Riflescope covers for hunting

Elkhunting · #1 04-17-2009

Some time back I had posted an informational poll on what Alberta hunters use or don't use for scope covers while hunting. Not surprisingly, over 60% indicated they use flip-ups, if they use covers at all.

That is because, until recently, there just haven't been good alternatives, despite the many drawbacks to the flipups. Neoprenes had provided good and fool-proof protection, but were crummy in the field because of the necessity to store them somewhere after removal, and on some removal was clumsy.

An ingenious Alaskan outfitter solved it all with an instant-removal stretch neoprene that stays with your rifle. When you have the time, take a peek at the ScopeShield Alaska site via the banner ad above. No one who has used these has gone back to anything else!

wolf · #2 04-17-2009

Elkhunting, I was looking for a scope cover, did a lot of research. I heard about people loosing their flip-up scope covers and etc. ( I hate to loose an item), I found out about ScopeShield, but I could not find any review. (not a good sign) .
Searched this forum, and found one entry where you ask if anybody used it or not. ( you posted in general discussion section)
I never buy anything before reading reviews, except this time.
ScopeShield has all the features I needed, which is why I ordered it, anyway I will post a review when I get my items. I have ordered two of them. So far price is good

lynx · #3 04-17-2009

I cover my scope with a tire tube lol. Just cut a strip the width you need, stretch it over your scope. When its time to shoot flip it off. If you forget to pick it up one tire tube can make plenty of them and the cost is no problem.

wolf · #4 04-17-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynx

I cover my scope with a tire tube lol.

Pretty cool idea though

Lynx, do you have any pictures? if so can u plz pm me or attach it here?

lynx · #5 04-17-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolf

Pretty cool idea though

Lynx, do you have any pictures? if so can u plz pm me or attach it here?

No I don't have pics lol. Just think about it? Cut a tire tube sideways not length ways and stretch it over your scope. If you have a long scope get a bigger tube. Tire shops have lots of old tubes. One tube can make a lot of covers. they cover the whole scope and come off very easy when you pull it. Keeps the scope dry and clean.

wolf · #6 04-17-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynx

Cut a tire tube sideways not length ways and stretch it over your scope.

Thanks, it makes sense now. Well, I will give a try

Elkhunting · #7 04-17-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynx

I cover my scope with a tire tube lol. Just cut a strip the width you need, stretch it over your scope. When its time to shoot flip it off. If you forget to pick it up one tire tube can make plenty of them and the cost is no problem.

You would be amazed at how many outfitters used inner tubes too! Its actually a pretty good solution, especially considering they won't use flip-ups. Only downside being they don't cover the whole scopebody. I just had another outfitter order up a bunch (of scopeshields), mostly because he had run out of inner tube strips, but also because his clients were giving him a little grief about them! Anyway, if I hadn't got so nuts about scopeshields I too would probably still be back with my old inner tube strips. A single scopeshield will last me 30 years or so I suspect.

AB2506 · #8 04-18-2009

I prefer flipups. If sized right, they don't come off.

tikka boom · #9 04-18-2009

i use tire tubes on some of mine to

chuck · #10 04-18-2009

How do you lose flip ups?

rugatika · #11 04-18-2009

I put Leupold flip ups on my last scope (FX-III 6x42) and so far so good. They actually screw right onto the scope and are held in place by magnets.

Expensive though.

rugatika · #12 04-18-2009

oops dbl post

Elkhunting · #13 04-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

How do you lose flip ups?

Unless they are a perfect fit, they come off in brush, and especially when drawing the scoped rifle out of or into a rifle scabbard. When I had tried using them in the past, I went to two different retailers, and only ended up with two (out of four) that would properly fit the two scopes I wanted to cover. Settled for using electrical tape to try to keep the misfits on, before discarding entirely because they would pop open accidentally.

Rackmastr · #14 04-21-2009

Never had an issue with Flip-ups. But then, I use the Leupold ones that screw right in and are a very high quality flip-up. Still, I'v enever had anyone have problems with the Butler Creeks either.

Those scope covers on the site are interesting no doubt, but I far prefer my flip-up caps....way easier, way more durable, and way less crap hanging from my rifle.

wolf · #15 04-21-2009

ok, I got the scope covers today, posting pictures for now, I will post a review soon.

IR_mike · #16 04-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elkhunting

Unless they are a perfect fit, they come off in brush, and especially when drawing the scoped rifle out of or into a rifle scabbard. When I had tried using them in the past, I went to two different retailers, and only ended up with two (out of four) that would properly fit the two scopes I wanted to cover. Settled for using electrical tape to try to keep the misfits on, before discarding entirely because they would pop open accidentally.

Try a retailer with a wider selection, I have butler creeks on 5 different rifles with objectives from 40 mm -50 mm and they fit tight and actually are not that easy to remove. I have never had any fall off. If they are that loose that you need tape to keep them on I am thinking you dont have the right size.

Cal · #17 04-22-2009

there sure seem to be alot of these posts raving about new products lately, makes me wonder if its some new kind of spam. Go read any product review on the volquartsen hammer.. quite obviously fictious charecters making big claims about the product alot of the time. If I'm wrong no offence to the members doing them I'm sure you guys are legit. Just seems fishy how an advertizement popps up on this page and and all the sudden theres some slick sales pitch getting posted by "members".

Cal · #18 04-22-2009

Sorry, to clarify that statement about the VQ hammer I was not talking about the guys on this board. Its the reviews I read on other sites while checking it out.

wolf · #19 04-22-2009

Pros:
Covers/protects scope vs just lenses.
You will not lose it.
Price is good, similar item from cabelas is 20
Customer service and shipping is good

Cons:
Not sure about stitches, but they are better than I thought. ( tried pulling it apart)
Makes a noise when you remove the scope cover, had it over 24 hours on the scope, and it is improved a little.

Other than I am happy with the purchase.

wolf · #20 04-22-2009

edited my post, and posted a review.

Elkhunting · #21 04-23-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by IR_mike

Try a retailer with a wider selection, I have butler creeks on 5 different rifles with objectives from 40 mm -50 mm and they fit tight and actually are not that easy to remove. I have never had any fall off. If they are that loose that you need tape to keep them on I am thinking you dont have the right size.

Definitely didn't, but ran out of stores! This is a very rural area.

Wrongside · #22 04-23-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rackmastr

Never had an issue with Flip-ups. But then, I use the Leupold ones that screw right in and are a very high quality flip-up. Still, I'v enever had anyone have problems with the Butler Creeks either.

Those scope covers on the site are interesting no doubt, but I far prefer my flip-up caps....way easier, way more durable, and way less crap hanging from my rifle.

x2 Love the Leupold Flip-ups. Not cheap, though worth it IMO.