Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
- Thread starter Tactical22
- Start date
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
Not lens caps... had them on my wyoming elk hunt.. one broke day one the other day two.. butler creek is JUNK!!!!
Not lens caps... had them on my wyoming elk hunt.. one broke day one the other day two.. butler creek is JUNK!!!!
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
there are more producers of lens caps than only butler creek ...
yes. butler creek will break in a not-benchrest-environment rather soon.
bikinis can stand alot more, but are prone to be lost/forgotten.
there are more producers of lens caps than only butler creek ...
yes. butler creek will break in a not-benchrest-environment rather soon.
bikinis can stand alot more, but are prone to be lost/forgotten.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: threetrees</div><div class="ubbcode-body">there are more producers of lens caps than only butler creek ...</div></div>
Please tell... I would like to know the alternatives.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: threetrees</div><div class="ubbcode-body">there are more producers of lens caps than only butler creek ...</div></div>
Please tell... I would like to know the alternatives.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DVC Guns</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: threetrees</div><div class="ubbcode-body">there are more producers of lens caps than only butler creek ...</div></div>
Please tell... I would like to know the alternatives. </div></div>
get in contact with schmidt&bender.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DVC Guns</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: threetrees</div><div class="ubbcode-body">there are more producers of lens caps than only butler creek ...</div></div>
Please tell... I would like to know the alternatives. </div></div>
get in contact with schmidt&bender.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
so far i always got bikini covers with all my scopes. but those could also be a gift from my gunsmith ... all i know is that s&b is testing flip lens-caps which (supposedly) are more durable than flip covers from other producers.
so far i always got bikini covers with all my scopes. but those could also be a gift from my gunsmith ... all i know is that s&b is testing flip lens-caps which (supposedly) are more durable than flip covers from other producers.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
I love the leupold one. Every leupold that I own that can take them has them. Well though out and worth the money.
I love the leupold one. Every leupold that I own that can take them has them. Well though out and worth the money.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
I've been unhappy with both. Lately I have been putting a baby sock over the objective lens.
The one good thing about a lens cap is it shrouds the ocular adjustment/focus ring. If another shooter tweaks the focus you will know because the cap will be canted to the left or right.
I've been unhappy with both. Lately I have been putting a baby sock over the objective lens.
The one good thing about a lens cap is it shrouds the ocular adjustment/focus ring. If another shooter tweaks the focus you will know because the cap will be canted to the left or right.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
On the M40A1 I always used the bikini type covers or a nylon "sock" type scope cover that someone, somewhere sent us.
Most of my current rifles have Butler Creek covers on them. They are simple and I don't have to worry about loosing them. They are also a great place to keep my "quick dope". I must be the only guy on the planet who can do a full stalk and not break a cover. I have popped them open on occasion, but I usually notice before I break it off.
I still usually keep a rubber bikini cover for emergencies. They also work great for keeping water off the lenses. Just don't store your rifle with them on if you have been in the wet. They can trap moisture in there and do nasty things.
On the M40A1 I always used the bikini type covers or a nylon "sock" type scope cover that someone, somewhere sent us.
Most of my current rifles have Butler Creek covers on them. They are simple and I don't have to worry about loosing them. They are also a great place to keep my "quick dope". I must be the only guy on the planet who can do a full stalk and not break a cover. I have popped them open on occasion, but I usually notice before I break it off.
I still usually keep a rubber bikini cover for emergencies. They also work great for keeping water off the lenses. Just don't store your rifle with them on if you have been in the wet. They can trap moisture in there and do nasty things.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
are there any companies that produce an aftermarket bikini cover?
are there any companies that produce an aftermarket bikini cover?
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
I like the Butler Cr. on the eye end and I cut the objective end of the bikini with some of the strap left on it and zip tie it to my scope
With the adjustable objective on my USO the flip up cap would bother me when shooting with both eyes open if I had the objective turned to 400+ yards.
It would be nice is there was a better option. The BC's break easy and the rubber on the bikini covers rot out and crack
I like the Butler Cr. on the eye end and I cut the objective end of the bikini with some of the strap left on it and zip tie it to my scope
With the adjustable objective on my USO the flip up cap would bother me when shooting with both eyes open if I had the objective turned to 400+ yards.
It would be nice is there was a better option. The BC's break easy and the rubber on the bikini covers rot out and crack
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
LoneWolf I must be one of the other few that have not had too many issues with BC caps. The set I have on my NF F1 right now is the same set that has been on several of my other scopes through comps and range trips. I've been using BC caps for multiple applications from flashlights to scopes and I haven't had many issues. The nice thing are BC caps is that they are readily available and inexpensive enough that should something happen to it, it isn't a huge problem to replace it.
