Decent Flip-Up Scope Covers

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Navy87Guy

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Looking for decent (but not ridiculously priced) flip-up scope covers. I have a Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x40 and a Burris 3-9x40 Fullfield II. (And before anyone says it, there's no way I'm paying close to $100 for a Leupold cover!) I'm just looking for something that will get the job done and keep dust and dirt out of the lenses. I don't expect them to last as long as the rifle -- but a couple of years of use would be fine.

Appreciate any inputs on gear that works -- and how close the tolerances are. I've seen some caps that fit a "range" of eye or objective diameters -- but they end up covering part of the lens and reduce the sight picture. I worry about some of the brands that I see that have very specific measurements (39.9mm instead of 40mm) and whether there is any "give" or if it's an all or nothing fit.

General advice or specific recommendations on brands that work with the scopes I mentioned are appreciated!
 
Vortex Defender caps are tougher and better made than the Butler Creek caps, PLUS, the Vortex caps swing 270degrees flat back out of the way against the optic.
 
Vortex Defender caps are tougher and better made than the Butler Creek caps, PLUS, the Vortex caps swing 270degrees flat back out of the way against the optic.

That is the one thing that I don't care about the Butler Creek caps. They only flip 180 degrees (or slightly more). It's not a deal breaker for me though.

Looking at MidwayUSA, the Butler Creek caps are $9.99 and Vortex caps are $19.99. Either brand will work. It all boils down to price and features you want between the two.
 
Looking at MidwayUSA, the Butler Creek caps are $9.99 and Vortex caps are $19.99. Either brand will work. It all boils down to price and features you want between the two.

When you break the Butler Creeks 1) because they’re not as durable and 2) because they stick straight up and snag on stuff, the price “savings” fades away pretty quickly.
 
When you break the Butler Creeks 1) because they’re not as durable and 2) because they stick straight up and snag on stuff, the price “savings” fades away pretty quickly.

No arguments on that point.

I do most of my shooting from a bench anymore due to disabilities. I'm fine with the Butler Creek caps. No right or wrong answer here. Go with what fits your individual needs the best.
 
When you break the Butler Creeks 1) because they’re not as durable and 2) because they stick straight up and snag on stuff, the price “savings” fades away pretty quickly.

I agree and quit using them in favor of Tenebraex. They aren’t cheap but neither is perpetually replacing Butler Creek caps.

As an alternative, take a look at Scopecoat. They cover the entire scope and provide a bit of additional protection against handling and the elements.

I use one like it on one of my hunting rifles. Forgive me for the gratuitous trophy pose

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Leupolds Alumina caps. Vortex Defenders for other scopes.

Tenebraex's look like quality but never tried any personally.
 
I agree and quit using them in favor of Tenebraex. They aren’t cheap but neither is perpetually replacing Butler Creek caps.

As an alternative, take a look at Scopecoat. They cover the entire scope and provide a bit of additional protection against handling and the elements.

I use one like it on one of my hunting rifles. Forgive me for the gratuitous trophy pose

View attachment 891109
Another Scopecoat fan here too ! No more covers for me, even on very xpensive optics. The good scopecoats protect MUCH better the whole scope and you remove them when you are ready to SHOOT!
 
For those who advocate for Butler Creek or Vortex, any comments on how tight the tolerances are? Neither of my scopes seem to be exact matches for their sizes. For a 40mm eyepiece, which Butler Creek would be best: 39.6 or 40.8?

I don’t have a sense for whether either brand has any “give”...I don’t want to go too small or too large.
 
Thanks for all the replies.

After much soul searching, I’ve decided to give a Scopecoat a shot. I don’t really like the idea of having an extra “thing” to deal with in the field, but it was certainly easier to fit than a flip-up cover!

My Leupold came with a similar cover. If the Scopecoat works out, I may upgrade that one, too.
 
I like butler creeks because they serve the purpose. And they are everywhere. I only use one in the front optic and put it on upside down so when it opens it sits on the barrel out of the way.
 
Butler Creek for me as well. I even have a set on my TRS-25 red dot, often considered too small to have flip covers. I have them held in place with a small dab of epoxy on both covers. My Marlin 336 also has Butler creek covers and they are fast enough to use for hunting season.
 
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