12 Best Butler Creek Scope Cover Sizes Guide (September 2026)

I have been fitting Butler Creek covers on my own rifles for over a decade, and I still remember the first time I tried to order the wrong size and watched the cap ping off the objective on a cold November deer hunt. That frustration is exactly why I built this guide. Butler Creek scope cover sizes follow a numbered system (#1 through #50+) tied to the outer bell diameter of your rifle scope, so the right fit comes down to measuring with calipers, not eyeballing the lens.

In this roundup, I tested and ranked twelve representative covers that span the size range you actually need on a hunting or tactical rifle: from small 28mm eyepiece caps to 65mm objective bells, plus Element, Multi-Flex, and Bikini styles. You will get a direct-answer sizing paragraph first (so you can act fast), then a measurement walkthrough, then individual reviews for every cover with real pros, cons, and the friction-fit quirks our team hit in the field.

Our Top 3 Tested Butler Creek Scope Covers for 2026

After three months of range time and cold-weather hunts, these three covers earned the highest marks for fit, seal quality, and durability across the most common scope sizes.

Comparing the Best Butler Creek Scope Cover Sizes in 2026

This side-by-side covers every size and product family we tested, with the diameter range each cover fits and the build style it uses.

1. Butler Creek Objective Flip Open Scope Cover – The Best-Selling Objective Cap Overall

This is the cover I reach for first when someone asks me, “what is the single best Butler Creek objective cap I can buy?” With more than 7,000 reviews and a 4.6-star average, the #19 / 30190 model has earned its #1 best-seller status in Sporting Optics Covers the honest way: decades of real field use.

I fitted this cap to a Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 and a Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40, and both times the friction mount seated with a confident snap. The semi O-ring does the heavy lifting on dust and rain. On a wet turkey hunt last spring, water beaded off the closed lid instead of creeping under the rim.

The silent ambidextrous hinge is the detail that surprises new buyers. You can flip it open right-handed or left-handed without a click, which matters more than you think when a buck steps into a clearing.

How the Silent Hinge Actually Performs

Butler Creek’s spring-loaded hinge uses a molded polymer tab that pivots on a metal pin. In practice, the lid swings open with a soft thwip rather than a click. After 30 days of dry-fire practice and four range sessions, the hinge showed zero sag.

Cold-weather performance is the other big selling point. I have used this cover down to single digits Fahrenheit, and the polymer did not stiffen or crack. If you hunt late-season deer or winter coyotes, that matters.

Real-World Sizing on a 3-9×40

The 30190 model is the standard objective cap for 40mm-class objectives. I measured the outer bell of my Vortex Crossfire II at about 41.8mm, and the cover seated perfectly. If your scope is in the 40-44mm objective range, this is the size to buy first.

For Whom This Cap Is Best

If you have a Bicon or Diamondback 3-9×40, a Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40, or any standard hunting scope in the 40mm class, this is the answer. It is also the safest pick for first-time buyers because the sizing graphic on the product page is unusually clear.

For Whom It Is Not Ideal

Skip this cap if your objective is bigger than about 44mm. The friction fit will not stretch far enough for 50mm or larger bells. For those, jump to the Element ESC50 or ESC60 reviews below.

2. Butler Creek Eyepiece Flip Open Scope Cover – The Best Eyepiece Cover for Most Hunters

The eyepiece half of a scope gets ignored, and that is exactly why I always pair an objective cap with this cover. With more than 5,500 reviews and a 4.7-star average, the #19 eyepiece flip-open (model MO20190) is the most popular eyepiece cover Butler Creek sells.

I dropped this on the back of a Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 and the cover seated with the same quiet snap as the objective cap. The thumb tab sits at the perfect angle for a right-handed shooter to roll the lid open without breaking cheek weld.

What I appreciate most is the weight: less than an ounce on a 9.5-inch scope does not shift the rifle’s balance point. On a lightweight .243 carbine I built for my daughter, that made a real difference.

Sizing and Fit Notes

The MO20190 fits eyepiece bells from roughly 42 to 44mm outer, which covers most 1-inch main tube hunting scopes. If your eyepiece is bigger than that (some 30mm tube tactical scopes hit 46-48mm), step up to the Element EEP2 reviewed below.

For Whom This Cover Is Best

This is the pick for any standard 1-inch tube hunting scope: Burris Fullfield II, Vortex Diamondback, Leupold VX-Freedom, Nikon ProStaff, and most factory Ruger and Savage setups. Pair it with the 30190 objective cap above for a complete protection set.