In regards to bikini covers I would like to have a set of the S&B covers but at $40 a pop no thanks. The Butler Creek rubber bikini covers are ok and I pretty much only use them as a back up set of lense covers now. I had an issue with a set on my F1 at a comp where the rear portion flipped over the ejection port without me knowing it and gave me issues.
I would say that Weaver is about the only company that I know of that is making another viable slip on lens cover with their Polar Caps. The only downside is that they aren't as widely available.
LoneWolf I must be one of the other few that have not had too many issues with BC caps. The set I have on my NF F1 right now is the same set that has been on several of my other scopes through comps and range trips. I've been using BC caps for multiple applications from flashlights to scopes and I haven't had many issues. The nice thing are BC caps is that they are readily available and inexpensive enough that should something happen to it, it isn't a huge problem to replace it.
In regards to bikini covers I would like to have a set of the S&B covers but at $40 a pop no thanks. The Butler Creek rubber bikini covers are ok and I pretty much only use them as a back up set of lense covers now. I had an issue with a set on my F1 at a comp where the rear portion flipped over the ejection port without me knowing it and gave me issues.
I would say that Weaver is about the only company that I know of that is making another viable slip on lens cover with their Polar Caps. The only downside is that they aren't as widely available.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scotch egg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">are there any companies that produce an aftermarket bikini cover?</div></div>
Butler Creek
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scotch egg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">are there any companies that produce an aftermarket bikini cover?</div></div>
Butler Creek
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
Thanks guys. I lost the nightforce whilst out hunting and need a replacement.
Thanks guys. I lost the nightforce whilst out hunting and need a replacement.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
Nevermind...saw you were England not here in the states lol. SA fail on my part.
Nevermind...saw you were England not here in the states lol. SA fail on my part.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
I like flip covers bur I'm actually thinking about just running a rear cover and an ard to protect the objective lens in the field bikini covers can be a pain and take too long to get off in a hurry IMO as for lens covers not being durable if you bash anything around enough ur gonna break it and I can't see why you would be bashing ur rifle around with them open anyway
I like flip covers bur I'm actually thinking about just running a rear cover and an ard to protect the objective lens in the field bikini covers can be a pain and take too long to get off in a hurry IMO as for lens covers not being durable if you bash anything around enough ur gonna break it and I can't see why you would be bashing ur rifle around with them open anyway
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
I have found that buying Butler Creek caps is the same as throwing money away. My last match I broke both caps on my scope, and I've broken lots of BC caps before that. I'm done pissing my money away on them.
I have found that buying Butler Creek caps is the same as throwing money away. My last match I broke both caps on my scope, and I've broken lots of BC caps before that. I'm done pissing my money away on them.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
It seems to me that the older BC caps were more durable than new ones. Yes, I have broken some, yes I have lost some. However, in my opinion they are hard to beat for the $5 each. Do bikini covers work? Yes. Are they easy to take off in a hurry, not really.
Until a better product comes along, I'll stick with the BC caps.
It seems to me that the older BC caps were more durable than new ones. Yes, I have broken some, yes I have lost some. However, in my opinion they are hard to beat for the $5 each. Do bikini covers work? Yes. Are they easy to take off in a hurry, not really.
Until a better product comes along, I'll stick with the BC caps.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
I used to like BC caps and hate everything else. Now...too flimsy, and always open when you don't want them to. The only bikini covers I like are the kind with a hard rubber disc in front and back that fit objective and ocular well, and that have thick rubber straps (reminiscent of heavy duty solid bungees) that I can paracord or zip tie to the scope. I have not found a consistent manufacturer, though
I used to like BC caps and hate everything else. Now...too flimsy, and always open when you don't want them to. The only bikini covers I like are the kind with a hard rubber disc in front and back that fit objective and ocular well, and that have thick rubber straps (reminiscent of heavy duty solid bungees) that I can paracord or zip tie to the scope. I have not found a consistent manufacturer, though
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical .22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used to like BC caps and hate everything else. Now...too flimsy, and always open when you don't want them to. The only bikini covers I like are the kind with a hard rubber disc in front and back that fit objective and ocular well, and that have thick rubber straps (reminiscent of heavy duty solid bungees) that I can paracord or zip tie to the scope. I have not found a consistent manufacturer, though
</div></div>
Swarovski make the best bikini strap I have seen. Thick strap with "see through" lens covers. I think SWFA sells them.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical .22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used to like BC caps and hate everything else. Now...too flimsy, and always open when you don't want them to. The only bikini covers I like are the kind with a hard rubber disc in front and back that fit objective and ocular well, and that have thick rubber straps (reminiscent of heavy duty solid bungees) that I can paracord or zip tie to the scope. I have not found a consistent manufacturer, though
</div></div>
Swarovski make the best bikini strap I have seen. Thick strap with "see through" lens covers. I think SWFA sells them.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
not BC scope caps because I've had too many break. So either bikini covers, or even better scopecoat.
