Scope question

[Ruger GP100 fan]

I recently bought a used rifle with a Weaver V16. On the front end there are internal threads. This is my first scope,but I've used SLR cameras for 30 years and no one that knows anything at all about cameras would never leave a store with a new camera without buying a uv or skylight filter and screwed it on to protect the delicate lens coating. If the front of the camera is banged into something that would normally damage the camera optics you'd simply throw away a $20 filter and replace it instead of costly repairs/replacement. Is it common practice to do likewise with rifle scopes? If not,what are the threads for other than maybe a tube-style sun shade? Thanks

 

[kaferhaus]

lens cap.... just like a camera

 

[Ruger GP100 fan]

All of the SLRs I've owned had snap-on caps. The lenses are threaded for filters.

 

[Ruger GP100 fan]

Here's how mine came. Slip on cap and internal threads in scope. So,no one puts a filter in there? A quality uv filter does little damage to image. Also,in some circumstances a polarizing filter would give a better image by eliminating glare on leaves,etc.

 

[Ruger GP100 fan]

kaferhaus,after re-reading my response to your comment it may have seemed that I was being smart with you. I was not. It just seems to me that some kind of filter ahead of the scope optics would be a good idea. Once the multi coating is damaged on the scope the price to fix or replace it would buy dozens of uv filters,in some cases.

 

[BrocLuno]

I agree absolutely. I don't think a lot of hunters think about camera lens systems. But this idea has merit. Especially the bit about PL filter to help get through reflections and such I guess you just measure the threads and order a complimentary filter size. I have used collapsible rubber hoods off my cameras for lens shades. Just never took it the next step - duh?

The threads you see are likely the assembly threads for the objective element. It is common to assemble with a spanner ring into a threaded body.

BTW - the V16 is a nice scope

 

[Daniel Boone]

If it was a Bushnell Elite 3200 - it would come with a sun shade - long black plastic tube that slips over the end of the scope.

 

[esheato]

Sun shades don't typically slip over the end...they thread into the objective end just like a filter would on a camera lens.

Sun shades are typically aluminum and finished in the same flat color and type as the scope body...when threaded together, it appears seamless or almost seamless and has the same benefits as a lens hood.

Scope caps, the Butler Creek flip up type for example, can slip on the end of the scope whether it has a sun shade on it or not. They are only a friction fit....no thread.

Is it common practice to do likewise with rifle scopes?

No, but a lot of people use the sun shades for the same purpose...keeping things away from the glass (fingers, oil, sticks, rain, etc)

 

[rcmodel]

Weaver offers optional screw-in sun shades.

They don't sell screw-in lens filters.

They do make & sell Polar-Caps lens covers that contain a yellow tint lens.
They slip on over the scope tube.

rc

 

[esheato]

Doh!

Totally forgot about these!

Leupold makes colored filters to enhance/subdue certain colors for hunting purposes.

Leupold Alumina Intensifier Kit

 

[Ruger GP100 fan]

Well,good bad or indifferent my Weaver now has a uv filter. One cleaning of the front elements of the scope,screw on the filter and never,ever have to clean scope lens again and the delicate multi-coating is forever sealed behind a filter. The uv was $20 and if it takes a scratch that the scope optics would have taken I'll just toss the filter and replace it...the objective lens remains pristine. And the filter has the same inside threads to add the optional tube-style shade sold by Weaver,or additional filters such as a polarizer (I bought one of those,too). I think I might add the tube Weaver sells,but just as it is now the slip-on hood still fits as before.
And BrocLuno is correct about the treads are for objective lens,but enough are left over for a hood or a filter.

 

[Ruger GP100 fan]

Shot with uv and shot with polarizing lens,added to the uv...I'll never remove the uv for anything. The polarizing filter (photo reveals that it needs to be cleaned)also with internal threads identical to threads on the Weaver and can also be fitted with Weaver's tube-type lens hood.
The only boo-boo was that I used a bit too much liquid when cleaning the objective lens and a small amount remained in the threads causing the uv to fog over inside. Simply removing it for a while fixed that.
Front scope glass protected from everything but a sniper's bullet.

 

[BrocLuno]

Looks good. Since the front lens element is somewhat recessed, it helps reduce lens flare (direct sunlight on glass). Adding a filter with glass close to the front of the thread ring can increase flare. Adding a short rubber threaded hood for telephoto lenses seems like a good idea to keep the glass from direct light?

 

[Ruger GP100 fan]

You are absolutely right,BrocLuno. I intend to add a 4" barrel-style shade and since such accessories available online omit thread size I had to email them to find out. Just heard back from Weaver regarding threads on their shade listed "for Weaver Super Slam scopes". 49mm...same as my V16.