Anyone Make Their Own Lens Covers?

Combloc · Jan 26, 2020

I have a couple Armalite Scopes that need lens caps. Obviously, the chances of finding originals are pretty much 0% so I was thinking of making my own. I'm not that creative so I was thinking of making something very simple out of cardboard just to keep the dust out. And when I say "making something", I'm thinking crude as crude can be. We're talking wetting some thin cardboard, curling it to shape and then sealing it off with a cardboard end. BUT, I'd like something less field expedient that I don't have to worry about it marking the finish over time on a highly collectible optic. A cardboard cover won't do that but rubber will. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Here is a picture of the scopes I'm working with:

These are old-school 1972 built Hakko units made for Armalite. One is mine and one belongs to a friend. While the intent is to use them, they must also be preserved (including the finish) as best as possible so rubber is out of the question. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you!

RCH · Jan 26, 2020

How about a Scopecoat?

https://shop.scopecoat.com/Standard-Scopecoat-3MM_c7.htm

Combloc · Jan 26, 2020

That might be a good option. I could also just use some latex strips cut to length:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIUebiOx7GU

Thanks for the idea. Any an all suggestions are welcome!

OMCHamlin · Jan 26, 2020

Combloc said:
That might be a good option. I could also just use some latex strips cut to length:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIUebiOx7GU

Thanks for the idea. Any an all suggestions are welcome!

Just go with a Scope Coat... The originals were sold with leather (or leatherette) lens covers.

John from MD · Jan 26, 2020

Combloc said:
I have a couple Armalite Scopes that need lens caps. Obviously, the chances of finding originals are pretty much 0% so I was thinking of making my own. I'm not that creative so I was thinking of making something very simple out of cardboard just to keep the dust out. And when I say "making something", I'm thinking crude as crude can be. We're talking wetting some thin cardboard, curling it to shape and then sealing it off with a cardboard end. BUT, I'd like something less field expedient that I don't have to worry about it marking the finish over time on a highly collectible optic. A cardboard cover won't do that but rubber will. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Here is a picture of the scopes I'm working with:

These are old-school 1972 built Hakko units made for Armalite. One is mine and one belongs to a friend. While the intent is to use them, they must also be preserved (including the finish) as best as possible so rubber is out of the question. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you!

Buy the small bikini cover, it should fit those.

E.Shell · Jan 26, 2020

You could match it up with Butler Creek caps:

https://www.butlercreek.com/content/PDFs/scope-cover-measurement-guide.pdf

Bikebreath · Jan 26, 2020

Cut the fingers off of some latex gloves and stretch over the ends. It's very tight for big scopes, but seems like just the right size for examples you've shown.

I have used the bottoms of plastic pill bottles and used heat to shrink them a little. Some of have been an exact fit without shrinkage.

Qbeam · Jan 26, 2020

E.Shell said:
You could match it up with Butler Creek caps:

https://www.butlercreek.com/content/PDFs/scope-cover-measurement-guide.pdf

This. Take a quick measurment, match it up, and good to go.

Q

outrider58 · Jan 26, 2020

E.Shell said:
You could match it up with Butler Creek caps:

https://www.butlercreek.com/content/PDFs/scope-cover-measurement-guide.pdf

If you're worried about friction wear, get the next size up and pad it out with gorilla tape.

Combloc · Jan 26, 2020

All excellent ideas. Thanks guys, you've given me food for thought!

StantonCree · Jan 26, 2020

Could you mold Kydex caps over a PVC pipe of similar size? I’ve never worked with Kydex. Then glue leather to the inside.

Or just buy PVC end caps and glue leather or similar to the inside

Uncle Duke · Jan 26, 2020

A band cut from an inner tube has covered many a scope.

Combloc · Jan 26, 2020

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! It's winter and I needed something to fill my time so I ended up going the overengineered route by making a set out of laminated card stock and colored them with permanent magic marker. When the weather warms up, I'll overspray them with some clear lacquer and call it done. I didn't color the insides for fear the magic marker ink may react with the anodizing on the scope body over time. They aren't fancy but they will do the job just fine and the rear one just perfectly clears the ears on the sight protector. Now, every time I use them, I'll have the memory of the fun I had making them. YaY!!!! Making stuff from nothing is fun!! LOL

Bob A · Jan 30, 2020

I have a pair of 8x20 binoculars. The objective lenses are right up to the front edge of the lens barrel, and I was worried that even carrying them in a pouch would cause wear on the lens coatings. So I got a couple of these from Ebay. (Took a while to get here from China.) They fit just fine. Cheap enough that I figured if they didn't work, I'd just toss 'em.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rifle-Scope-Objective-Lense-Lid-Lens-Cover-Quick-Spring-Protection-Flip-Up-Cap/183911968774?hash=item2ad201f006:m:m6rZXVKuoA3Hq8ok1uISNCA

Magnumite · Jan 30, 2020

I haven't seen them is quite some time but I like the bikini covers.

Melnic · Jan 30, 2020

My eldest is my go to guy for 3D printing projects and this gave me some ideas on home made caps with 3D printer. I'm sure its been done plenty of times though.
My 3rd son is starting Cad in HS this year and its going to be a simple design so maybe I'll have him do this one.
Puting a custom logo on the outside may be difficult cause ideally, its WAY easier to print them flat down. But I can put something on the inside. Maybe denoting what scope it goes onto.
I have a large roll pin spare set so maybe I'll have him make some flip ups too.

Edit: yup, many people do this:
https://www.yeggi.com/q/scope+cap/

Maybe I'll have him put an MDS logo on a flip up cap?

Anyone Make Their Own Lens Covers?

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