not BC scope caps because I've had too many break. So either bikini covers, or even better scopecoat.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
My older BC caps have lasted for decades with no problems ever. It's the ones made more recently that are junk. I heard somebody bought out BC and Uncle Mikes and moved the manufacturing to China. Sounds typical. This would be a great time to start a business to compete with BC.....except for the uncertainties in business economics right now.
I wish someone made screw-in caps like Leupolds that were compatible with other brands, but at a more reasonable price. Not likely though unless all the manufacturers went to standardized thread diameters.
My older BC caps have lasted for decades with no problems ever. It's the ones made more recently that are junk. I heard somebody bought out BC and Uncle Mikes and moved the manufacturing to China. Sounds typical. This would be a great time to start a business to compete with BC.....except for the uncertainties in business economics right now.
I wish someone made screw-in caps like Leupolds that were compatible with other brands, but at a more reasonable price. Not likely though unless all the manufacturers went to standardized thread diameters.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
I've got a bikini cover set that has a separate cover for the eye and the objective. They attach to the scope via a loop and stay attached to the scope when you pop them off.
I'll take a look at the brand or snap some pictures when I get home.
I've got a bikini cover set that has a separate cover for the eye and the objective. They attach to the scope via a loop and stay attached to the scope when you pop them off.
I'll take a look at the brand or snap some pictures when I get home.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: OldTex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I heard somebody bought out BC and Uncle Mikes and moved the manufacturing to China. Sounds typical. This would be a great time to start a business to compete with BC.....except for the uncertainties in business economics right now. </div></div>
You're probably right on that one. My wife broke her front cap over the weekend at a Mid-range match while shooting. The spring flipped it into the air in front of me. Hard use? I don't think so.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: OldTex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I heard somebody bought out BC and Uncle Mikes and moved the manufacturing to China. Sounds typical. This would be a great time to start a business to compete with BC.....except for the uncertainties in business economics right now. </div></div>
You're probably right on that one. My wife broke her front cap over the weekend at a Mid-range match while shooting. The spring flipped it into the air in front of me. Hard use? I don't think so.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
I've had good luck with the butler creeks myself. My duty gun has the same set that's been on it for years. carried all over, beat around, drug through stalks. Maybe the old ones held up better than new ones.
I've had good luck with the butler creeks myself. My duty gun has the same set that's been on it for years. carried all over, beat around, drug through stalks. Maybe the old ones held up better than new ones.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
I like the bikini that came on my Nightforce much better than the butler creek caps on my Mark 4. No BS with the bikini covers. I find myself always adjusting the butler creek caps... pop open unexpectedly and get snagged easily.
I like the bikini that came on my Nightforce much better than the butler creek caps on my Mark 4. No BS with the bikini covers. I find myself always adjusting the butler creek caps... pop open unexpectedly and get snagged easily.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
The older BC caps were definitely better. The news ones I have had recently have hinge pins that constantly slide out, caps won't stay closed, and the eyepiece release lever won't pop the cap open. I too have some that are several years old and do not have these issues. The new ones however are shitty.
The older BC caps were definitely better. The news ones I have had recently have hinge pins that constantly slide out, caps won't stay closed, and the eyepiece release lever won't pop the cap open. I too have some that are several years old and do not have these issues. The new ones however are shitty.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
I use a Leupold aluminum cap on the front of my NF F1 and the NF bikini cap on the back, knotted through the scope mount. If it weren't tied on, I'd lose it for sure.
I tried a Butler Creek flip up on the back, but it got in the way as I adjusted magnification. The Leupold cap is held in the closed position with magnets and works fine; the threads match those of the NF. With a few well placed hits it would probably bend or break. For now it's good!
I use a Leupold aluminum cap on the front of my NF F1 and the NF bikini cap on the back, knotted through the scope mount. If it weren't tied on, I'd lose it for sure.
