Do you own a rifle scope? Then, you surely need the best rifles cope lens covers. Sometimes it may not seem like it, but while shooting in the open, all types of damages can occur to your unit. Obviously, that’s why it should be protected.
This is especially true for the lens as it’s responsible for the clearness and sharpness of the views. Unless it’s in a nice shape, shooters won’t be able to find their targets and get to them. However, not all lens covers are the same. They come in various types, shapes, and sizes depending on the size of the rifle scope. Some are even in the form of caps that should exactly fit the diameter of the scope in order to be fully efficient.
These are only some of the details you should have in mind before you go on a hunt for the right cover for your scope’s lens. But don’t worry as we are here to extend a hand and show you all models and tips you should know. So, let’s go!
Top 3 Picks: Best Rifle Scope Lens Covers
BEST VALUE
Allen Reversible Neoprene Scope Cover, Camo/Black
– Maximum supported length of riflescopes: 10 inches
– Small diameter: 44 millimeters
– Colors: black and mossy oak camo
BEST OVERALL
Vortex Optics Sure Fit Riflescope Covers
– Dimensions: 9.75×6.45×2.8 inches
– Supported size of riflescopes: from 9 to 11.5 inches
– Weight: 0.02 kilograms
– Color: black
BEST PRICE
Monstrum Rubberized Flip-Up Rifle Scope Lens Covers
– Diameter: from 1.02-1.22 inches to 2.16-2.44 inches
– Color: black
– Material rubber
Quick Comparison: 9 Rifle Scope Lens Covers
1) Vortex Optics Sure Fit Rifle scope Covers
Weight: 0.02 kilograms
Supported size of rifle scopes: from 9 to 11.5 inches
Dimensions: 9.75×6.45×2.8 inches
2) Butler Creek Flip-Open Eye-Piece Scope Cover
Weight: 0.05 pounds
Operating temperature: from 40 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
Dimensions: 3×3.94×6.75 inches
Material: plastic
3) Leupold Scope Cover
Color of finish: black
Warranty: full lifetime
Size of the small cover: 8.5 inches with an objective of 20 millimeters
4) Vortex Optics Defender Flip Caps
Diameter of E-10: 1.6-1.8 inches
Flipping angles: 45 degrees and 90 degrees
Material: stainless steel
Diameter of O-24: 1.1-1.2 inches
5) Monstrum Rubberized Flip-Up Rifle Scope Lens Covers
Diameter: from 1.02-1.22 inches to 2.16-2.44 inches
Color: black
Material rubber
6) Allen Reversible Neoprene Scope Cover
Maximum supported length of riflescopes: 10 inches
Small diameter: 44 millimeters
Colors: black and mossy oak camo
7) ScopeGuard Alaska Neoprene Scope Covers
Weight: 0.02 kilograms
Color: black and gray
Material: neoprene
Dimensions: 11.8×3.8×0.8
Maximum supported size of scopes: 16-18 inches
8) Mossy Oak Neo Scope Cover
Weight: 0.02 kilograms
Color: black and gray
Material: neoprene
Dimensions: 11.8×3.8×0.8
Maximum supported size of scopes: 16-18 inches
9) Yosoo 32mm Dustproof Scope Cover
Color: black
Material: rubber
Diameter: 1.3 inches
Weight: 12-21 grams
Insights of the Rifle Scope Lens Covers
Although some may consider lens covers to be easy to shop for, in truth, it’s more complicated than that. Like any other accessory to the scopes, they should possess certain qualities. Predominantly, they are related to the protection of the lens by keeping external conditions like dust, debris, water, and others from entering and damaging them.
For this reason, you should be careful which product you end up with. What follows are some of the top ones that are worth checking out.
Gear Odds Recommendation
Vortex Optics Sure Fit Rifle scope Covers
The thing that comes in really handy to people is that the cover comes in various sizes and dimensions. Moreover, you can choose between small, medium, large, and extra large. Due to this, it can fit multiple models of rifle scopes.
Another important aspect is that they are thick enough and designed to keep the scope safe from damages and external conditions. Dust, debris, dirt, and similar to them can do nothing to it. What’s more, the cover is waterproof and durable. This is to save users money and help them utilize it longer without the need to frequently purchase a new one.
However, despite this, people complain about certain downsides. They are related to the cover being a bit snug or sloppy for some rifles copes.
Butler Creek Flip-Open Eye-Piece Scope Cover
This cover is very easy to put on and use. For starters, it can be opened with the help of a thumb and adjusted to fit the users’ needs. To protect the scope and prevent water from entering inside, it has a semi O ring and watertight mount that seals the scope. Not to mention that this keeps dust outside, as well.
When it comes to shooting when the conditions are rough, the cover makes it possible thanks to the big button that should be pushed for a fast opening to appear. It operates with a spring mechanism, leaving the optics both protected and with a chance of exposure in order for users to find the shot they are looking for. Those that are worried about getting noticed, shouldn’t be as the hinges of the spring are quiet.
