Hmm. I don't use covers while hunting with my Husky setup, just for storage and transportaion.But I have seen lenses scratched on very nice optics. I personally think more scratches happen through improper cleaning pratices than anything else.But things happen in the field and lenses do get scratched. It's a chance I'm willing to take cause my scope is older and cause these animals can hear a pin drop from 1 mile away they don't have big ears for nothing and the extra movements don't help either.For my other rifle setups I take no chances I use them, but they are both custom, expensive, I mainly use these as target rifles not hunting rifles.If your rifle setup is a tool made for hunting, treat it as such clean and maintain it but be prepared for a few minor nicks and scratches.It's what I do.