I tried a Butler Creek flip up on the back, but it got in the way as I adjusted magnification. The Leupold cap is held in the closed position with magnets and works fine; the threads match those of the NF. With a few well placed hits it would probably bend or break. For now it's good!
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
I think I'm going to try a bikini on my new scope...the BC's that came with it are ridiculously hard to open...almost need a pry bar to open them! Not sure what's going on with that. The eye piece is o.k., but the obj is way too hard to open.
I think I'm going to try a bikini on my new scope...the BC's that came with it are ridiculously hard to open...almost need a pry bar to open them! Not sure what's going on with that. The eye piece is o.k., but the obj is way too hard to open.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NUTT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got a bikini cover set that has a separate cover for the eye and the objective. They attach to the scope via a loop and stay attached to the scope when you pop them off.
I'll take a look at the brand or snap some pictures when I get home.</div></div> Quake Industries Scope Boot -$6
It is tight on a 40mm obj and difficult to put on with one hand. Works on my hunting rifle though and is cheap.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NUTT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got a bikini cover set that has a separate cover for the eye and the objective. They attach to the scope via a loop and stay attached to the scope when you pop them off.
I'll take a look at the brand or snap some pictures when I get home.</div></div> Quake Industries Scope Boot -$6
It is tight on a 40mm obj and difficult to put on with one hand. Works on my hunting rifle though and is cheap.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
The Zeiss caps are good...these places sell them, but they don't list the ocular bell/eyepiece diameter:
http://www.sportsmanguys.com/category_na...5498-15502.html
http://www.opticsplanet.net/zeiss-protective-lens-caps-for-riflescopes.html
Anybody know where I can find a schematic of Zeiss riflescope dimensions?
The Zeiss caps are good...these places sell them, but they don't list the ocular bell/eyepiece diameter:
http://www.sportsmanguys.com/category_na...5498-15502.html
http://www.opticsplanet.net/zeiss-protective-lens-caps-for-riflescopes.html
Anybody know where I can find a schematic of Zeiss riflescope dimensions?
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
It would be nice to see all these great scope manufacturers make flip up caps (high quality) to compliment their very well made scopes. I have a USO and would be willing to pay for better caps. It currently has the butlers on it, and knock on wood, I have not broke them, but the damn things are a pain to close and keep closed. Maybe they could build them out of aluminum with o-rings for seals, or maybe even carbon fiber. Just saying! There is obviously a market for them. Who the hell wants to protect their $3200 scope with a damn $10 cap anyway.
It would be nice to see all these great scope manufacturers make flip up caps (high quality) to compliment their very well made scopes. I have a USO and would be willing to pay for better caps. It currently has the butlers on it, and knock on wood, I have not broke them, but the damn things are a pain to close and keep closed. Maybe they could build them out of aluminum with o-rings for seals, or maybe even carbon fiber. Just saying! There is obviously a market for them. Who the hell wants to protect their $3200 scope with a damn $10 cap anyway.
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
I was at first interested in the Quake Covers as I have not seen them before, Looked them up on Midway and not a single good review.... I will stick with the Bikini's. Have broken several BC's, One was broken on my Daughters .22 and I can guarantee that she babies her "baby", and at 9 years old I dont think there was much hard use.
BTW do not get Bore Scrubber on the Bikini covers, they melt almost instantly....
I was at first interested in the Quake Covers as I have not seen them before, Looked them up on Midway and not a single good review.... I will stick with the Bikini's. Have broken several BC's, One was broken on my Daughters .22 and I can guarantee that she babies her "baby", and at 9 years old I dont think there was much hard use.
BTW do not get Bore Scrubber on the Bikini covers, they melt almost instantly....
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
When using a VX3, I, now, only use the Leupold Alumina covers. They're absolutely fantastic. Now that I know they might work on a NF, I'll be looking into it.
Other than that, it's bikini's all the way.
6.5x47
When using a VX3, I, now, only use the Leupold Alumina covers. They're absolutely fantastic. Now that I know they might work on a NF, I'll be looking into it.
Other than that, it's bikini's all the way.
6.5x47
Re: Bikini Covers vs. Lens caps
The change in BC quality must be recent. I've been using them on my scopes for almost 20 years with the last ones bought about five years ago. They sure can't claim to be babied at all and I haven't had any problems either.
The change in BC quality must be recent. I've been using them on my scopes for almost 20 years with the last ones bought about five years ago. They sure can't claim to be babied at all and I haven't had any problems either.
