Why turret caps?

[Algunner]

Back into this and wondering why scopes still have turret caps, I knot many higher end scopes have exposed turrets. But you don’t need caps to be waterproof! I have an old Pentax weatherproof DSLR I accidentally dunked into a stream with no harm. It was made in 2008! And it has many switches, knobs and covers, not to mention the lens with rotating focus and zoom rings!

Scope manufacturers please stop making scopes with turret caps, I can’t count the many times I have had to hunt a dropped turret cap!

[Scorpion8]

I prefer turret caps. Keeps dirt, dust, grime, etc out of the turret adjustment mechanisms. Yes, they might be waterproof, but why allow gunk in there to begin with?

[Algunner]

I should have mentioned my camera fell in slightly muddy water. They test them in mud and sand with lens cap on and just rinse them off. So I don’t see the need for turret caps.

[Pumpkin]

Maybe to keep your adjustment from getting accidentally adjusted
Some of us older people haven’t touched our scope adjustments in years.

[Algunner]

Pretty hard to accidentally change them. Many lock in place, you have to pull up before twisting them. On my 22 you often have to change elevation when you open up a new box of ammo. But I know many prefer to use Kentucky windage.

BTW I’m 73.

[Pumpkin]

None of my Leupold, Vortex, Redfield or Weaver scopes have dials that pull up and click like you describe.

Not saying their not out there or aren’t more popular than the style I have.

[jmr40]

Some scopes, even some expensive ones, need the caps to be waterproof.

We are at somewhat of a crossroads. In the past hunters and their needs have driven what manufacturers made and hunters tend to zero their scopes and never touch them. EVER.

But that is already changed a lot. There are far fewer hunters, but more shooters. Guys shooting at the range or in competition are now the driving force in what sells.

And there are still a lot of guys who do both. They tend to want to hunt with the same rifles they use at the range and in competition. The trend is moving in the direction you suggest.

[stagpanther]

There is no "one size fits all situations" type of turret as far as I know. It's pretty easy to spin exposed turrets on some scopes when actively moving about.

[Algunner]

I am finding even cheap scopes with locking exposed turrets. Not talking about older cheap scopes.

[tangolima]

There are water proof/resistance standards. Scope may be ok when occasionally dosed in water without caps. But it probably will fail the standard compliance tests.

Just leave the caps off if you don't need the up-to-standard performance. It may not fail in your use, but it may. Most such turrets require tool for adjustment. They are not meant for quick adjustments on the fly. There are not much benefits leaving the caps off.

I prefer exposed turrets, unless the scope has good reticle for hold, or it is for point blank range (up to 250yd) hunting.

-TL

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[stagpanther]

I am finding even cheap scopes with locking exposed turrets. Not talking about older cheap scopes.

I'm a bit confused (happens a lot these days)--what purpose does a locking turret serve--seems kinda self-defeating? Are you talking about setting zero for elevation/windage instead?

[Algunner]

Locking turrets are exposed turrets that lock in place so that it doesn’t accidentally move. But it’s not hard to make an adjustment, just pull up and turn then push down.

[FrankenMauser]

I prefer no caps for my match rifles. (Only one of which has locking turrets.)
I prefer caps for my hunting rifles.
I have a few things that fall in between, and the scopes fit both categories.

There is room in the market for all options.

[Shadow9mm]

Each has their own use. Scope caps keep you from bumping the adjustments and messing up your zeros. It also harder and more expensive to make waterproof turrets, so it is also a cost savings measure.

[4V50 Gary]

Target guns with exposed turrets don't need caps. You need access for immediate adjustment and being prima-donnas (meaning you treat them with kit gloves), you're not running around in inclement weather, dust storms or muddy terrain like a hunter will. A hunter's gun should have more protection.

Interesting that most WW II the sniper rifles (American 03A4 and USMC equipped Unertls, German, Soviet, British) didn't have turret caps. The Lyman Alakan would be the exception and per Clive Law (in Without Warning) they were used only on a few Canadian No 4 (T) Mk. 1.

[tangolima]

Originally Posted by 4V50 Gary

Target guns with exposed turrets don't need caps. You need access for immediate adjustment and being prima-donnas (meaning you treat them with kit gloves), you're not running around in inclement weather, dust storms or muddy terrain like a hunter will.

Military sniper rifles have exposed turrets. The sort of hunting could be more demanding; the hunted can fire back.

