Protective covers to protect weapon light lenses from muzzle blast/soot - Page 1

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Protective covers to protect weapon light lenses from muzzle blast/soot

Posted: 6/8/2016 4:33:10 AM EDT

You'd think Surefire or Streamlight would have some sort of slip-on rubber cover available to protect weapon light lenses from muzzle blast/soot during training or plinking. I found some covers at work that are used to protect cable terminals on new servo motors, and they slip tightly onto my Streamlight Protac rail mount, but are just a tad too small for my Surefire G2X.

I know about the vaseline trick, and that the soot can sort of be cleaned off with toothpaste, but it'd be nice if there were some simple covers available to protect the lens from getting dirty in the first place.

I've tried searching the net for such an item, but haven't had any luck. Does such a thing exist in the commercial market anywhere?

ETA Pics. Please excuse the crappy pics, dog hair, etc.

As you can see, this is a very simple rubber cover, not unlike the material used to make grips on tools such as pliers and electrical strippers:

Here it is on my Streamlight Protac RM1:

Posted: 6/8/2016 6:52:45 AM EDT

[#1]

Flip open scope cap. Butler Creek size O2A is what fits on my TRL-1s.

Posted: 6/8/2016 7:32:29 AM EDT

[#2]

A little smear of Chapstick is supposed to do the trick

Posted: 6/8/2016 7:40:02 AM EDT

[#3]

Use a condom

Posted: 6/8/2016 8:52:51 AM EDT

[#4]

Sounds like an entrepreneur opportunity.

Posted: 6/8/2016 9:30:02 AM EDT

[#5]

Ace Hardware or similar places should have a selection of rubber caps like the ones you find on new parts and things. If you could find the right size in those would be cheap and fast, or the scope cover idea is cool if you can find the right size!

Posted: 6/8/2016 10:05:34 AM EDT

[#6]

Chapstick works like a charm.

Posted: 6/8/2016 10:11:25 AM EDT

[#7]

Pencil eraser takes it right off.

Posted: 6/8/2016 1:01:38 PM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
Sounds like an entrepreneur opportunity.

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Couldn't agree more. You could even sell advertising space on them. I can see it now; Punisher light covers, Zombie light covers, Dickbutt light covers, Thin Blue Line light covers... Endless possibilities for a young, enterprising Arfcommer here.

Posted: 6/8/2016 1:14:57 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:
Flip open scope cap. Butler Creek size O2A is what fits on my TRL-1s.

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Butler Creek has "Blizzard" scope caps with a clear window:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1168198775/butler-creek-blizzard-see-through-rifle-scope-cover-clear

I use a #1 on my M600C Scout that I Sharpie'd red as a red filter cover:

It restricts the light beam slightly, but it offers protection, if that's what you're looking for, a colored filter option if you're looking for that, or in the case of the solid versions, guards against giving away your position in case of accidental white light activation.

~Augee

Posted: 6/9/2016 5:52:23 AM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:

Butler Creek has "Blizzard" scope caps with a clear window:

http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/880x660/Primary/330/330586.jpg

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1168198775/butler-creek-blizzard-see-through-rifle-scope-cover-clear

I use a #1 on my M600C Scout that I Sharpie'd red as a red filter cover:

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff502/augeekim/169C0621-C0E2-4413-8291-47471EEF1B9D_zpsvhm6fph6.jpg

It restricts the light beam slightly, but it offers protection, if that's what you're looking for, a colored filter option if you're looking for that, or in the case of the solid versions, guards against giving away your position in case of accidental white light activation.

~Augee

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Flip open scope cap. Butler Creek size O2A is what fits on my TRL-1s.

Butler Creek has "Blizzard" scope caps with a clear window:

http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/880x660/Primary/330/330586.jpg

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1168198775/butler-creek-blizzard-see-through-rifle-scope-cover-clear

I use a #1 on my M600C Scout that I Sharpie'd red as a red filter cover:

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff502/augeekim/169C0621-C0E2-4413-8291-47471EEF1B9D_zpsvhm6fph6.jpg

It restricts the light beam slightly, but it offers protection, if that's what you're looking for, a colored filter option if you're looking for that, or in the case of the solid versions, guards against giving away your position in case of accidental white light activation.

