Why Bother with Scope Protection? The Essentials of Optical Care
Understanding the Need
You’ve just invested in a high-quality scope, maybe a finely crafted optic with exceptional clarity, or perhaps a ruggedized scope built for demanding conditions. But have you considered the most crucial aspect of protecting your investment? Are you actively safeguarding it from the elements and the potential hazards of the field, range, or wherever your adventures take you? In the world of shooting sports, hunting, and even tactical applications, the simple act of protecting your scope can be the difference between a successful hunt, a well-placed shot, and a frustrating day. That’s where scope covers come in, and among the most popular and trusted options are the remarkable Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Covers.
This article aims to be your comprehensive guide to understanding, selecting, and utilizing these essential accessories. We will delve into the benefits they offer, explore their key features, provide guidance on proper sizing, walk you through installation, and ultimately, help you make an informed decision about protecting your valuable optics.
Before we dive into the specifics of the Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Cover, let’s establish the fundamental reasons why protecting your scope is not just a good idea, but a necessary one. A scope is a precision instrument, vulnerable to a variety of threats that can compromise its performance and longevity.
Consider the practical realities of using a scope:
- Environmental Threats: Rain, snow, dust, sand, and mud can all damage lenses. Moisture can lead to fogging, corrosion, and even fungal growth, severely impacting image clarity. Dust and debris, even seemingly minor particles, can scratch the lens surfaces.
- Impact and Abrasion: Accidental bumps, drops, or contact with rough surfaces can chip or crack lenses, misalign internal components, and render your scope useless.
- UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can degrade coatings and potentially damage sensitive internal components, especially in scopes used for extended periods.
- Wear and Tear: Scratches, abrasions, and general wear and tear can gradually diminish optical performance over time.
Protecting your scope directly addresses these concerns. Scope covers act as a protective shield, preventing damage and ensuring your scope remains in optimal working condition. By doing so, you’re essentially guaranteeing consistent clarity, enhanced image brightness, and extended the life of your scope. A scope is often a significant investment, and proactive protection makes perfect financial sense.
Several types of scope covers exist, ranging from simple lens caps to more elaborate solutions. These include rubber lens caps, neoprene covers, and of course, the convenient and reliable flip-open designs that the Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Cover excels at.
Unveiling the Features and Advantages of Butler Creek’s Design
The Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Cover is renowned for its practical design and effective protection. Several key features set them apart:
Construction and the Strength of Materials
The covers are typically crafted from a durable, impact-resistant polymer material. This robust construction provides excellent protection against impacts, abrasions, and the elements. The material is engineered to withstand a wide range of temperatures and resist cracking or warping, even in harsh environments. The robust construction helps protect your scope lenses from the harsh realities of the outdoors.
Ingenious Design
The defining characteristic of the Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Cover is, of course, the flip-open mechanism. This feature is engineered for rapid deployment. When the need arises, the covers spring open at the push of a button or a simple flip of the lid. This quick access is invaluable in hunting situations where a moment’s delay can mean a missed opportunity, or in any situation where immediate target acquisition is paramount. Various lid designs are available to suit the needs of the user. The choice between a clear or solid lid depends on your individual preferences. Clear lids may be beneficial in certain low-light situations, allowing you to still see the target while protecting the scope. Solid lids provide maximum protection from glare and environmental factors.
Unwavering Protection
The covers are designed to provide a snug and secure fit around the scope’s objective lens (the front lens) and the eyepiece (the rear lens). This tight fit effectively seals out moisture, dust, and other contaminants that could compromise the lens’s clarity. The robust construction also provides a good level of impact resistance, safeguarding your scope from accidental bumps and drops. The design contributes to the longevity of your investment by providing the protection it deserves.
Efficiency in Action
The flip-open mechanism is designed for effortless operation. They are meant to be opened and closed with a single hand, allowing you to maintain your grip on your firearm or other equipment while accessing your scope. The covers are also engineered to stay securely in place, even during movement, so you don’t have to worry about them falling off. This convenience is a key advantage, especially in situations where speed and efficiency are critical.
Durability and Endurance
Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Covers are built to last. Their rugged construction and high-quality materials ensure they can withstand the rigors of regular use. The covers are designed to resist cracking, chipping, and fading, ensuring they will provide reliable protection for years to come. The long-term durability of these covers makes them a worthwhile investment that will continue to protect your scope in diverse conditions.
