PantherCity:
Over the years, I have used nearly every method that you've considered. Here are my thoughts regarding the ones you've mentioned:
Clear Lens Swaro-style Caps - too heavy for what they are, too noisy clanking and clunking during removal, but most importantly, way too clumsy to remove or take off in a hurry. I cannot figure out why Swaro supplies such a useless cover with their scopes.
Butler Creek Covers - I have these on several scopes, and the only problems I've experienced are caps opening while stillhunting through the thick stuff and losing a cap (one time) in the same environment. Luckily, I re-traced my steps and found the cap later. The fit and function seems to be hit-and-miss for me. Some fit well, and some don't. The huge benefit of these is that they are very inexpensive, so you can try 'em without wasting much money if they don't work for you.
Leupold Plastic Flip-ups - I have these on a Mark IV scope mounted on an AR in 6.8SPC that I use occasionally for whitetail. They fit better than the Butler Creek, presumably because they were tailor-made for that scope. This is not a bad option because they are not terribly expensive, but they are not available for many scopes.
Leupold Alumina Covers - I have these on a VX-3L scope (with the funny-shaped objective) because Butler Creek doesn't make anything to fit. I was hesitant to spend that much on covers, but since they were the only option for that scope, I splurged. Yes, they are expensive and heavy (by backpacking standards), but they have all the advantages of the Butler Creek covers and none of the disadvantages, plus they don't look like an afterthought! If you have to have covers, and you have a Leupy, I think these are worth the investment.
Scopecoat-style Neoprene Covers - I've been using these almost exclusively these days. They are cheap, lightweight, provide more protection for the entire scope, and very versatile. I don't bother with rubber bands or anything like that (Scopecoat has some with retainer loops, if that interests you). I stillhunt with them installed on the scope, and when I come upon game, I just pop it off and stick it in a pocket in one coordinated, fluid move - easy, peasy!
Horn Hunter SnapShot - I have not used this, or even seen one in person, so these comments are based on a fair bit of conjecture. This cover is relatively inexpensive, and it looks like a good cross between flip-ups and a Scopecoat. One issue I see is that it appears to me that the elevation turret is left exposed. Also, I'm not sure I'd like the "clump" of neoprene above the scope, obscuring my field of view. Honestly, I don't think I'd prefer these over a standard Scopecoat. It's hard to beat simplicity.
I hope this helps!
Regards,
Scott
