Protecting Your Investment: The Importance of Scope Covers
From the harsh realities of the field to the meticulous care of your prized firearm, the protection of your optics is paramount. A scratched lens, a foggy view, or worse, a damaged scope can ruin a hunting trip, compromise tactical performance, or even render your rifle unusable. That’s where a good scope cover comes in, and when it comes to reliable and effective protection, the name Butler Creek is synonymous with quality. This article serves as your comprehensive guide, unlocking the power of the Butler Creek Scope Cover Chart By Scope, ensuring your scope remains pristine and ready for action.
Scopes represent a significant investment, and like any high-quality piece of equipment, they deserve safeguarding. Consider the elements: rain, snow, dust, mud, and the constant potential for accidental bumps and scratches. A scope cover acts as a dedicated shield, safeguarding the delicate lenses and critical components of your optic from these hazards. They significantly extend the lifespan of your scope and preserve the clarity and precision that are so vital for successful shooting, hunting, or tactical applications.
Moreover, scope covers aren’t just about preventing physical damage. They can also help with other issues. For example, they can prevent water from getting on the lens. They may prevent the sun from directly reaching the lens and potentially causing glare. Also, they help to keep the lens clean. Scope covers are an invaluable, cost-effective way to maintain the functionality and optical performance of your investment.
Choosing the right scope cover is not merely about buying any cover; it’s about selecting one that provides the perfect fit and optimal protection. A loose cover can slip off, rendering it ineffective. A cover that’s too tight might make it difficult to deploy your scope quickly, or, in extreme cases, might damage the scope. This is where understanding the Butler Creek Scope Cover Chart By Scope becomes essential.
Understanding the World of Butler Creek Scope Covers
Butler Creek has established itself as a leader in scope cover technology, providing a range of options to suit various needs and scope designs. Each design is crafted with both protection and usability in mind, but they are not all made alike.
One popular design is the flip-open cover. These covers are hinged and designed to quickly flip open when you need to use your scope. They are generally spring-loaded and can snap into place easily to remain open while shooting. The flip-open style covers are known for their speed and convenience.
Then there’s the screw-on scope cover. These covers are designed to screw onto the threads on your scope’s objective lens and eyepiece. Screw-on style covers provide a secure and weather-tight seal, ideal for harsh environments or situations where maximum protection is paramount.
A more basic, yet still effective, style is the bikini cover. These covers are made of a flexible, often rubber or neoprene material, and essentially act like a cap for your scope’s objective lens and eyepiece. While they are the simplest design and typically least expensive, they still provide protection against the elements and scratches.
Butler Creek scope covers are generally crafted from durable, flexible plastic or similar materials that are resistant to impact and the elements. This blend of durability and flexibility allows the covers to withstand the rigors of field use while remaining easy to install and remove. The choice of material also contributes to the covers’ ability to maintain their shape and integrity over time.
Navigating the Butler Creek Scope Cover Chart
Now we get to the heart of this guide: the Butler Creek Scope Cover Chart By Scope. This chart is your key to finding the perfect fit for your scope. It simplifies the selection process, taking the guesswork out of finding the right cover sizes.
The purpose of the Butler Creek chart is to correlate scope measurements with the specific cover models that Butler Creek offers. By using this chart, you can quickly determine the correct objective lens cover and eyepiece cover size to perfectly fit your scope. You can find it on the Butler Creek website or through various retailers who stock Butler Creek products.
The chart is structured in a logical, easy-to-navigate format. Typically, you’ll see a series of columns and rows that organize different pieces of information. The primary column will list objective lens sizes, ranging from smaller models up to scopes with large objective lenses. There will be a column listing eyepiece sizes, too. Then, the most important column will specify the model number(s) of the corresponding Butler Creek covers.
How to Master the Measurement Process
Accuracy is paramount when using the Butler Creek Scope Cover Chart By Scope. Without proper measurements, you won’t be able to find the correct covers. So, grab your scope, a ruler or caliper, and let’s get started.
