Rifle Scopes Protecting Your Glass: What Do You Use and Why?

[Underaverage]

Hey all. I just recently finished building my first ever precision rifle. The glass was the final piece that I purchased to finish it off (I got an Athlon Ares ETR 4.5 - 30x56; I'm quite pleased with it considering the discount I got for it and the quality that it yields for the price point). My problem is that the scope did not come with any method to protect the eyepiece and objective lenses. I looked on Athlon's website and they don't have any solutions for glass protection.

I really like to try to take great care of my stuff, and I'm sure many people feel the same since some of you all on here drop $4k on glass and somehow get excited about selling 1/4th of your soul to the optics Gods in exchange (LOL).

So my question is this: How do you protect the glass on your scope? Why do you choose that solution over other solutions out there on the market? What would be a good solution for my Ares ETR since it has a 56mm Objective lens?

 

[wvlapua]

Tenebraex or Aadmount scope caps for the lenses. Vet tape to protect the exterior

 

[Eoddave27]

I’ve been using the Vortex defender caps on all my scopes but one. It has the Tenebraex covers on it. The Tenebrex eyepiece covers are a lot nicer. I don’t think there is much of a difference in the defender and Tenebrex covers for the objective given the difference in price. I don’t have any experience with the Aadmount covers.

 

[Underaverage]

Tenebraex or Aadmount scope caps for the lenses. Vet tape to protect the exterior

My concern with scope caps is the potential for the lids of the caps (particularly on the eyepiece side of the scope) would get in the way of seeing the turrets of the scope when trying to maintain my cheek weld between shots/while making adjustments.

 

[Eoddave27]

The vortex caps will lay all the way down out of the way. You can also spin them to the side

 

[Underaverage]

The vortex caps will lay all the way down out of the way. You can also spin them to the side

That's good to know. Thanks for that info.

 

[wvlapua]

They fold flat. If it's an issue, rotate it out of view

 

[wvlapua]

All 3 are solid products. However, the defenders do tend to loosen up over time.

 

[elmuzzlebreak]

Get a solid set of caps to run on the scope (Aadmount or Tenabraex).

For cleaning I would pick up some AR safe cleaner and lens tissues which you can find on Amazon. As far as a cleaner I think NF cleaning kits have a product by spudz. Also add in a lens brush and an air bulb. Personal preference I avoid the lens pens because the carbon tip, which you use to clean the glass is a great way to grind something into your lens.

 

[littlepod]

Since Athlon has a pretty rock solid warranty -

Your Athlon Optics product is not only warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product. Athlon will also repair or replace, at no charge to you, your product if you should damage it through normal use. No receipt needed, no registration required. This is a commitment that Athlon will be the best product you can buy for your money.

I haven't worried too much about banging it up. I know a lot of folks who basically just have bikinis on their scope to throw in their range bag, but once it's out of their bag they take off the bikinis and it stays uncovered for the entire match. Haven't seen anyone have their scope damaged. For mine I run the $10 butler creek caps, rotated to stay out of my way.

 

[Underaverage]

Since Athlon has a pretty rock solid warranty -

Your Athlon Optics product is not only warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product. Athlon will also repair or replace, at no charge to you, your product if you should damage it through normal use. No receipt needed, no registration required. This is a commitment that Athlon will be the best product you can buy for your money.

I haven't worried too much about banging it up. I know a lot of folks who basically just have bikinis on their scope to throw in their range bag, but once it's out of their bag they take off the bikinis and it stays uncovered for the entire match. Haven't seen anyone have their scope damaged. For mine I run the $10 butler creek caps, rotated to stay out of my way.

See I feel like this accurately describes my personal preference. I don't want the clunkiness of scope caps (even ones that lay flat). I also think the rifle looks much more sleek and much cleaner without scope caps. A bikini cover would protect the glass during transport and help keep dust and particles off during storage. But once I get to the match, the bikini cover comes off and I'm off to the races.

