without taking the stock off. Gradient lenses company, (Hawkeye), has nothing to worry about. I agree with Diven, people who buy Teslong will not buy a Hawkeye bore scope. USA made optics are rarity and a still some of the best optics in the world. nilebartram