Funny that the spotter is the once who gives firing solution (W/E/hold). The shooter just execute.

-TL

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[FrankenMauser]

Target guns with exposed turrets don't need caps. You need access for immediate adjustment and being prima-donnas (meaning you treat them with kit gloves), you're not running around in inclement weather, dust storms or muddy terrain like a hunter will.

You should familiarize yourself with current popular match types.
2-gun and 3-gun, styles excluded for being short range:
Many currently-popular, and growing, competitions are "active" competitions, with a lot of movement and exposure; rather than sedentary (sitting at a bench, or prone, in the same place).

NRL-Hunter, PRS, PRS22, NRL22, NRL22X, PRO, and more, are nearly always outdoors, involving multiple stages, various props, and are held regardless of environmental conditions (with exceptions for flooding, extreme danger, or inability to access the location).

I shoot competitions in conditions that would have me staying home during hunting season.

Some recent and/or notable examples:
In Dec 2023, we shot the RO/"practice" match for an NRL22X match that we hosted. It wasn't quite 'blizzard' conditions, but heavy snowfall, 10-15 F, and 20-35 mph winds. We were shooting 15 stages in an arc approximately 1/2 mile long, from a snowy ridge over a ravine. We already had 10-12" of snow on the ground.
-
The next day, the we hosted the full match. Blizzard conditions. Started below zero, with a high of something like 4 F. About 16" of snow to start the day, with another ~8 falling during the match - and large drifts for shooters to navigate. Some targets became almost impossible to see. At least 20 rifles went down, by being frozen open, having bolts frozen, or having magazines frozen. Spotters (ROs) and shooters had to scrape their optics clear of wind-blown snowpack every 2-3 minutes.
Some unfortunate shooters breathed on their scopes while getting into position to start a stage and had to simply forfeit the stage, because it froze instantly and they could not clear the optic in time to continue.

I shot an NRL22X match in Price, UT, in Apr 2024. A densely packed match, but entirely outdoors. About 100x250 yards for all stage shooting positions. Once the morning frost burned off, we had 144(+) shooters and 50+ ROs and staff kicking up clouds of moon dust - which then started blowing in the afternoon wind, without humans stirring it up. Many rifles went down, and several scope turrets locked up, from filling with that desert silt.

The next month, it was PRS22 in Northern Utah. The (dirt) roads were bad. At the location, it was soggy, muddy, and there was a dusting of snow on the ground. We were shooting from positions on a ~250 yard long arc, outside the perimeter of an old, abandoned homestead site. The majority of the match had 20-30 mph wind and blowing rain. For the last 3 stages, we had freezing rain, sleet, and snow - coming and going as it pleased, in 35-45 mph wind.

In August, it was PRS22 in Nampa, ID. More dust. Scorching heat, and wind gusts kicking sand around. (Though a handful of stages were shot from under cover.)
Many rifles had notable problems with function. And god be with the man that dropped his bolt in the silt or sand. (I saw it happen 3 times.)
My son's 10/22 was barely cycling by the end of the match, and the turrets were turning with a terrible gritty feeling.

And on the story goes. It seems like all of the fun matches have terrible conditions to deal with.
They are a far cry from competition styles that take place under covered firing lines, with rifle racks, benches, and protected positions for prone shooting.

[stagpanther]

hmmmm...well, OK then.

[FrankenMauser]

I know, stag. And I know that you somewhat understand what I'm getting at. But...
When I was done typing, I felt like I went a little overboard. But what was typed was typed, and I clicked the button to reply.

[Nathan]

Im not sure what started this or where it is going. Simply stated, caps keep turrets from being adjusted unintentionally.

A turret with a cap is always lower profile than the lock type, making caps appealing to set and forget folks.

Locking turrets definitely exist, but to call them common is a farce. They are available, but then one must consider if all the other desired features and looking turrets are available. Ask yourself how many scopes under 20oz scopes have locking turrets??

There is a use for most of the turret types out there. What I feel like you are poking at is the need for a marketing consultant for most optics brands to help them align features to a use. Scope makers often miss the boat.

The current big miss is the lack of sub 2lb drop tough scopes under 24oz with a decent hunting feature set. Actually there might be zero.

[Hawg]

I haven't shot competition in many years. I don't need exposed turrets.

[Nathan]

If you hunt or sport shoot beyond 300 yards, you may find them useful. I know I do.