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Gunsmithing A crappy $50 bore scope

MarinePMI

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  • Jun 3, 2010
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    San Diego, Ca
    I saw an advert a few weeks back (and ordered), a $50 "Endosnake" bore scope (thinking why not?) and received it yesterday. It plugs into a smartphone or tablet, and with an app can capture video or images. So...I ran it down a "shot out" 6.5CM Bartlein I had tossed on the junk shelf (3000+ rds down the tube). Not bad for $50, and you can at least see the throat erosion (plus that weird straight line mark up the breech...have no clue what that is from). At any rate, it's not a true bore scope, but I could see it coming in handy for just seeing in really tight spaces (like through a spark plug hole to view the cylinder walls of an engine, or inside an intake manifold, etc.), and figured I'd pass the finding along... Yeah, this barrel is toast...

    6.5CM_3000rds_1.png
    6.5CM_3000rds_2.png
    6.5CM_3000rds_3.png
     
    I've gone through 3 of those type of scopes. I just decided to get the Lyman and it's a world of difference. Tons better detail and ability to see and measure exactly where copper/problem areas are located. Well worth the extra $100 (I think I paid $175 total).
     
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    Think I'll go shopping for a borescope. The Lyman looks like a good deal, but I'll shop some more first.
    See this review with a reflector inside the bore for better lighting?
    http://rvbprecision.com/shooting/inexpensive-bore-scope-reviews.html

    Be sure to look at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077LBTCH1/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    It is not cheap but is a very nice scope.

    The resolution is better than the Lyman by a good bit (to my eyes). It has an eye piece or a mount to hold your phone. I like being able to take a vid or pic with my phone so I can share it with someone to show the condition of their barrel. Most people at gunshows just say "it has a good bore".
    I deal with a good bit of antique firearms and this is an expense that I can justify... it may not make sense for someone that will just use it once or twice a year.

    It is "clearer" through the eyepiece but here are a couple of my vids. Also the angled mirror rod can be removed for a straight on view.

    https://www.flickr.com/gp/26957354@N08/pQByjS

    https://www.flickr.com/gp/26957354@N08/Cdp8eB