First, determine the objective lens diameter. This is the diameter of the front (objective) lens housing. Using a ruler or caliper, carefully measure across the outside diameter of the objective lens housing. It’s essential to measure the outside diameter because the cover will fit around the housing, not the lens itself. Ensure you are measuring to the nearest millimeter, and record this measurement.
Next, measure the eyepiece diameter. This is the diameter of the rear (eyepiece) lens housing. Similar to the objective lens measurement, measure the outside diameter of the eyepiece housing with a ruler or caliper. Make sure your measuring device is straight and doesn’t angle. Record this measurement carefully.
Now that you have your measurements, it’s time to consult the Butler Creek Scope Cover Chart By Scope. Locate the objective lens measurement in the corresponding column and the eyepiece measurement in its column. Once you find the closest measurements to your own, review the model numbers.
If you find a perfect match, you’re good to go. If your scope’s exact measurements aren’t listed, find the closest corresponding cover size for both the objective and eyepiece. When in doubt, it is generally better to choose a size slightly larger, as the flexible construction of the covers can often accommodate a range of sizes.
If your scope isn’t listed on the chart, don’t despair. The chart can’t list all scopes, and some scope companies change their model designs without a lot of notice. You can either contact Butler Creek directly with your scope measurements, or you can consider the covers with similar dimensions.
Fine-Tuning the Fit: Additional Considerations
While the Butler Creek Scope Cover Chart By Scope provides a solid foundation for selecting the right covers, several other factors can influence the fit and overall performance.
Scope design features, for example, can influence the selection. If your scope has a large adjustment dial or other protruding features, you might need to consider a slightly larger cover or a cover designed specifically for those features. Similarly, scopes with adjustable parallax or focus adjustments may need extra room in order to get the best performance.
Your rifle’s mounting configuration can also play a role. If your scope is mounted low, or if you’re using scope rings that are close to the scope’s objective bell, you’ll want to make sure the covers clear everything.
In cases where you’re between sizes, it’s generally better to go slightly larger rather than smaller. The flexible nature of Butler Creek covers allows for a degree of adjustability. However, if a larger cover feels too loose, consider adding a small piece of tape or rubber to increase the friction.
The availability of colors and styles can also influence your choice. Although functionality is key, you might want to select covers that blend with your rifle’s aesthetics, or that provide added visibility.
Where to Acquire Your Butler Creek Scope Covers
The ease of acquiring your Butler Creek scope covers is another reason they are so popular. They are readily available through a wide variety of sources.
Major sporting goods retailers often carry a selection of Butler Creek covers. These stores provide the opportunity to view the covers in person, and potentially even try them out on your scope before purchasing. Online retailers are an excellent alternative. Sites such as Amazon and OpticsPlanet offer a vast selection of Butler Creek products. The online option is great because you can shop at any time, compare prices, and read reviews. Also, gun shops often have a good inventory of Butler Creek scope covers. These local establishments can provide expert advice.
In Summary: Protecting Your Investment with Butler Creek
This comprehensive guide has provided you with the tools and knowledge necessary to select the ideal Butler Creek scope covers for your specific scope. We’ve explored the importance of scope protection, the different cover types offered by Butler Creek, and how to properly use the Butler Creek Scope Cover Chart By Scope.
Remember the key takeaways: the Butler Creek Scope Cover Chart By Scope is your best friend. Measure carefully, select the correct size, and consider the unique features of your scope. Doing these will ensure your scope is protected.
You’ve now armed yourself with the information you need to effectively safeguard your valuable optics. Don’t delay—take action now to shield your scope from the elements and preserve its performance for years to come. By following the guidance in this article, you will be able to confidently select the perfect Butler Creek scope covers to protect your scope investment.
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge, grab your scope, get your measurements, and find the perfect Butler Creek covers. Your scope will thank you for it.