Aside from this, it’s worth noting that the product can handle a wide range of temperatures and its weight is very low. But buyers have issues with a wrong product being sent to them by the seller.
Leupold Scope Cover
The fact that this lens cover is made of durable materials indicates that it’s worthy of the users’ attention. More precisely, it consists of neoprene that’s nylon-laminated and able to withstand water. That way it prevents possible damages while the riflescope is being used outdoors in changing conditions.
What people find as useful is that it works well both when the riflescope is in action and when owners store it. Thanks to this, the lens is protected all the time. And it’s suitable for riflescopes made by Leupold. In fact, there are multiple sizes to pick from, depending on the scope you own.
Leaving this aside, users speak of some cons like issues with quality control and the model being too small for some scopes.
Vortex Optics Defender Flip Caps
Although this is a more expensive cover than the rest, it’s very durable and versatile. Since it’s in the form of flip caps, users can completely cover their riflescope’s lens. The caps are made of stainless steel and can be adjusted into multiple positions. Some of them include vertical position and two angles of 90 degrees and 45 degrees. Speaking of the vertical position, it allows people to place the dope disk so that they can get to it quickly while shooting.
But it should be noted that the caps can’t fit every Vortex riflescope. Moreover, they aren’t suitable for the Viper scope with a tube of one inch. This is a downside for potential buyers but not a serious one considering all the premium features this model possesses.
Monstrum Rubberized Flip-Up Rifle Scope Lens Covers
When it comes to protecting the lens and the rifle tube, this is among the tightest models. The fact that it’s made of rubber contributes to its ability to cover the tube entirely and stop debris and dust from entering and damaging the lens.
Thanks to the mechanism that is based on springs, the covers can flip open and close when not in use fast. That way users can be sure that they are used optimally and their riflescope is protected at all times. However, you should be careful about the measurements as people don’t always get them right. The key is to measure the outside diameter of the scope rather than the objective diameter. Also, you should take into consideration the eyepiece together with the objective bell.
Still, some users report difficulties with the installation.
Allen Reversible Neoprene Scope Cover
When you first look at this product, you can notice that it comes in two colors – camo and black. One side is black and the other camo. This gives buyers the freedom to utilize it in different surroundings. The camo version even helps them blend in nature without falling into the target’s eyes.
Another detail is that this model completely covers the riflescope and doesn’t slip to uncover it by accident. Because of this, shooters use it mainly when the scope isn’t in use and is being stored. Due to the fact that its size varies, it can fit almost all brands and riflescopes.
Aside from this, though, users report that the neoprene material that this cover is made of tends to be thinner than some of the others on the market, which is why they think of this as a downside.
ScopeGuard Alaska Neoprene Scope Covers
Made by Veterans of the US. Army, these covers go fully over the lens and the scope, keeping it away from harm’s way. The lens can stay like this until the moment a target appears and a shot has to be made. With the so-called keeper loop, the cover can stay on the forearm after the release. That way it can’t get easily lost while you’re shooting outdoors.
Aside from this, it’s stretchable so that it can exactly fit various models of riflescopes. Not to mention that because the rims of the scope are sealed, the lift, pull tab, and release removal of the slingshot are able to work seamlessly. Just for this to work, the scope should be somewhere in the middle of the fit range of the cover in order to operate and fit well.
However, as possible cons users report the buckle being susceptible to breaking and losing and the high price.
Mossy Oak Neo Scope Cover
This one comes in two sizes – small and medium in an attempt to cover many models of scopes from multiple brands. And it does a nice job with this.
Among the top features it offers are low weight and an attractive appearance with a special camo color. Also, it’s made of high-quality materials to help it prevent damages to the lens and be able to completely shield the scope from external malicious conditions.
Yet it should be mentioned that the cover doesn’t go to the part of the scope where the rail is located but rather there is an empty spot left between the bottom and the rifle that remains uncovered.
Mossy Oak Neo Scope Cover
Those that want to get a cover that’s both durable and lightweight will find pleasure in this one. It’ in the form of a cap that covers an objective or ocular lens, preventing them from breaking or getting damaged.
Since it’s made of rubber, it can fit multiple scopes and can be utilized on different occasions. The black color only contributes to the overall pleasant appearance and looks elegant on the scope. Not to forget, it has a flip design with hinges for simple operation and increased efficiency. Moreover, thanks to this, the lens can be closed fast before dust and debris can enter. And they can be clean even when the scope isn’t in use.
Finally, to make it suitable for more models of scopes, the manufacturer made this product in various sizes. But be careful to measure exactly how large the lens is before making the purchase. Connected to this, a downside connected to this cover is that an error in the size from 1 to 3 millimeters may appear due to the measurements in the manual.
