The Hawkeye Borescope is an incredible piece of gear for shooters and gunsmiths. This precision instrument allows you to closely examine the inside of your rifle, shotgun, or handgun barrel with outstanding clarity and clear magnification.

We have represented Gradient Lens for years and have always been enthusiastic about the quality of their product, workmanship, and customer service. Their sales manager (Ken) regularly attends competitions with us and never fails to enlighten crowds by inviting them to look at their barrels with one of the “Hawkeye” borescopes. He’ll be at the NRA National Matches (Camp Perry, Ohio) for a few days (Aug 8-9th) examining shooter’s competition guns and entering them each in a raffle for a free Hawkeye Borescope.  Bring your gun to the Sinclair store (Building 1023C) and see Ken. The winner will be announced during the NRA Awards Ceremony on August 14th.

The Hawkeye Borescope comes in several models but the two most popular models have been the 17” Shooter’s Edition Kit and the 17” Shooter’s Edition “Plus” Kit. The standard kit includes a 17” borescope with a focusing eyepiece, a 90º mirror for looking directly into the lands and grooves, a light source for barrel illumination, and a custom fitted hard case for storage and transportation. The “Plus” kit adds a 90º eyepiece for even more comfortable viewing. With either kit, you can look directly forward into the bore or utilize the 90º mirror adapter to look sideways into the lands and grooves. The 90º mirror can be rotated in the barrel giving the user a 360º view of any particular point in the barrel.

You can use your Hawkeye Borescope to examine fouling, the smoothness of a new bore, the quality of the chamber, the effectiveness of your cleaning routine, the amount of wear in the throat, and the amount of heat cracking down the barrel. You can also use it to examine the interior of your bolt body, the inside of your dies, and other small places you just can’t see easily or clearly.

Hawkeye Borescopes are made in Rochester, New York by precision technicians really committed to making a quality piece of gear. Don’t overlook the quality of this product compared to lesser and cheaper products on the market. The first time you look through a Hawkeye, be prepared for an amazing view of your barrel. You might be surprised how much fouling is really in there and how many scratches, pits, or other types of wear are evident.

If you have ever thought about buying a borescope now is a great time to get one. Gradient Lens is offering a $100 rebate on their “Plus” kit and a $75 rebate on the standard kit. The rebate is only good thru October 31, 2009.

Many of you may not know but we now are offering some of the Berger bullets in 500 count and 1,000 count boxes. These larger count boxes are limited to some of the more popular target bullets and are currently only available through Sinclair International.

Berger Bullets produces some of the finest bullets in the world. If you haven’t tried them before this is a great opportunity to get some fantastic bullets and save a little money.

1000 count boxes

.20 Caliber

#18-20703 35 gr. Match Varmint

#18-20704 40 gr. Match Varmint BT

.22 Caliber

#18-22708 52 gr. Match Target

#18-22709 52 gr. Match Varmint

#18-22718 70 gr. Match Target VLD

#18-22720 73 gr. Match Target BT

#18-22722 80 gr. Match Target VLD

6 mm Caliber

#18-24711 68 gr. Match Target

#18-24725 90 gr. Match Target BT

500 count boxes

6 mm Caliber

#18-24729 105 gr. Match Target VLD

#18-24731 108 gr. Match Target BT

6.5 mm Caliber

#18-26701 140 gr. Match Target VLD

.30 Caliber

#18-30721 115 gr. Match Target FB

#18-30716 155.5 gr. Match BT Fullbore

#18-30715 210 gr. Match Target VLD

I thought it might be interesting for our readers to see what the favorite products are of some of staff. I know I found it enlightening and I hope it doesn’t bore you too much. I felt confident I might been able to predict the favorite of some of the staff from having shot with them for years, but some of the others I was pleasantly surprised by what they had to say.

Here were the background guidelines of the survey. I called them in one at a time over the course of an hour or so and asked them to keep the topic of our conversation confidential until I had talked to everyone. I asked them to give me the first item that popped into their head when I asked them about their favorite Sinclair product and non-Sinclair product. I know I made a few of them nervous when I called them to my office to have a talk, sorry about that guys! The intention was to get an immediate response. Of course, several of them wanted to list two in each group, but I finally got most of them corralled into one choice. It was interesting to see many of them mention the same item.

Pat (Manufacturing)

I was particularly interested in Pat’s choice of Sinclair tools as he sees most of the tools as they pass through our manufacturing area, either on a machine or during assembly. His clear favorite was the Sinclair Priming Tool. Pat said, “I use it more than any other reloading tool I own.”

Pat’s favorite non-Sinclair tool was the Redding Type “S” Full Length Sizing Die for his PPC and his 223 Remington. “I use it a lot,” remarked Pat, “and really like the way it works.”

Matt (Manufacturing)

Matt’s favorite Sinclair tool was the same as Pat’s. I know they didn’t collaborate on their answers but also clearly enjoys using the Sinclair Priming Tool. They are both very proud of the quality and functionality this tool represents.

