Gunsmithing barrel scopes!

jkkfam89

Full Member
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 2, 2008
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Bloomfield
I am a master technician for endoscopes (Medical), both flexible and rigid. I work on and design scopes for surgeries.
I want to know how many would be interested is rigid scopes (12", 18", and 22"). I am starting to put some together and would love to see what you guys think. The scopes will have a small portable light source that connects to the scope. No idea on price or anythin, just want to know who would be interested and I will probably give one or two away to get feedback!
 
Re: barrel scopes!

My interest would be for the 18" model. A mirror on the end so you're looking 'up' at the lands and grooves would be important, as well. A 90 degree eyepiece on the end would be a nice option, but not a must.

Thanks!
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-Al
 
Re: barrel scopes!

I think an 18" version would be optimal, except for barrels exceeding 28" or so. Between action length, etc., that should permit viewing the entire bore length using both ends for access. The concept of a distal angle of less than straight and more than right angle is interesting, but I think it would also necessitate the capability to refine the focus. Right angle proximal (eyepiece) would seem more utilitarian. I would suggest the tube have an external coating, similar to Teflon, to ease any fears about bore contact. Experience with the Hawkeye suggests that its resolution is more than adequate.

Greg
 
Re: barrel scopes!

These scopes are made with rod lenses and the longer the scope, the more of a chance for breakage. I am looking at putting a image bundle (Fiber optic) into these. This way, we could go very long with them
 
Re: barrel scopes!

The most important question.......

What is the outside diameter of the probe and tube?
This is what limits most non-weapon scopes from use in small-bore weapons.
I have a borescope that will not fit anything smaller than a .243 bore.
I have seen many on the market that will not fit anything smaller than a 50 cal.
 
Re: barrel scopes!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jkkfam89</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have one right now at 3mm at 18 inches </div></div>
That's pretty damn small. That would certainly work.
Longer, in the same diameter, would be preferred.
 
Re: barrel scopes!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jkkfam89</div><div class="ubbcode-body">AlNyhus, What about a 70 degree distal end? </div></div>

That would work just fine.
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There's a place in the market for these...good thinking on your part.
smile.gif
-Al
 
Re: barrel scopes!

Very interested. I would love to have a borescope. Cost would be the biggest issue. I would think that a 3mm fiber optic scope would be a real challenge to do without getting a bad "honeycomb" effect from the fiber optics. We have an old EGD scope at the hospital that has a few of the fibers broken and the view has scattered black dots in it. Even with this sizes scope, the fiber optics creates a noticeable "honeycomb" effect on the monitor. I guess it would depend on how fine your optical fibers were. An angled tip would be an essential, I would think. Surgical scopes come in various angles, but I've liked the 30 degree scope the best. I think that would work well for this application as well. It would be nice to have the option to attach a video monitor to it as well, like the surgical scopes use. For my needs a 5mm scope would be sufficient. The only reason to go smaller would be for 17 cal. barrel, and then a 4 mm scope should be fine. The larger the diameter, the better the resolution would be. I agree that 18" would be optimal length

Again, cost would be the deciding factor for me. I'm not a gunsmith, so I wouldn't use one every day. However, I have considered buying one but just can't justify shelling out over $600 for one. If you could make a descent quality borescope at around the $200 to $300 price-point, you would have a winner. Not sure if that's possible, but I'd be game. PM sent.