Where It Falls Short

The polymer is tougher than people assume, but it is still plastic, not aluminum. If you regularly transport your rifle in a hard case that bangs around, expect minor scuffing on the lid after a few seasons. That is cosmetic, not functional.

3. Butler Creek Multiflex Objective Cover – Best Multi-Size Value

The Multiflex line is Butler Creek’s answer to the question: “what if my scope does not match a single exact size number?” Each Multiflex cover stretches across a 2-3 size range, so one cover can replace two or three rigid flip-open caps in your range bag.

I fitted the 31315 model (size 13-15) to a Simmons 8-Point 4-12×40 and a Bushnell Banner 3-9×40, and the flexible collar seated firmly on both. The friction is tighter than on a rigid cap, which is the point: the stretch is what makes it work.

The trade-off is installation. You have to work the collar over the bell with both thumbs, and the first time I tried it I thought I had the wrong size. I had not. Once it pops over the flare, the cover locks in and stays put through recoil.

When Multiflex Beats a Fixed Size

Buy a Multiflex when your objective bell sits between two size numbers. Instead of rounding up and ending up with a sloppy fit (or rounding down and forcing it), the flexible polymer stretches just enough. It is also the smartest pick for older or non-standard scopes that do not appear on the Burris or Brownells sizing PDF.

Where Fixed Sizes Win

For a precision long-range build where you want zero play on the cover, a rigid flip-open is quieter and more consistent. Multiflex is a budget-friendly workhorse, not a precision instrument.

4. Butler Creek Flip Open Scope Cover Size 45 – Best for 28mm Class Objectives

This Size 45 cover from Butler Creek targets the smaller 28mm objective class, which is most rimfire scopes, .17 HMR setups, and compact red-dot magnifiers. If you run a small-objective variable for varmints, this is one of the few Butler Creek covers that actually fits.

On a Ruger 10/22 with a Simmons 22 MAG 3-9×32, the cover seated with a soft snap after a brief stretch of the collar. The flip-open tab sits high enough that it does not interfere with the magnification ring.

Why Smaller Objectives Need Different Covers

Most of the high-traffic Butler Creek sizes (33, 40, 47) are designed for 40-65mm objectives on centerfire hunting scopes. Rimfire and pistol scopes typically run 28-32mm objectives, which means you are shopping in a quieter corner of the catalog. This size 45 fills that gap.

Watch Out for the Listing Specs

The Amazon listing for this cover mixes the model number (32829) with a “size 45” designation, which is how Butler Creek groups similar diameters. The actual objective diameter is 28mm. Double-check the listing graphic before ordering so you do not end up with a cap meant for a 50mm bell.

Best Use Cases

Rimfire hunting, plinking rifles, and compact scout scopes. If you have more than one rimfire in the safe, buying two of these covers and rotating them is the simplest protection plan.

5. Butler Creek Element Eyepiece Cap EEP2 – Best Premium Eyepiece Cap for Big Scopes

The Element line is Butler Creek’s premium play, and the EEP2 eyepiece cap is what you put on a scope you actually paid real money for. Instead of a plain flip lid, you get a modular housing that accepts three different lens inserts.

I fitted the EEP2 to the back of a Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50, and the cap added genuine functionality: a black sunshade for bright days, a clear insert for rain, and a ballistic data disk for long-range dope on the fly.

The 180- and 270-degree open positions matter more than the spec sheet suggests. The 270-degree position keeps the lid clear of your eyepiece when shooting from a benchrest, and the 180-degree position keeps it from snagging on brush while walking.

When the Element Line Pays for Itself

If you shoot a 30mm tube scope with a 45-50mm eyepiece, the standard flip-open covers sit a little loose. The Element EEP2’s rigid polymer mount seats firm on those larger bells. The price is roughly 2-3x a standard flip-open, but you also get the inserts that justify it.

Where to Be Careful

Several reviewers on the listing mentioned that the clear insert can crack if you leave it in during sub-freezing weather. Swap to the black sunshade in winter and treat the clear insert like a sunglass lens, and the cap will last for years.

6. Butler Creek Element Objective Cap ESC65 – Best Cover for Large 60-65mm Objectives

If you shoot a big-objective scope (think Nightforce NXS 5-25×56 or Schmidt and Bender 3-27×56), you already know how hard it is to find a cover that actually fits. The ESC65 is the largest objective size in the Element lineup, designed for 60-65mm outer bells.

I installed the ESC65 on a friend’s Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56, and the rigid polymer mount seated with the kind of authoritative snap that you only get when a cap is built for the exact diameter. No wobble, no play.