Buying Guide for Buyers
Materials
When it comes to the material the lens covers are made of, rifle scopes are some of the most versatile. That’s because these covers can be made from nylon, polyester, rubber, neoprene, and more. While each material has its own positive sides and less positive ones, many industry players are confused as what would be the overall best. The debate is still ranging on.
For instance, covers that you have to pull on represent another item on the list that should be carried around in your bag or backpack. And that may mean additional weight and more spent time. It is understandable why many users have these on the rifle scopes that they don’t utilize very often.
Rubber covers, on the other hand, are great for usage in the field. As such they’re more suitable for rifle scopes that you use regularly. Additionally, they’re very durable and don’t easily break down over the course of their usage.
So, we’ll advise you to let your preferences and current professional needs guide you to the lens covers’ material. With that being said, if you have the chance, don’t hesitate to try out different materials and see which one is more adequate.
Durability
The quality of the design and the attention that the company that manufacturers the particular lens covers are vital when determining their durability. In short, if the cover doesn’t fit the rifle scope and isn’t able to efficiently protect it, you don’t need such a cover. After all, they don’t usually give them for free. So, when you pay for something, you expect it to last longer and not fall apart shortly after the purchase.
Lens Covers’ Pins
When we’re talking about the pin in lens covers, we refer to the steel pin of rubber caps that enables the user to flip them up. It’s one of the defining factors of the effectiveness of the caps. And in this section, we’ll talk about how strong the steel pins and their durability.
Moreover, with the fewer quality pins, you have to pull the cover all the way up for it to stay that way for the duration of the rifle scope usage. It’s different with tougher pins. With them, the covers only have to be slightly moved and they’ll go up all on their own. This increases efficiency.
The fact stands that the durability and the strength of the pins decrease as time passes. That’s why covers aren’t bought once and forever, but they are changed when they stop performing the function they’re supposed to perform. Still, it’s important to kick off the usage with sturdy pins and, thus, more quality caps.
Size and Measurements
When you take a look at all the sizes that exist for rifle scope lens covers, it would be enough to give you a headache. That’s why they don’t say in vain that this is one of the reasons why you should know the measurements and the size of the actual rifle scope.
Rubber caps typically have more available sizes than pull-on covers. They can be made to fit only a specific curve of the lens or just a typical brand of rifle scopes.
As we mentioned, pull-on covers also have plenty of sizes, but they tend to be less specific.
Waterproofness
One of the basic reasons why people get lens covers is to prevent drops of moisture or water from entering the lens system. If that happens, the lens can easily fog up, decrease the overall visibility, and ruin the quality of the visuals that the user receives on the other end.
Quality covers deal with this and take care to keep the scope as safe as possible from these types of external conditions. To be more precise, they create a seal that stops water from coming inside the rifle scope.
Thanks to that, users can operate with their equipment in harsh conditions, during rain and in rainy areas and easily carry on with their task – be it hunting, wildlife watching, and similar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How much do lens covers of rifle scopes weigh?
Answer: Basically, there is no universal weight for all lens covers. Some are heavier, whereas some are less so. Generally, they don’t weigh much. Some claim that most lens covers, which are available on the market, have a weight of less than an ounce.
Q. Why should I buy lens covers?
Answer: While a variety of reasons exist, it all boils down to two main ones. The first one is for protection while using the rifle scope. These covers can shield the fragile lens from external conditions and from any damages that may render the entire rifle scope useless. The second one refers to storing rifle scopes. When you don’t use the scope, you can’t put it in your garage just like that with an open lens. Due to the lens cover, no dust or debris or similar particles can damage the lens system. Afterward, when you want to use the rifle scope again, the lens will be totally fine.
Q. How regularly should I replace the lens covers of my rifle scope?
Answer: The answer to this question is directly linked to the covers’ durability, which we previously talked about. More quality covers will naturally last longer. Still, a random incident can seriously damage your covers, so in that case you have to replace them. Experienced users say that on average they have changed the covers from six to eight times over the course of utilizing their rifle scopes.
Q. Are there lens covers for left-handed users?
Answer: It’s true that left-handed users can have troubles with certain lens covers. However, manufacturers have seen this issue and have come up with solutions to remedy the situation. Those are lens cover types, which have ambidexterity features. For those who aren’t exactly familiar with that, it means that all users, no matter which hand they predominantly use, can easily work with them.
Final words
Having in mind that the lens covers aren’t very expensive when compared to the actual rifle scopes on which they’re put, one of the primary factors to consider is the personal preferences of each user when they’re going shopping for lens covers. Also, the adequate size is right here near the top of priorities as they can come in a wide variety of sizes that can easily confuse even experienced industry players. Of course, there are other features to consider, too. Regardless, the importance of the covers and the necessity of owning them remain undisputable.
What’s your take on the best rifle scope lens covers? Have you owned some before? Which one is your favorite if you already have experience with them? Feel free to drop us your thoughts and opinions on the matter!
