I have a Steiner GS3 2-10x42 optic with a German #4 reticle that I'm planning to mount atop my Sako 85 Bavarian Carbine in .308, and am trying to purchase scope caps/lens covers for it that aren't those awful Butler Creeks.  I emailed Steiner, and they reported that the outer objective bell diameter is 49.5mm and the eyepiece is 44.25mm.  

Normally I seem to buy Leupold and get the Alumina scope covers, as they're sturdy, slim, and useful.  However, this optic isn't threaded on both ends (only the objective end, not the eyepiece), so that's wouldn't an option even if it was threaded the same.

After much searching and researching, I stumbled across Aadland and Tenebraex.  My optic and dimensions are not represented in any matched pairs or fit charts.  

When I emailed Aadland, they needed measurements to the nearest .001" of: The objective bell outside diameter.  For the eyepiece we need the diameter of both the eyepiece housing, the diameter of the fast focus ring (if equipped) as well as how far the fast focus protrudes from the ocular housing lengthwise when screwed all the way in.  I don't have access to my calipers, and even if I did they're still cheapies.

When I emailed Tenebraex, they said they don't have anything to fit that optic or those dimensions.  Rats.

So, to the kind denizens of the optics forum:  do you know of any scope caps/lens covers that will fit the Steiner GS3 2-10x42 optic if the outer objective bell diameter is 49.5mm and the eyepiece is 44.25mm (as per the manufacturer)?  And if so, can you share their specific part number and/or UPC, so I can try to locate/order them "ala carte", since there doesn't seem to already be a matched product pair for it?

I know my setup isn't so much of a "precision rifle" setup, but I know that y'all know optics and maintain your gear.  My rifle setup is $3500, which is a decent amount of money to me, and the idea of protecting my optic's lenses with a $5 Butler Creek garbage makes me think that surely there's something better that will fit my scope.

ETA:  I'm an idiot, the rear iron on my rifle means a flip up cover won't work.  

I installed the ordered flip ups on a different rifle so they wouldn't go to waste.  Any recommendations for a neoprene or bikini type item, or are they all the same?

So even though at first glance they appear to be just an expensive version of the Butler creek, they work better?

I might have to go this route.

They are significantly better than BC caps.  I’ve never broken a defender, certainly can’t say the same about BC.

Aadland are not even on the same planet as BC or other junk heaps.

I feel like I've broken enough BCs by just looking at them in their packaging to know to not trust them for anything I value.  

Good to know these hold up, I think I'm going to order a set after hitting "reply".
That was the conclusion most people seemed to reach regarding them.  I was really hoping that the manufacturer's specs would be enough, but alas they are not precise enough.

If I don't like these Vortex ones, I guess I can always try to upgrade after I get a reliable enough set of calipers.

I got in the vortex covers, and they seem decently well designed.

However, I ran into problems when I got them attached to the scope, in that my front lens cap cannot open because it hits the rear iron sight.  D'oh

Now I guess I'll see if the rear works on my Trijicon Accupoint, and order a front if it does.  It's not worth the $15 of return shipping costs for $40 of merchandise after I had to open the packaging

Or turn it sideways?

It hits badly enough that dremeling it out would make the front cover look buck-toothed, with about a 1/2" by 1/2" square out of the bottom.  Like this .  I also don't own a dremel, on purpose (since I own firearms and don't want to become a dremel-smith).

Wouldn't taking out that much of a chunk somewhat compromise the rest of it?  It would still be more covered than not, but I would wonder that it might not seal.
The cap can only move about 1" before coming into contact with the rear iron.  I don't think turning it sideways would allow it to clear the rear with how soon in its rotation it hits.

I ordered a smaller objective lens cover, and put them on my Accupoint 1-4x24 that's on top of my CZ527FS.  They're mounted sideways so that the caps don't obstruct the light-gathering fiber optic, not because they hit the rear iron.

This experience makes me glad I didn't order Aadland equipment, only to find out then that the problem for my plan is behind the stock .

Any good non-flip up scope cover recommendations?  

There are a bunch of bikinis out there. Check out here and see what fits.  

https://www.eurooptic.com/Trijicon-Accessories.aspx

Given the intended scope, check it's diameters and see what matches yours.

Big fan of the Vortex Defender caps...Butler Creek were junk and broke...
The Vortex have  been very durable and I like how the lay flat when opened.
and at a price point that makes me happy....

Thanks for the Vortex mentions.  Out of stock at V, but available and cheaper at Brownells.

About 75% of my optics have BC flips, but I recently tried out these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07666WR4D

and won't use BC flips anymore.  I also have some of the Vortex ones, and they are pretty much the same as the ones I just posted, but considerably more expensive.  Same rubber attachment method.  The only issue with the ones I posted was that the fit on 56mm objective lenses - even with their largest size - was a tad bit too small - but that could have just been the scope body.  All in all, hands-down the best scope caps for the price.

I've used quite a few of the Monstrum caps, for the same reason you did.

I've found they have a tendency to split.

I buy Aadmount. More expensive but worth the money IMO.

I haven't even asked.

For <$10, figured they were disposable.

I have a few of those, too, but they rarely fit right.

I usually have to put tape under them.

The Vortex ones are very well made, unlike the Buttler Creek ones.

Yes, but there is very little difference - almost none - between the Vortex ones and the Monstrum ones other than the price and the logo.

Never heard of that one.

But, I've been buying better caps lately anyway.

True, but Vortex and/or Monstrum don't go too well on pricey scopes.  

I need to see if the new MKMs will fit my Leicas.  Aadlands and Tenebraex don't.

Amen!

Attached File


About this image.  A couple non-flip cap questions:

Can anyone tell me what is on the foreend of this rifle?

Does it do anything much beyond occupy space and (I think) provide a couple rounds of ammo storage (on each side)?

I can understand the stock pad, which can hold rounds, a drop card, and be a cheek cushion.

Also, it looks like he is shooting a short fat round, and is part of Hornady.  Comparing it to his finger, its shorter than .308.

What caliber do you think it is?  6.5G?  6mm ARC?

Oh, and does the Hornady sticker/decal really change levels or did it shift because of the lens shade?

The thing on the side is a Short Action Precision 2 round holder.


No and usually it is only on 1 side of the rifle - the side action opens to for easy / quick loading of a round or 2 in a pinch usually during competition of maybe hunting.

OK, I actually thought that was part of the big tan/coyote piece forward of the rounds.   That is what I was asking about.

But now that I know those exist I will grab one for my CTR in .223.