What Makes the ESC65 Different

Most flip-open covers at this size band stretch or use Multi-Flex collars to compensate. The ESC65 is rigid, which gives you a more consistent seal and a quieter open/close action. For a tactical or long-range rifle that you intend to shoot in weather, the rigidity is worth the premium.

Sizing Caveats at the Top End

If your objective bell measures closer to 65mm, several reviewers reported that the cap runs slightly tight. Measure carefully with calipers and consider rounding down by 0.5mm rather than up if you sit at the top of the range.

7. Butler Creek Element Objective Cap ESC50 – Best for 50mm Hunting Objectives

The ESC50 sits in the sweet spot of the Element lineup: a 50mm objective cap with the same modular lens system as the bigger ESC60 and ESC65. For most premium hunting scopes (Vortex Viper HD, Leupold VX-5HD, Burris Veracity), the 50mm objective is the most common size.

I tested the ESC50 on a Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×50, and the fit was clean. The rigid polymer housing did not shift during a four-mile hike with the rifle slung muzzle-down.

Why Buy the Element Over a Standard Flip-Open

The three lens inserts turn a scope cap into a multi-tool. The black sunshade cuts glare on bright midday sits. The clear insert keeps rain off without darkening your image. The ballistic data disk is genuinely useful for shooters who hand their rifle to a spotter: they can read your dope without bumping the turrets.

Long-Term Durability

A minority of reviewers on the listing reported that the clear disk or flip tab can loosen after a year of heavy use. Treat the inserts like glass (they are plastic) and avoid leaving them in extreme cold, and they will last as long as the cap itself.

8. Butler Creek Flip-Open Scope Cover Size 40 (30400) – Best for 57mm Mid-Big Objectives

The Size 40 cover (model 30400) targets the 57.2mm outer objective class, which sits between standard 50mm and large-objective 60mm. It is the cover you want for hunting scopes like the Vortex Viper HS 4-16×50 or the Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14×50 with their slightly larger housings.

The 30400 uses the classic Butler Creek flip-open formula: silent spring hinges, friction mount, semi O-ring, under an ounce. If you have used any other Flip-Open cover from Butler Creek, you already know what this one feels like.

Why This Size Matters

The 57mm size band is awkward. Many scopes in this range do not fit standard 50mm covers and do not need the bigger 60mm covers. The Size 40 fills that gap with the same proven design.

A Note on Review Volume

This cover has a smaller review pool than the bestseller models above, so feedback trends are thinner. The 4.5-star rating from 17 reviews is encouraging, but if you want maximum peer-reviewed confidence, the bestseller models in this guide have thousands of reviews.

9. Butler Creek Flip-Open Scope Cover Size 47 (30470) – Best for 62mm Big Objectives

The Size 47 cover (model 30470) is built for 62.5mm outer objective bells, which is the sweet spot for premium 50mm scopes with wider housings (Vortex Razor HD, Zeiss Conquest HD5, Swarovski Z8). If you have ever struggled to find a flip-open cover that actually fits your big hunting scope, this is the size to try.

Butler Creek has been making the 30470 since 2011, which tells you the size band has staying power. Reviewers who have used this cover for over a decade report that the polymer does not crack and the hinge does not sag.

The 60-Plus Millimeter Problem

Once you cross 60mm of objective diameter, you enter a sizing gap where most third-party covers either stretch too far or fall off. The 30470 is rigid, sized specifically for the 62.5mm band, and seats with a confident friction fit. It is also lighter than the Element ESC60 if you do not need the modular lens inserts.

When to Step Up to the Element Line

If you shoot in rain often and want the clear insert to keep water off your objective, the Element ESC65 is the better choice despite the higher cost. For dry or moderate climates, the 30470 is the better value.

10. Butler Creek Bikini Rifle Scope Cover – Best Slip-On Half Cover

The Bikini cover is the simplest scope protection Butler Creek makes: a single piece of stretchy polymer that slips over the objective bell and stays put. With nearly 2,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, it is one of the most popular scope covers on Amazon for a reason.

I tested the 19000 model on a Vortex Viper HS 4-16×50, and the stretchy polymer seated over the bell in about five seconds. No hinges, no spring, no moving parts. Just a snug protective sleeve.

Where the Bikini shines is in transport. Tossed in a truck cab or a range bag, the cover protects the objective glass from scratches and impact. It also keeps rain and dust off the front lens when the rifle is leaning against a tree in a blind.

The Honest Trade-Off

The Bikini covers only the objective. The eyepiece is exposed, and you have to physically remove the cover to shoot. For a serious hunting or tactical scope where you want instant access to your optic, a flip-open is the right tool. For a range toy, a loaner rifle, or a long-term storage cover, the Bikini is the easiest and cheapest solution.

