Flip-up scope caps, I am thinking of removing them from my hunting rifles.

[mcb]

I have flip caps on several hunting rifles. I've hunted in enough snow and rain that I like having them. I find I can pop the Butler Creek caps while mounting the rifle. They work for me.

I lost a coyote once due to the "pop" of the caps. We ran into each other both cresting a small ridge from opposites sides. This was pretty close range, probably less than 20 yards. I saw him first but as I brought my rifle up I popped the caps and the the pop sound from the front cap sent him into instant high gear. Certainly not a frequently encountered scenario but one among a few others that have me walking/stalking with them already open and considering removing them all together.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I have flip up caps on several scopes and I have the same issues. I have some clear covers that I like, but after the elastic gets worn and they won't stay on.
If someone would invent flip over caps with clear see thru covers, I would put those on every rifle I own. That way I could look straight thru them if needed to make a quick shot.

 

[Legionnaire]

I lost a coyote once due to the "pop" of the caps. We ran into each other both cresting a small ridge from opposites sides. This was pretty close range, probably less than 20 yards. I saw him first but as I brought my rifle up I popped the caps and the the pop sound from the front cap sent him into instant high gear. Certainly not a frequently encountered scenario but one among a few others that have me walking/stalking with them already open and considering removing them all together.

Copy that. I stalk with the caps open, too, unless it's precipitating.

 

[herrwalther]

I lost a coyote once due to the "pop" of the caps. We ran into each other both cresting a small ridge from opposites sides. This was pretty close range, probably less than 20 yards. I saw him first but as I brought my rifle up I popped the caps and the the pop sound from the front cap sent him into instant high gear. Certainly not a frequently encountered scenario but one among a few others that have me walking/stalking with them already open and considering removing them all together.

My shots have been farther than 20 yards but less than 100. If I see a deer first and they are far enough away I can open the caps without spooking, that is an ideal shot. I also like to stalk to an area, look around for wildlife I am hunting with the caps open. As long as it isn't raining.

 

[Chuck R.]

Most of my hunting rifles wear flip caps, but all Leupolds.

The last 3 VX6HDs I bought came with them. While sitting and moving their left open, the only time I close them is rain/snow.

 

[entropy]

I have used them (Butler Creek) in the past, though I think I'd get the newer 270 degree ones were I to need them. Currently, the only rifle I have scoped (besides my .22 Mossberg) is my Axis .223. Haven't put a set on it yet, but before I get back out deer hunting (hopefully next year) I might get the 270 degree ones.

 

[Laphroaig]

Hunting season in these parts is generally pretty damp. I use a lot of Butler Creeks, usually open unless precipitating. I lost my objective while bear hunting on Monday. Thought about back tracking to look for it, but decided to just spring for a new one. $9

 

[mcb]

I hunted this afternoon and took the caps off and dropped them in my pocket just in case. Rifle hit the ground twice when I slid on dry leaves on step slopes. The scope and rifle survived. To warm for deer hunting anyway but I got three more armadillos with the 30 RAR.

 

[nettlle]

My best deer days have been light drizzle/snow mix. I like Butler Creek caps. They make enough noise to spook a deer if flipped without out holding on to them.

 

[ECVMatt]

Tried them, didn't care for them for hunting. I've used the bikini covers in the past and like them better. But like this even better. They protect the scope better and are faster to use. Just grab the rear and sling shot them off the rifle if needed in a hurry. One size fits most and they cost less.

SURE FIT RIFLESCOPE COVER X-LARGE (14-16 LENGTH) : VORTEX OPTICS SURE FIT RIFLESCOPES COVERS | Brownells


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Like jmr, I use these neoprene covers. I tried the flip up caps, but never really like them and found that they actually trap a lot of dirt and dust near the lenses. I also mostly hunt by spot/stalk in the mountains. It is easier to just use a lense cloth to keep my scope clean than to use the pop-ups; I ended up wiping the pop-up lenses anyways. I just keep one of these scope covers in my pack and use it if it starts to rain.

 

[AK Hunter]

Most of mine got broke off the first time out hunting. I just figured it's not a good design to start with, too much hanging out in the open from such a small hinge.

 

[12Bravo20]

Most of mine got broke off the first time out hunting. I just figured it's not a good design to start with, too much hanging out in the open from such a small hinge.

That is why flip caps that open 270 degrees and lay back flat against the scope are better.

On the scopes that still have the Butler Creek caps, I turn the front one so that the cap folds down and against the barrel. There is less of a chance of snagging at least the front cap that way.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

There are also scope caps with clear or yellow lenses, so protection, non snagging, and don't have to remove or open to use.

There are, but I find that they quickly become damaged and it can become a challenge to use them. The plastic lenses scratch way too easily and then become a hindrance to shooting.

 

[d2wing]

Since the weather can be very wet with rain or snow and also, they can easily fog in the cold I use them on my deer rifles. I also use them in the safe to keep dust off the lens.

 

[Barnfixer]

I put my gun up for a shot on a whitetail and the scope was full of snow. I’ve had Butler Creek caps from that point on. I also put the front one on 90’ off clockwise so it doesn’t interfere with a light when coyote hunting.

 

[jmorris]

It’s not like they bolt on, if they are in my way, I just slip them off. The rifle I use most, in snagging/raining situations, they are see through keeping anything off the lenses of the scope while still being able to use the scope without opening either end.

It’s not uncommon for me to slip them off if I get in a blind though.