Problem is, I don't know of any bikini covers that are big enough to cover a 56mm objective lens... Lol.

 

[jhr1986]

I use Vortex Defender caps. They're inexpensive compared to aadmount or tenebraex and probably not as nice, but they are miles better than Butler creek caps. I haven't used the high end caps but I'm broken my fair share of Butlers. Have yet to break a Defender cap on my Razors - I think they are the best value in scope caps.

Just noticed you like bikini type covers. Nightforce makes one for 56mm objective scopes, part number is A202. Obviously not guaranteed to fit yours but being rubber I bet it would work.

 

[footn]

If you're just looking for protection during transport, scopecoat neoprene covers. I have them on all my scopes.
jk

 

[Bkultra]

problem is, I don't know of any bikini covers that are big enough to cover a 56mm objective lens... Lol.

I believe the ZCO (56mm) ships with A bikini cover, perhaps someone that owns one could let you know the brand.

 

[stello1001]

Tenabreax

 

[Steel head]

Vortex defenders.

 

[NorthWesterner]

I believe the ZCO (56mm) ships with A bikini cover, perhaps someone that owns one could let you know the brand.

I don’t know the brand. I run Aadland caps on my zco. Can’t go wrong with Aadland or tenebrix.

 

[FormerFarmer]

If you're just looking for protection during transport, scopecoat neoprene covers. I have them on all my scopes.
jk

I have the XP6 in X-large on my Ares ETR.

https://shop.scopecoat.com/XP-6-Flak-Jacket-X-Large-155-X-60MM-11XP06.htm

 

[Sprayed99]

I believe the ZCO (56mm) ships with A bikini cover, perhaps someone that owns one could let you know the brand.

I have both of their offerings. They ship with clear plastic end covers that have a rubber band material holding them on. They also come with a neoprene bikini cover, but are tight as hell. Mine all wear Tenebraex covers.

 

[Underaverage]

I don’t know the brand. I run Aadland caps on my zco. Can’t go wrong with Aadland or tenebrix.

Well if you aren't using the bikini cover that came with your ZCO and it would fit my scope would you possibly be interested in selling it? Lol.

 

[Shooter45]

I put scope caps on every rifle that has a scope. Used to always be the Buttler Creeks but after they changed ownership their quality went to hell and I've broken more than I can count. Switched to the Vortex and fell in love. The fitment is excellent along with the quality. As other have said, they lay nearly flat, but you can also angle them to not obstruct the turrets. They're cheaper than the competition and come with the warranty in case they did break. I've been switching all my scopes over to them as the other ones break.

 

[NorthWesterner]

Well if you aren't using the bikini cover that came with your ZCO and it would fit my scope would you possibly be interested in selling it? Lol.

Yes I would sell it. Haha hate those things.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

I use the butler creek bikini covers one my ATACRs, i just couldn't learn to like the Tenebraex covers. The rear cap would come off easily and the mounting collar struck me as janky. The BC covers are like $9.00 and they fit my 5-25x56 and 4-16×42 just fine.

 

[Trek]

+Tenebraex - they clip back and are solid, no issues. Depending on use, I’ve found adding a sunshade adds a little accident insurance when mounting into slotted barricades (I’m not always so precise)... friction tape for hold and bracing.

 

[Underaverage]

I use the butler creek bikini covers one my ATACRs, i just couldn't learn to like the Tenebraex covers. The rear cap would come off easily and the mounting collar struck me as janky. The BC covers are like $9.00 and they fit my 5-25x56 and 4-16×42 just fine.

I checked out the butler creek ones but I'm scared that the scope is so long that the rubber of the bikini cover will end up breaking. I may just order one and see how it works out since they are so cheap.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

It'll fit my 5-25X56 ATACR with the sunshade on it but that's about the limit so 19" give or take. Despite the Butler Creek flip caps being crap the rubber they use on the bikini covers is fair dinkum good.