~Augee

Thanks for the pics, Augee. I really like the idea to use red Sharpie to make a light filter!

Posted: 6/9/2016 4:40:09 PM EDT

[#11]

Tape. Electrical, masking, painter's, gaffers, etc.

Posted: 6/9/2016 7:44:24 PM EDT

[#12]

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Quoted:
Tape. Electrical, masking, painter's, gaffers, etc.

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I've done the electrical tape thing as well. It works, but it's hokey as hell. I'd prefer something more suitable to the task.

Posted: 6/10/2016 11:45:16 PM EDT

[#13]

I guess I never thought about it. If it breaks while I'm training or plinking good. I know it's not gtg and to get something more robust.

Just my thought.

Posted: 6/11/2016 12:58:33 AM EDT

[#14]

I use a couple drops of oil. Comes right off with a wipe after shooting.

Posted: 6/11/2016 1:22:26 AM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
Pencil eraser takes it right off.

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Came in here to post this.

Posted: 6/11/2016 1:26:10 AM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:

Came in here to post this.

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Quoted:

Quoted:

Pencil eraser takes it right off.

Came in here to post this.

Same

Posted: 6/12/2016 8:43:04 AM EDT

[#17]

Flash hider.

Posted: 6/19/2016 12:31:48 AM EDT

[#18]

Uh...do you mean these:

Here you can see residue on the filter (I used a clear one)

http://www.surefire.com/parts-accessories/filters-diffusers-covers/f07-a-clear-filter.html

Posted: 6/19/2016 2:49:16 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
Uh...do you mean these:

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13220972_10156931681420506_4597731420385668457_n.jpg?oh=760990bf7a43b6cfe13a5ec03682fad3&oe=57E044F0

Here you can see residue on the filter (I used a clear one)
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13221426_10156931681450506_7818594119784986525_o.jpg

http://www.surefire.com/parts-accessories/filters-diffusers-covers/f07-a-clear-filter.html

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Yeah, I guess so! Didn't see those when I was searching before. But hell, $30 a pop? I'd rather use the chapstick or electrical tape methods. The things I'm talking about would be just a few dollars, if that.

Posted: 6/19/2016 6:39:39 PM EDT

[#20]

$30 is from Surefire, LAPG had them cheaper (but where out of stock when I ordered). They also have red, blue, and a beam diffuser for wider beam dispersion. Sometimes you just have to pay the price, or find another way.

Posted: 6/20/2016 8:47:15 AM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
$30 is from Surefire, LAPG had them cheaper (but where out of stock when I ordered). They also have red, blue, and a beam diffuser for wider beam dispersion. Sometimes you just have to pay the price, or find another way.

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No, I don't have to pay the price. That filter is nice and all but more than what I'm looking for. All I want is a simple cover to use during regular daylight training/plinking. My needs are covered by what I found at work, but there is interest in an item like this and it'd be nice if there were a cheaper option available.

Posted: 6/20/2016 1:59:03 PM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:

No, I don't have to pay the price. That filter is nice and all but more than what I'm looking for. All I want is a simple cover to use during regular daylight training/plinking. My needs are covered by what I found at work, but there is interest in an item like this and it'd be nice if there were a cheaper option available.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
$30 is from Surefire, LAPG had them cheaper (but where out of stock when I ordered). They also have red, blue, and a beam diffuser for wider beam dispersion. Sometimes you just have to pay the price, or find another way.

No, I don't have to pay the price. That filter is nice and all but more than what I'm looking for. All I want is a simple cover to use during regular daylight training/plinking. My needs are covered by what I found at work, but there is interest in an item like this and it'd be nice if there were a cheaper option available.

Hence the whole "or find another way" part of my original post. I got the covers due to the fact that upper is going to be my HD rifle once I get the stamp (right now it sits as a pistol). I don't want to worry about taking a cover off when I should be worried about securing the safety of the others in my home. Plus the way I look at it, that $30 is going to spread out over time, and spending $30 every so often to protect a $260 part? Chances of replacing that filter enough times to pay for a new head is little to none. Again, either pay the price or find another way to accomplish the mission. Your choice.