scope covers
 

Testing new concept in scope covers. They are called Shoot-Thru, the system has interchangeable lenses and the lenses you can actually see through them. Shot several targets at the range with the scope covers on the scope and experienced no loss in clarity

I actually missed an opportunity to take a clear, clean shot on a trophy mule deer last season, using snap off type covers.

In just the few seconds it took to unsnap the covers, realign the rifle and get a clear scope picture, the buck spooked and ran out of sight.

So, I'm looking for an alternative to the BC snap scope cover going forward.

I'd like to know more about the Shoot-Thru type covers and how they perform in the field?

I buy & use a scope knowing those opportunities mentioned above are almost the norm.


I'm not putting anything "over" the lenses to make them LESS CLEAR or that I need to do anything before I can take the shot.


I already need to range the distance, adjust my objective & power (if necessary) and find a rest before placing the crosshairs and squeezing the trigger.

I took my BC flipups off. They just seem to get in my way. I now use the neoprene cover but only during transport and storage.

I seldom use a scope cover at all except for "protecting" the scope from scraping against high grass or brush, or if I am hunting in a heavy rain or blowing snow when the lenses migh foul up in a hurry. I have tried several styles. Flip-up, bikini, slip over, etc. I prefer a simple slip over cover. Easy to remove quickly and inexpensive. As for "see through" .... not a new idea. Been around at least 40 years. The only ones I have ever had were nothing more than a plastic disk (amber and clear), and were pitiful optically.

In the mountain terrain I hunt and the amount of hiking I do with a rifle it is important to me that I have a clean clear scope to look through at a moments notice. Without covers, its inevitable that I will get leaves, pine needles, dust, dirt, etc., on my scope lenses.

I also have scope covers on my tactical rifles. My preference is to protect my investment with a set of scope covers then chance damage to expensive optics in a hunting or tactical situation.

rifle shoot-thru scope covers
 

There is a new product on the market that I am really impressed with. Shoot-Thru scope covers. I just got mine this season - sure beats taking your covers off when you need to shoot. Have you tried them?

I saw the product at the Tanner Gun Show in Denver - you should check them out.

Sounds just like what came with my Vortex scope. A basic scope cover that is clear on both ends, yes? I have been hesitant to use them for fear that they would degrade the light transmission of the scope.

The Shoot-Thru scope covers look similar in appearance. The cover itself is a more rigid plastic and has a threaded cap the access the lenses, which are interchangeable. Lenses are a optical grade material that does not distract from the scopes clarity

Question; Would you be happy if your scope lense was made out of the same material ?

Do you see the same (quality) through a window, as you do when you are outside ?

Yeah, makes perfect sense. Pay for top quality optics then cover them up with plastic. No thanks.

Of course scope lenses should not be made out of plastic, the idea of scope covers are to protect the glass lenses. As for the window no, vision is clearer outside but if you must look through a window it is more pleasant to look through a clear window, then vision is not obstructed

I think what he's trying to say, as far as protecting your investment. I compare it to using a screen protector on a new phone, while the protector may not be the same quality it does prolong the life of the glass. If hunting where you run the risk of high debree on your lense then in say 5 years when your glass is scratched what will your quality be? If you bought the covers and they became scratched you can just replace them for way cheaper than buying a new scope. I don't use them though. Just my 2 cents

Dirt,

".......using a screen protector on a new phone"

We're not talking about looking at a phone screen here.

I saw a "stat" the other day; you have 7 seconds to pull the trigger, before the oppotunity is lost !

While I do agree we're not talking about a phone I don't believe the protector degrades the quality enough that you can't take the shot. That's on the shoot thru type. The others such as flip style, now that might take a few extra seconds of which you will never get back and really could ruin your chances of harvesting game.

I originally used the regular end to end stretch type covers but went to flip ups years ago. They are so easy to use that I cannot fathom how they would get in the way or cause a fumble.

I flip them up the moment I suspect that a deer is in the area. Only significant rain or snow will delay that. Any cover protects the lenses but, unlike see throughs, flip ups do not collect the same debris that the actual lenses would. Your sight picture is inhibited whether the snow, rain or debris is on the lenses or lense covers. No benefit there. If the covers are messed up, you might have to take them off in the field; maybe at the wrong time.

I'll stick with my Butler Creek flip ups. I've used them for years. Unless it's raining or snowing I leave them open. I'll also close them if there's dust blowing. In transport they are closed. Those see thru's or similar have been around for along time.