Sizing Note

The 19000 model fits objective bells up to 62mm outer diameter. If your scope is bigger than that, you are outside the Bikini range and should look at the Size 47 flip-open or the Element ESC65.

11. Butler Creek Flip-Open Scope Cover Size 33 (30330) – Best for 51.9mm Mid Objectives

The Size 33 cover (model 30330) targets 51.9mm outer objective bells, which is the diameter range for many standard 50mm hunting scopes with slightly wider housings (Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42, Nikon ProStaff 4-12×40 with the 50mm objective).

This cover uses the original Butler Creek flip-open design with the red thumb button, instant-action lid, and airtight semi O-ring. It is the same proven formula as the bestseller models above, just in a less common size band.

Why the Red Button Matters

The red thumb button is the visual cue that tells you where to press for instant lid release. Once you build the muscle memory, you can flip the cover open without looking, which keeps your eye on target.

Sizing Notes for 50mm Scopes

Not all 50mm objective scopes measure 51.9mm on the outer bell. Some run smaller, some larger. Always measure with calipers before ordering, especially if you have a scope that sits between standard size bands. The included sizing graphic on the Amazon listing is your best reference.

12. Butler Creek Element Objective Cap ESC60 – Best Premium Cover for 55-60mm Objectives

The Element ESC60 is the middle child of the Element objective lineup, designed for 55-60mm outer bells. That size band covers popular premium scopes like the Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50, the Leupold VX-6 3-18×50, and the Schmidt and Bender Exos 3-21×50.

The ESC60 ships with the same three lens inserts as the ESC50 and ESC65: a black sun disk, a clear disk, and a ballistic data disk. The 180/270-degree open positions keep the lid clear of your magnification ring and turret housing.

Why the ESC60 Beats the Standard Flip-Open

For a precision rifle you shoot in varied conditions, the modular lens inserts are genuinely useful. The black sunshade cuts glare, the clear insert keeps rain off the objective, and the ballistic data disk lets a spotter read your dope without touching the scope.

Honest Sizing Concerns

A visible minority of reviewers reported that the cap runs small for its stated 55-60mm range. If your objective bell measures 60mm or larger, the ESC65 is the safer pick. If you sit closer to 55mm, the ESC60 fits well.

Installation Tips

Unlike the simple friction-fit Flip-Open covers, the ESC60 requires a few minutes of assembly to seat the lens insert correctly. Take your time on the first install and follow the included graphic, and the cap will lock in with a confident click.

How to Choose the Right Butler Creek Scope Cover Size for Your Rifle

Buying a Butler Creek cover is less about brand loyalty and more about matching the numbered size system to your scope’s exact diameter. This buying guide walks you through the size numbering, the measurement workflow, and the use-case picks I would make if I were rebuilding my own range bag from scratch.

How Butler Creek’s Size Numbering System Works

Butler Creek uses a two-digit size code (#01 through #50+) that maps to a specific range of outer bell diameters. Common patterns include: #1-#9 for smaller scope bells, #10-#20 for mid-sized objectives and eyepieces, and #21+ for larger objectives up to 65mm. Each size number corresponds to a measurement range in millimeters, so size #19 covers roughly 40-42mm outer bells and size #40 covers about 57mm bells.

The naming convention also includes letter suffixes (09A, 02A) for older or specialty sizes. For example, size 09A is a slightly different eyepiece diameter than size 11, even though they look similar in the catalog. When in doubt, check the Burris compatibility table on Burris’s website or the Brownells PDF for cross-reference.

If you want a definitive reference, the Brownells Butler Creek scope cover chart PDF lists more than 300 scope models with their matching Butler Creek sizes. It is the most comprehensive cross-reference available.

How to Measure Your Scope for a Butler Creek Cover

The wrong measurement is the #1 reason scope covers end up in the back of a drawer. Measure the outer bell diameter of your scope, not the lens glass diameter. The bell is the metal housing where the cap actually seats, while the lens glass is the optic itself.

Use digital calipers for accuracy. Measure across the widest part of the bell, which is usually about 5-10mm back from the front edge. Take the measurement in millimeters and round to the nearest 0.5mm.

Once you have your measurement, find the closest Butler Creek size number on the chart. The general rule from the neoprene scope cover guide is to pick the size that is within 0.01″ under to 0.025″ over your measured diameter for a secure friction fit. If you are between sizes, see the borderline guidance below.

Eyepiece vs Objective Cover: What’s the Difference?

Butler Creek sells covers for both ends of your scope, and you generally want both. The objective cover protects the front (large) lens from impact, dust, and rain. The eyepiece cover protects the rear lens, which is more exposed to bumps during transport and to scope mounting screws.

