The amount of light depends on how much you put into it. As I said, I use a mini-mag (2 double A batteries) and it seems to work for what it worth.

It's just a fiber optics cable that you attach to a ligh source. I can see into the bore for the length of the cable.

The last time I used it, I turned off my overhead lights and looked at some 22/250 case for splits in the neck. I found some that I couldn't see just by looking at them.

It's just a "cheap" but handy little device.

A thought just occurred to me. if you break (I think they are breakable) the fiber optics cable, it might not give off as much light even tho the outside looks OK. Take your mini-mag to Walmart and check some that haven't been sold.

Rutland tool (800) 289-4787 carries a bore scope that sells for $300 bucks.

The probe is 7" long, 4mm in diameter and has a 65 degree angle of view. It has a tungsten halogen light source that runs on 2 AA batteries.

Part number is 2166 6000.

Not a ten dollar tool...but allot cheaper than the $800.00 one.

Rick

I don't remember a price being discussed, but there was (at one time) a discussion about using discarded (but sterilized) laporoscopy scopes. I think it might have been on this board, but could just as easily been on another. If you know someone in the medical field that has access to the outdated/discarded instruments this might be an option.

The scope you are refering to is made by Wally Siebert, he's in Wash. state. It's a tube, the same diameter of a Rem. bolt, with a nice quality magnifying lense in the end. You can see the throat with it fairly well. But, it's not a real bore scope.

The next option is a Hawkeye, at about $700, like the other poster said. Not a bad unit, but they have trouble with the mirror on the 90* attachment. If it gets any type of solvent or liquid on the mirror, it flakes off. Mine has about 30% gone, but still usable. To really use it, you do need the 90* attachment. Otherwise, you are looking straight down the barrel, not to the side where the "action is".

Wally, if I'm not much mistaken it is "VarmintGuy" who uses such a scope - I seemed to remember it was offered for sale by Russ Haydon's Shooters Supply, but a quick look turned up nothing. If VarmintGuy does not spot your post, try to catch him over on the "Varminthunting" forum. I'm pretty sure he was the one to use one of these.
- mike

I believe this is less that $10 from Walmart. Not counting the "Mini-mag"

There was a recent discussion on a $30 alternative to expensive borescope. My search came up with nada.

Anyone remember this thread?

If it's the same one I remember, someone suggested a scope used for looking in kids' ears, available at good drug stores. They were talking about looking into cases for reloading. Since I have a Hawkeye at about $700, I didn't pay close attention.

BillMc
Did that Wally World borescope work for you?
I bought one and couldn't get it to produce a useful amount of light.
I've got the eyes of a 20 year old,but unfortunately the 20 year old is an armadillo.
Just wondering if I got a bad one?

Covey16

BillMc
Thanks for the tips.
I'll try it in a darkened room.
It doesn't appear to be broken.
Looks like a very small dia. lucite rod covered in plastic.

Covey16

Could always use a white piece of paper at one end and a magnifying glass at the other.. The white will reflect light down the bbl adn you can see preety good with a magnifying glass..

Harbor frieght also carries a borescope for about $300.00.

The setup that Bill Mc shows is what I've used for a number of years and, yes, the filament can break after prolonged bending. No problem, just picked up a couple spares at my local Ace Hardware.



These do illuminate the entire bore quite well but do not magnify or allow for a close-up look at a specific spot. Does a good job of allowing me to check for general condition of a bore ( pitting, etc. ) For my purposes that is just fine.



Also handy to take with to gun shows to check out used rifles etc.