Let’s Dive into Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers
The Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers offer a simple yet effective solution for protecting your valuable optics from the elements. Manufactured by Butler Creek, these flip-open scope covers promise to keep dust, rain, and snow off your lenses while still allowing you to see through them in a pinch. Having spent countless hours in the field, I’ve learned that protecting my optics is paramount, and these covers piqued my interest with their promise of clear visibility even when closed.
I was consistently battling moisture and debris interfering with my sight picture during hunts. I needed a solution that was quick, quiet, and reliable. I considered the standard Butler Creek flip-open covers and some neoprene scope coats, but the Blizzard covers seemed to offer the best of both worlds: protection and on-the-fly visibility.
The Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers arrived in simple packaging, and my initial impression was positive. The polymer construction felt sturdy, and the flip-open mechanism seemed smooth. Compared to the all-black Butler Creek flip-open covers, the transparent lenses of the Blizzard Covers give it a unique, almost futuristic look.
I was excited to try them out. My initial feeling was optimistic. I appreciated the seemingly robust build and the promise of a clear sight picture, but I reserved my final judgment until I could test them in real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers was at the local shooting range on a mildly overcast day. I fitted them onto my primary hunting rifle, a .30-06, and my spotting scope. Mounting them was straightforward after I carefully measured my scope’s objective and ocular lens diameters and selected the correct sizes.
They performed well in the relatively dry conditions. The flip-open mechanism was silent, as advertised, and the covers stayed securely in place during recoil. The visibility through the clear lenses, while not as crisp as without the covers, was certainly good enough for target acquisition at close to medium ranges.
There were no immediate issues, but I did notice some slight distortion through the lenses at longer distances. This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers during various hunting trips and range sessions, I have a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. They’ve held up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches on the lenses from brush and handling, but nothing that significantly impairs visibility.
Durability seems adequate for typical field use, although I wouldn’t recommend subjecting them to extreme abuse. Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe with a lens cloth removes most dirt and grime. Compared to using no covers at all, or relying solely on lens cloths, these covers offer a significant improvement in protecting my optics from the inevitable wear and tear of outdoor use.
Overall, the Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers have met my expectations. They’re not perfect, but they offer a good balance of protection, convenience, and usability.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers
Specifications
The Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers are constructed from durable polymer. The lenses are made of optical-grade polymer designed for light transmission and clarity. The covers are available in various sizes, ranging from Size 1 (1.0 – 1.05 inch) to Size 11 (2.3 – 2.40 inch) to fit a wide range of scope diameters.
The covers are black and feature a silent, spring-loaded flip-open mechanism. The stated additional feature is an Objective Cap. These specifications are important because they directly impact the product’s ability to protect your scope while maintaining visibility and ease of use.
Performance & Functionality
The Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers perform their primary job of protecting the scope lenses admirably. They effectively shield against dust, rain, and snow. The see-through lenses allow for quick target acquisition in close-quarters situations, although the clarity is reduced compared to an uncovered lens.
Strengths include the silent operation, secure fit (when properly sized), and the added layer of protection. A notable weakness is the potential for distortion at longer distances when viewing through the lenses. They meet my expectations for basic scope protection with the added benefit of see-through capability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers feature a simple, functional design. The polymer construction is lightweight, and the flip-open mechanism is easy to operate with one hand. The covers fit snugly against the scope body, preventing them from snagging on brush.
The design is user-friendly. There’s no learning curve involved in their operation. The ambidextrous design is a plus for both right- and left-handed shooters.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction of the Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers suggests a reasonable lifespan under normal use. While not indestructible, they are resistant to impacts and scratches. Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe with a lens cloth is usually sufficient to keep them clean and clear.
The spring-loaded mechanism is a potential point of failure over time, but so far, it has proven reliable. Regular cleaning and careful handling will likely extend their lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers do not come with any additional accessories beyond the covers themselves. There are no specific customization options available directly from Butler Creek. However, the covers are compatible with most standard scopes.
While you can’t customize the covers themselves, you can certainly choose different sizes to fit various scopes or combine them with other scope accessories like sunshades or anti-reflection devices.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers
Pros
- Offers excellent protection for scope lenses against dust, rain, and snow.
- Provides see-through capability for quick target acquisition in close-quarters situations.
- Silent, spring-loaded operation ensures no spooking of game.
- Easy to install and use with an ambidextrous design.
- Durable polymer construction for reasonable lifespan.
Cons
- Visibility through the lenses is not as clear as without the covers, with potential distortion at longer distances.
- The spring-loaded mechanism is a potential point of failure over time.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers?
The Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers are perfect for hunters who often encounter inclement weather or dense brush. They are also well-suited for tactical shooters who need quick target acquisition in dynamic environments. These covers are a solid choice for anyone looking for affordable and reliable scope protection with the added benefit of see-through capability.
Those who prioritize absolute clarity and long-range precision might want to skip this product. Consider alternatives that offer superior optical clarity when open. A competitive shooter who never shoots with covers on will probably not benefit from these.
Essential accessories might include a high-quality lens cleaning kit to maintain clarity and prevent scratches on the polymer lenses.
Conclusion on Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers
The Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers offer a practical and affordable solution for protecting your valuable optics. While not perfect, they strike a good balance between protection, convenience, and usability. The see-through lenses provide a valuable backup sighting option in close-quarters situations, making them a worthwhile addition to any hunter’s or shooter’s gear.
At a price of $9.89, the value proposition is excellent. They offer a significant level of protection and functionality for a minimal investment. I would personally recommend the Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable way to protect their scope lenses.
Protect your investment and gain a tactical edge. Grab a set of Butler Creek Blizzard See Thru Rifle Scope / Spotting Scope Covers today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your optics are protected and ready for action.