Finding the Right Fit: A Crucial Step
Proper sizing is absolutely critical for ensuring the effectiveness of your Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Cover. An improperly sized cover may not provide adequate protection, or it might not fit securely on your scope.
Measuring Your Scope: The Foundation of Accuracy
The process of determining the correct size is straightforward, and it begins with accurate measurements of your scope’s lenses. You will need to know the outer diameter of both the objective lens (the front lens) and the eyepiece lens (the rear lens) in millimeters.
Here’s how to measure accurately:
- Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a digital or precision caliper. A ruler can work in a pinch but might not be as precise.
- Measure the Objective Lens: Carefully use the caliper to measure the outside diameter of the objective lens. Close the jaws of the caliper, ensuring they are snug against the outer edges of the lens housing, not the glass itself. Take note of the measurement in millimeters.
- Measure the Eyepiece Lens: Repeat the measurement process for the eyepiece lens.
- Double-Check: Measure each lens at least twice to ensure accuracy. Slight discrepancies can affect the fit.
Navigating the Size Charts
Butler Creek provides detailed size charts to assist you in selecting the right covers. These charts list the available cover sizes, along with the corresponding lens diameter ranges they accommodate. You can easily find these charts on the Butler Creek website or through authorized retailers.
- Locate the Charts: Find the size chart corresponding to the style of Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Cover you are interested in.
- Match Your Measurements: Find the size that corresponds to both your objective lens and eyepiece lens diameters.
- Consider the Fit: A slightly tighter fit is preferable to a looser fit, as it will help ensure a more secure seal. However, don’t force a cover onto a scope that it clearly doesn’t fit.
Scope Compatibility: A Wide-Ranging Partnership
Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Covers are designed to be compatible with a wide range of scopes, including those from leading manufacturers in the industry. However, it’s important to verify the sizing and fit for your specific scope model, especially for scopes with unusual lens shapes or features. It’s always recommended to check the Butler Creek size chart for confirmation.
Installation and Implementation: Making the Fit
Installing Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Covers is generally a quick and easy process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Identify the Correct Covers: Ensure you have the correct size covers for your objective lens and eyepiece lens.
- Align the Hinges: Align the hinge of the cover with the preferred position on the scope.
- Apply Pressure: Firmly push the covers onto the scope housing.
- Secure the Fit: Ensure the covers fit snugly and securely. They should stay in place without easily detaching.
- Test the Flip Mechanism: Open and close the covers to ensure they function correctly.
Maintenance and Care
- Cleaning: Periodically clean the covers with mild soap and water, especially if they are exposed to mud, dust, or other debris.
- Inspection: Regularly inspect the covers for any signs of damage, such as cracks or chips.
- Storage: Store your scope with the covers closed when not in use to protect the lenses from dust and other elements.
Evaluating the Good and the Not-So-Good
Like any product, Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Covers have both advantages and potential drawbacks:
The Positives
- Speed and Readiness: The quick flip-open design allows immediate scope access, a vital feature in many applications.
- Robustness: They are constructed from durable materials that are designed to withstand the test of time and resist harsh conditions.
- Selection: The extensive range of sizes ensures a fit for many scope models.
- Ease of Use: They are simple to install, and their one-handed operation streamlines handling.
- Affordability: They provide excellent protection at a reasonable price point.
The Considerations
- Potential Loosening: If the covers aren’t sized correctly, they may become loose, though this is usually not a problem with accurate measurements.
- Peripheral Obstruction: Some users may notice a slight obstruction of their peripheral vision, especially with larger covers.
Exploring Alternatives: Weighing Your Options
While the Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Cover offers many benefits, you might also want to consider alternatives. These could include simple rubber lens caps, neoprene covers, or other designs, depending on your specific needs. Assess the level of protection required and compare it to the ease of use you seek, and your personal preferences.
Finding Your Set: Where to Acquire These Covers
You can purchase Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Covers from a wide variety of sources. Online retailers like Amazon, OpticsPlanet, and others, and physical gun stores offer a diverse selection, enabling you to compare prices and explore the choices. Always purchase from reputable sellers.
Concluding Thoughts: Protecting Your Investment
In conclusion, the Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Cover is a valuable investment for any scope owner. They provide a quick, easy, and effective way to protect your valuable optics from the elements, impacts, and the daily hazards of use. By taking the time to properly measure your scope and select the right size, you can ensure a secure and reliable fit that will help keep your scope in top condition for years to come. Whether you’re a hunter, a competitive shooter, or simply someone who appreciates quality optics, the Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Cover is an essential addition to your gear.