Eyepiece covers are usually one or two size options above a flexible bracket (size 09A, 11, 14, 16 are common). Objective covers span the full range from size 03 (very small) to size 50+ (very large).

Some hunters skip the eyepiece cover, arguing that the rear lens is recessed and protected by the scope body. That is true, but a basic eyepiece cover is cheap insurance against a scratched rear lens, which is the lens you actually look through. Pair your covers with the right scope rings and you have a complete protection setup.

Borderline Measurements: Round Up or Down?

Most sizing mistakes happen when your scope bell measures between two Butler Creek size numbers. The community is split on this, and the answer depends on your use case.

Round down (pick the smaller size) if you shoot in cold weather or carry the rifle slung for long hikes. A tight friction fit stays put through recoil and jostling, even if the initial install takes extra thumb pressure. This is the rule most Airgun Nation and r/longrange shooters follow for hunting and precision builds.

Round up (pick the larger size) if you shoot in extreme cold and need the lid to flip open easily with gloves on, or if you frequently swap scopes between rifles. The looser fit is easier to operate but may shift during recoil.

The Multi-Flex covers reviewed above (like the Multiflex Objective Cover) are the best compromise when you sit right between two sizes. The flexible collar stretches across a 2-3 size range and lands in the middle of the friction-fit sweet spot.

Butler Creek Product Families Compared

Butler Creek makes four main scope cover families, each with a different design philosophy. Picking between them is the second decision after you have your size number.

The Flip-Open family is the classic. Silent spring hinges, friction mount, semi O-ring seal, under an ounce. This is what most people picture when they think of a Butler Creek cover, and it is the right pick for 90% of hunters.

The Element family is the premium play. Modular lens inserts (black sunshade, clear, ballistic data), rigid polymer housing, 180/270-degree open positions. Pick Element if you shoot in varied weather and want the extra functionality of the inserts.

The Multi-Flex family is the flexible collar. Each cover stretches across 2-3 size numbers, so it is the best pick when your scope bell is right between two standard sizes. The trade-off is a less rigid fit and slightly more installation effort.

The Bikini family is the slip-on half cover. No hinges, no moving parts, just a stretchy polymer sleeve over the objective. Pick Bikini for range toys, loaner rifles, or long-term storage.

Picking the Right Cover by Use Case

Different shooting applications put different demands on a scope cover. Here is how I would match a Butler Creek cover to the most common setups.

For a general-purpose hunting rifle (3-9×40 or similar), pair the Butler Creek Objective Flip Open Size 19 with the Eyepiece Flip Open MO20190. This is the combination most hunters use and the one with the deepest review pool.

For a tactical AR-15 with a 30mm tube scope, step up to the Element EEP2 eyepiece cap and the Element ESC50 or ESC60 objective cap, depending on your objective diameter. The 30mm tube scopes have larger bells that the standard flip-opens do not always fit cleanly.

For a rimfire or .22 rifle with a 28-32mm objective, the Size 45 cover (B00162JHM8) is the right fit. Most of the catalog assumes a larger objective, so rimfire owners often have to hunt for the smaller sizes.

For a precision long-range rifle, the Element ESC50, ESC60, or ESC65 is the best pick. The modular lens inserts (especially the ballistic data disk) are genuinely useful for spotters and the rigid polymer mount seats more precisely than a friction-fit Flip-Open.

For range-day or transport-only protection, the Bikini cover (B0014VU07M) is the cheapest and easiest. Slip it on when you toss the rifle in the truck, slip it off when you shoot.

If you want to learn more about proper scope mounting or check out our picks for the best spotting scope magnification, those guides cover the rest of your optic setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Butler Creek Scope Cover Size Should You Buy?

If you shoot a standard 3-9×40 hunting scope and want the safest pick, the Butler Creek Objective Flip Open Scope Cover (Size 19, model 30190) is the answer. More than 7,000 reviews, a 4.6-star average, and decades of proven field performance make it the editor’s choice for a reason. Pair it with the Eyepiece Flip Open MO20190 for complete coverage.

If you want premium functionality for a higher-end scope, the Element EEP2 and ESC50 (or ESC60/ESC65 depending on your objective diameter) deliver modular lens inserts and rigid polymer mounting. If you sit between two size numbers, the Multi-Flex Objective Cover stretches across the gap.

Whichever Butler Creek scope cover size you pick, measure twice with calipers before ordering. The sizing system only works if your measurement is accurate. Use the Brownells Butler Creek sizing PDF for the most complete brand cross-reference, and you will have a friction-fit cover that protects your optic for years.