 

[Underaverage]

It'll fit my 5-25X56 ATACR with the sunshade on it but that's about the limit so 19" give or take. Despite the Butler Creek flip caps being crap the rubber they use on the bikini covers is fair dinkum good.

My scope overall length is only 15" so it should work. I just ordered one to try. Once this COVID craziness is over we gotta get together and shoot!

 

[10ring'r]

I'm poor, I've been using B.C. caps for years and really haven't had any issues with them, but, I don't drag my guns/scopes thru the sand, or bash tree limbs either. On my latest scope purchase, I splurged and got a ScopeCoat and use that for when the safe gets a little full, to keep from knocking a turret off, or something. Mac

 

[shoobe01]

To be complete: RDS are just out in the open. The one in the bedroom is up against a wall of sorts, so has a hotel keycard propped up to keep dust off the optic, another off the magnifier.

Magnified scopes get Aadland. They fold flat, but also are mounted so they are out of my field of vision. Right and up-ish generally. They never come off, never move, never pop open on their own, etc.

All push on types come off when you need them not to. I picked up a bunch of them off the trail at an R-n-G once. I think, not even really trying, I had 6 when I dumped them on the scorekeeper table at the end.

 

[Underaverage]

To be complete: RDS are just out in the open. The one in the bedroom is up against a wall of sorts, so has a hotel keycard propped up to keep dust off the optic, another off the magnifier.

Magnified scopes get Aadland. They fold flat, but also are mounted so they are out of my field of vision. Right and up-ish generally. They never come off, never move, never pop open on their own, etc.

All push on types come off when you need them not to. I picked up a bunch of them off the trail at an R-n-G once. I think, not even really trying, I had 6 when I dumped them on the scorekeeper table at the end.

Good info. Thanks for the input. This is what I love about this forum. The community is amazing and is always willing to help

 

[chrome]

Also recommending Aadland for all the reasons mentioned above.

Curious to getting specific around those who wrap their scopes in some type of protective tape. Is this the product you are referring to:

https://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Adherent-Adhering-Cohesive-Horse/dp/B07MB6S5WR

 

[Trigger Monkey]

Yes, that's it more or less. There's also McNett Camo Form tape if you want a specific camo pattern like digital, multicam, or kryptek.

 

[tihz_on]

AAdland Caps, camou tape, and a padded scope cover(cheap insurance here) at matches.

 

[Doctorwho1138]

Tenebraex or Aadmount scope caps for the lenses. Vet tape to protect the exterior

I second Aadmount scope caps. Have not used Tenebraex but heard great things about them. Butler Creek works but they aren’t durable, ie i have broken more than I care to admit. I am about to order another set for a new scope I just bought but not working for a month is starting to take its toll.

 

[Doctorwho1138]

Here are a couple of photos of two of my rifles. One has the Aadmount and the other Butler Creek. The Aadmount feels stronger, stay on, and flip completely out of the way.

 

[Quarter Horse]

My vote goes to Scopecoats. During either transport or storage they protect lenses from debris and smudges as well as the scope bodies from being marred. The marring is a particular problem if your rifles are always in a safe. If I remember correctly, they used to take your dimensional requirements at make you what you needed. I'll call them next week.

 

[Krob95]

Aadland caps are the way to go IMO. Have a set on my S&B and plan on getting another set for my other S&B that has ... Butler creek caps on it. Aadland caps are expensive but they warranty any damage done to them and they also lay flat which is nice.

 

[R0CKNR0LLKL0WN]

I know the feeling of wanting to protect your investment. I’m a Nightforce guy through and through and have been super happy with the Tenebreax caps that come with all the ATACRS. I also wrap all my all my scopes with Mcnett Camp Form tape and can’t say anything bad about it. Cheap and protects well. I’ve also heard that Aadland caps are fantastic as well, but don’t have any personal experience with them.