Matt wouldn’t budge on his favorite non-Sinclair tool even when I pointed out it technically was a hybrid tool (a combination of both Sinclair and L.E. Wilson). He really likes the Sinclair/Wilson Ultimate Case Trimmer. Matt mentioned, “Our original Ultimate Trimmer is what I grew up using and I wouldn’t even consider something else!”

I started thinking about Matt’s choice after he left and wondered if my wife would notice if I added another Sinclair/Wilson Case Trimmer to my reloading room, even though I have three previous generation Sinclair/Wilson Case Trimmers in there already

Bob (Sales Technical Support)

Bob, who has been with us forever, (we call him Mr. Ackley among other things) really likes our Sinclair Seating Depth Tool. Bob’s commented, “It is easy to use, extremely accurate, and doesn’t flex.”

Bob thought about the non-Sinclair tool for a whole two seconds and stated, “I have to say the Dewey coated cleaning rods have always been a favorite of mine, they perform well and are extremely comfortable to use.” I agree with Bob, the Dewey Cleaning Rods are a great, reliable product.

Larry (Manufacturing)

Larry was also a quick responder and listed the Sinclair Generation II Windage Shooting Rest as his #1 Sinclair product. Larry said, “I have used many styles and types of rests in competitive bench rest shooting and this is the best rest anywhere near my budget – hands down!”

Note: Larry and Pat assemble each Sinclair rest personally and make sure the rests leave our facility in perfect condition.

Larry threw in his vote for Butch’s Bore Shine. “I really like it as a solvent and a one-step formula for the type of shooting I do,” said Larry. “This is a very efficient cleaner,” added Larry.

Note: Larry will be at the Benchrest Super Shoot at Kelbly’s in Ohio next week.

Ron (Sales Technical Support)

Ron loves the Sinclair Priming Tool. “I really like the way it works and is built, and I have four of them.”

Note: The Sinclair Priming Tool has been one of our signature tools over the year and I still regularly use previous generation models that are over 20 years old.

“Okay Ron,” I asked, “what is your favorite non-Sinclair product.” Ron thought about it and then thought some more about it. I could tell he was struggling with his call when he wanted to list two. “Nope,” I declared, “it wouldn’t fair to the others.” He finally decided and chose Krieger barrels in general as his favorite. “I have had such great success with them and never had difficulty getting one to shoot well,” remarked Ron, “and when I have a question over the phone for the guys at Krieger, they are a great bunch to talk to and are very straight forward.”

Note: Ron shoots a lot of stuff but his current focus is NRA High Power.

Phil (Sales Technical Support)

“Sinclair Primer Pocket Uniformers are my favorite,” comented Phil, “they just work!” I agree with Phil; they are great for uniforming as well as routine cleaning of the primer pocket.

Phil had an interesting choice for his favorite non-Sinclair product, the Mitutoyo Digital Caliper. “They work well all of the time and I use them on bullet seating measurements, with our bump gauges, checking case length, and a whole lot more.” I think this was a pretty interesting observation, as many of us forget the everyday tool that almost becomes a fixture on our workbench.

Phil does some 3-Gun and Practical Pistol shooting and regularly shoots in Long-Range matches including the NRA Nationals.

Steve (Sales Technical Support)

I swear these guys have my office bugged because Steve was the fourth person to identify the Sinclair Priming Tool as his favorite tool. Steve said, “Best feel of any tool out there! I like it because the case locks into place and it is easy to tune the priming position to your personal preference.”

Steve’s choice for a non-Sinclair tool was the Harrell Classic Measure. “Super high quality, great feel and throws better for me than any other measure. The guys I regularly shoot with love it.”

Note: Steve shoots in a lot of 100 and 200 yard benchrest competitions and has a high regard for quality tools.

Rod (Sales Technical Support)

Rod is a real practical guy and a great shooter. Warning, don’t bet against him with his 6mm BR. He didn’t choose a high tech tool but declared the Sinclair Cleaning Rod Cases as his top pick. “I have two of them with the brackets to protect my two rods. How else would I carry my rods to the range if I didn’t have them?” That’s Mr. Practical!

Now, I have to pick on Rod because he had the same hybrid choice that Matt chose, the Sinclair/Wilson Case Trimmer. Don’t you guys understand the rules – pick a non-Sinclair related product! Rod laughed and said, “I love the way it works and other trimmers just don’t compare.”

Okay, no one else gets two choices from here on out. I am going to cave in for Rod this one time because he was torn between the trimmer and a MTM Jag Box. The MTM box is a great product even though it is very simple and inexpensive, but what a great way to keep your brushes and jags organized.

Pete (Sales Technical Support)

Pete has been enjoying some F-Class shooting and it was easy to see what had influenced his opinion. He chose the new Sinclair Bi-Pod as his top choice. “It is a great, stable and wide shooting platform,” said Pete, “and it is fantastic to shoot off and handles recoil amazingly well.”

