Where are the expert elk hunters here??

[Laramie]

Unfortunately, the master of all masters was banned a while back. Hopefully some of us lesser stags can offer some assistance. lol


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I use a Neoprene cover until daylight. Then I'm bareback for the rest of the day until dark.

Spit out my coffee... thanks

 

[Jbehredt]

Neoprene cover if it’s snowing otherwise bareback.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

OP I used to always use flip caps. Absolutely LOVED the Alumina caps (still do) for Leupold but this forum made me sell all my Leupold scopes even though they worked fine. For the Trijicons I was using the Vortex Defender caps but they rely on friction and I hate that they move so I'm probably going to pickup something with a tension screw of sorts. I recently bought a NF scope, because Rokslide made me, and it came with a rubber bikini stretch thing. I immediately threw it in the garbage upon opening the box, but then fished it out and tried it on. I think I'm going to try to use it next time I hunt (probably not this year, wife should get a tag instead) and see how it does. It appears to be a tight enough fit to lock out moisture and it's stretchy enough I should be able to just grab it and rip it off in a hurry. I don't care for neoprene covers because they add so much bulk, but this rubber/silicone really doesn't add much.

You need to be an expert elk hunter to answer a scope cover question?

This is Rokslide, if you answer a question you're automatically an expert.

 

[Geewhiz]

I'm definitely an expert elk hunter.

Elk killer though...?

 

[TaperPin]

I’m an expert at poking fun at elk hunters. If you like to hand hold your rifle while walking around, which is often a smart thing to do, neoprene sheds water just fine. If the rifle is shoulder carried in strong rain, one end of the neoprene sheds water and one end is a bathtub if enough moisture gets in there.

The cute little scope tents or full rifle condoms that are seen on RS, are…well…interesting. This is the exact model used by some well known Roksliders - when placed over the scope and receiver of the rifles it sheds rain and dust.



Flip up caps seal well and it doesn’t matter which direction the rifle is carried. Many scopes today have less eye relief than they should and flip up caps reduce it even more. The main downside is if a flipper is opened and a single drop of water makes it in, the cap can’t be closed or it will fog up the lens. In a rainstorm I have been known to ask a young hunter if there is moisture under the flipper just to have them open it and get water on it they have to fight with. It’s better to learn when you aren’t shooting at an animal to keep them closed and don’t listen to Pops’ trickery.

 

[Geewhiz]

I always use a neoprene cover on my scopes regardless of conditions. I feel that it keeps the lenses clear, and also protects my non-locking turrets and it keeps my scope from getting bumped and scratched.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Well pretty much just hunt elk in Sept… so can’t help an elk expert I do hunt mule deer in Nov with a rifle, I scope caps, & electrical tape. If it’s snowy I will keep a rifle cover on for the hike in and while sitting and glassing.
Recently bought a scope/ action cover from a fella’s website on here that will replace that. R&s wild I think…

 

[Indian Summer]

I have always used Butler Creek Caps. They do the job until one of the caps snaps off which is regularly. I just put a Leupold VX5HD on a gun. I definitely want caps but I’m looking for something better built. But I think I’m also go to throw either a neoprene or rubber bikini on too with 1 or 2 zip ties in the middle to try to prolong the life of the caps.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

I have always used Butler Creek Caps. They do the job until one of the caps snaps off which is regularly. I just put a Leupold VX5HD on a gun. I definitely want caps but I’m looking for something better built. But I think I’m also go to throw either a neoprene or rubber bikini on too with 1 or 2 zip ties in the middle to try to prolong the life of the caps.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Alumina caps, well worth the $ IMO. I just wish they made them for Trijicon scopes. lol

 

[Ross]

Front alumina cap, with neoprene cover when wet, which where I hunt is 70% of the time. Bluebird day neoprene off using nothing back in the day cost me several opps. Nothing worse than a scope covered in wet pine needles, moss and you name it

 

[LongWayAround]

I like the see-thru bikini caps. Easy on/off and you can sight through them if a quick opportunity were presented.

My partner uses the gun slicker (GoHunt?).

 

[tttoadman]

i put the butler flip cap on the top when strapped to the pack even dry just to keep something from scrathing. hunting in the rain i always carry my gun sitting nearly horizontal to keep rain off. I try to never have caps on when hunting. I always have the shade tube on also. I think it helps keep junk out. I also tape the barrel.

 

[WeiserBucks]

This might be the most sideways thread This week.

 

[Hoosker Doo]

i put the butler flip cap on the top when strapped to the pack even dry just to keep something from scrathing. hunting in the rain i always carry my gun sitting nearly horizontal to keep rain off. I try to never have caps on when hunting. I always have the shade tube on also. I think it helps keep junk out. I also tape the barrel.

I also just put one see through Butler Creek flip cap on the objective end of my scope. Keeps dust and moisture off when slung over the pack or shoulder and can take quick shot with it flipped down if needed (although my thumb hits it open upon shouldering naturally).

I've never had a BC flip cap break. If I'm packing in or out and not hunting, I use a solo hunter. A neoprene cover while hunting in the snow cost me a shot at what would have been my best bull yet. Came over the ridge at 70 yards. Started to bring up the rifle, stopped to remove cover, shouldered and watched him slip into the timber through the scope. Those 2 seconds still haunt me

 

[HiMtnHntr]

I use scope caps and a neoprene cover for transport and in foul weather.

 

[claybreaker]

Butler Creek here and many times I only use 1 (objective). Rifle cover... nah, I use a rifle that is more weather resistance (i.e. stainless or coated and non-wood), besides a cover adds weight and is something else to keep up with. Good Luck.

 

[Pony Soldier]

I have scope caps from uncle mikes for all my rifles since the 80s. They lost the lawsuite with one of the scope companies and couldn't sell them any more. Over the years I bought them at every gun show I could find.

I keep them on until I need to shoot. They have never hampered a kill.

 

[Bowhunter50]

Far from an expert elk hunter but I’ve used a simple neoprene cover and electric tape over the muzzle and have done well in snow and rain

 

[Marble]

I use the NF caps. Something i learned years ago is keep a small piece of TP in each of my scope, under the cap. I only do this on daus where it's really wet or usually, when it's snowy. Often times moisture works it's way in there. The TP absorbs it and is ready to use to wipe the lens in case you need to really quick. It's saved me a few times.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

 

[35WhelenAI]

Butler Creek for me for 20 years or more as well. Never an issue. In what situations do they break for those that have had bad experiences? I've only heard they are cheap and break, but not how they broke. Agree they can let a bit of moisture in, however that's in the extreme in my experience and not as a general rule. Been taping the muzzle for 30 or more years, easy peasy solution.