Endosnake Game Changer 3.9mm Borescope

After cleaning the barrel of my handgun, I’ll run a dry cloth patch through it to see what it tells me. If the patch is dirty, I’ll run a solvent-soaked patch back through it as needed. Once removed, I often hold the barrel up to a light and peer down the bore. I’m not sure why I do this, as something would have to be quite askew for me to notice. It’s just too difficult to inspect a barrel’s condition.

Today, I’m using the Game Changer 3.9mm, a borescope from Endosnake (endosnake.com). With it, you can improve the view inside of your barrel’s lands and grooves.

Endosnake is a flexible micro borescope available in four diameters and three lengths. These work with many chamberings and barrel lengths. (There is even one for a .22!) The 3.9mm version currently sells for $50 on their website. For an additional $25, you can get a WiFi box that enables the Endosnake to connect to iOS or Android device.

Barrel condition is more mysterious to rifle shooters. Fortunately, the 3.9mm Endosnake Viper is slim enough to fit through the barrel of your .223/5.56mm chambered AR-­15, something that most borescope cameras can’t do.

Paired with my iPhone XR, I downloaded the free Mo-­View app. I plugged the unit into the Wi-­Fi box and the image from the Endosnake camera appeared on my screen in real time. You can record video or take still photos, which are then saved to the phone.

Holding the cord-mounted camera steady proved to be a bit of a challenge, but the image quality was relatively clear. I could see lint and copper fouling hiding in the grooves of a number of neglected gun barrels that I hadn’t expected.

The potential loss in accuracy with a dirty subcompact pistol barrel is negligible, but in a rifle debris and fouling could substantially change your point of impact. In the worst cases, carbon buildup could increase pressures or cause permanent damage. Using the Endosnake, you can avert potentially disastrous problems.

Larger Endosnake models include the 5.5mm, 7mm and 8mm, which come with angled lens sleeves that can be attached for a better view perpendicular to the side of the barrel. (An angled lens for the Viper is expected to be available shortly). Also during my evaluation, it seemed the larger cameras were capable of a tighter focus and crisper image quality. All feature 720p resolution and six adjustable LED lights that improve image detail.

While the image quality and functionality are not on par with borescopes that cost as much as $1,650, the Endosnake is an affordable, field-expedient tool for the money.

The brand is veteran-owned and their products come with a 90-­day money­back guarantee. For more information, visit Endosnake at endosnake.com or call 212-­634-­9642. 

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