Note: Pete is scheduled to shoot at the U.S. F-Class Nationals this year at Camp Butner, NC. I shot at the 1st US F-Class Nationals there and the crew at North State Shooting Club and Camp Butner run a great match.

Here is another vote for the Redding Type “S” Full Length Bushing Sizing Die. “It is so easy to setup and my cases come out perfect,” said Pete. “What else do you need,” he added.

Chris (Warehouse/Retail area)

Chris didn’t even have to think about his favorite Sinclair product. He immediately declared the Sinclair AR-15 Cleaning Link as his definite favorite. Chris said, “As soon as I used it the first time I realized that my AR wasn’t going to flop around and I wasn’t going to bust my knuckles up while cleaning my rifle.”

Butch’s Bore Shine ranks right up there on Chris’s list of non-Sinclair favorites. In Chris’s words, “It’s a heck of a cleaner and it does exactly what it is supposed to.” This was a second vote for Butch’s Bore Shine.

Cory (Procurement)

I can’t believe these guys; this is product reinforcement. Cory’s two choices were exactly the same as Pete’s (see above). His favorite Sinclair product was the Sinclair Bi-pod. “It’s the most stable bi-pod available”, remarked Cory.

Cory added to Pete’s comments about the Redding Type “S” Full Length Die, “It is a great product and works extremely well.” This product had three votes for it.

Geoff (Marketing)

The new Sinclair Model 4000 Neck Turning Tool is Geoff’s favorite Sinclair tool. “This tool is so easy to adjust, it is incredibly comfortable in your hand, and extremely well made” commented Geoff. He added, “Pair this up with the Sinclair Carbide Turning mandrels and you have one fantastic tool.”

Geoff chose the Centra Rear Sights as his favorite product. This puzzled me because Geoff has shot a little with open sights but not regularly so I had to ask why. Geoff replied, “I am just so impressed with the mechanical capabilities of this sight, the craftsmanship, and how well all the small parts fit and function together.”

Bill Gravatt (President and Head Janitor)

The guys could have probably predicted this but my favorite Sinclair tool is our Sinclair Case Mouth Deburring Tool Holder. I install a Wilson Case Mouth Tool in it, chuck it up in our Sinclair Power Center or a cordless drill and chamfer the inside of 100 cases. Then I flip the tool around in the holder and debur the outside of the batch. I can really go through a lot of cases in a short time. I enjoy my time at the reloading bench but would rather be out shooting.

My favorite non-Sinclair tool is the Wilson Stainless Steel Bullet Seater. These are so well made, easy to adjust, and above all accurate. I have used Wilson Bullet Seaters so much in my own reloading and at trade shows that I could almost use them in my sleep. I would hate to have to give these up.

Conclusion

Hey folks, not a rocket science article but just some insight into how some of the folks feel about some of our products. We have thousands of other great products that weren’t mentioned, which is why it was so hard for these guys to choose just one. This was a lot of fun to find out how the staff really felt and I hope the information was interesting.

Good Shooting,

Bill Gravatt

This month our spotlight falls on Kestrel Weather Meters made by Nielsen-Kellerman. Today’s electronic wind meters are an extremely useful tool for the active shooter whether you are hunting, competing, varmint hunting, or just tuning up your rifle. The Kestrel Weather Meters can tell you much more than simply wind speed. They offer an entire range of weather meters that satisfy almost any outdoorsman’s needs for weather, wind, temperature, and shooting conditions. As you get ready for a season of shooting, a Kestrel Weather Meter should be part of your standard gear bag.

The basic Kestrel unit (Model 1000) measures  basic wind speed, air temperature, gusts, and calculates the average wind speed. If you need more features from a hand held unit, five (5) other Kestrel models calculate water temperature, snow temperature, wind chill, altitude, density altitude, pressure trends, barometric pressure, wet bulb temperature, heat stress index, relative humidity, wind direction, digital compass heading, crosswind calculations, dewpoint, and more. There is definitely a model for every shooter depending on their needs. We have a great chart in our catalog that shows the features for all six (6) models including the top model, the Model 4500. All Kestrel weather meters include a lanyard, batteries and easy to use instructions. Each Kestrel Weather Meter has a ¼”-20 hole in it’s base for standard tripod mounting, or you can get one of the Kestrel Portable Tripods. These meters are definitely not toys; they are relied on by professionals in many outdoor fields.

The quality of the Kestrel Weather Meters is outstanding. To begin with, they are rugged, waterproof and they float. They are designed and built right here in the U.S.A. But the thing I really like about the Nielsen-Kellerman products is that they come with a full five (5) Year warranty. That is incredible for an electronic product! No extra charge for extended warranties like we are used to seeing. These folks back up their product because they know their weather meters hold up well in the tough conditions we put them through. My Kestrel gets bounced around in my shooting box and has never failed to work.

If you need help selecting a weather meter, give our staff a call and we’ll help walk you through the features. It is great to see a product this well made and a company that is so successful in determining what their customers need. And, one that backs up their products!