"Rubber Bands" on Optics

[DChartier]

Okay guys, prepare to laugh at this question, but it's an earnest one from a newbie like me. Why do I often see "rubber bands" on rifle optics? For full disclosure, I don't own any optics and have only the most limited of experience with them. A Google search didn't yield any helpful results.

Thanks!

[ar15barrels]

Are you talking about scope caps that have the bands between the front and back cap?



If so, those are to protect the glass in storage/transit.
You remove them before you use the scope.
There are other types that have see-through caps that you can leave in place, but the image quality is diminished.

[CamW]

It could be used by snipers to attach camouflage ( branches,leaves,strips of burlap, etc.) to conceal the outline of the rifle.

[diver160651]

It could be used by snipers to attach camouflage ( branches,leaves,strips of burlap, etc.) to conceal the outline of the rifle.

Also to create make shift Sun shades..

[CandG]

My ACOG scope has a rubber band around the base... it's for holding the sun filter/shade on.

[k1dude]

In the old days before scope covers, we used to use giant rubberbands or cut a tire tube to stretch over the scope. I think the OP is asking why the glass needs to be covered.

Back in the day, people used to think the sun would degrade the optics (coatings) and the nitrogen in the scope. Recognizing how powerful UV was, they assumed it could damage anything it landed on.

The real reason for the rubber band was probably just a protective bumper as well as keeping mud, dust, and dirt from the lens. It prevented the lens from being inadvertently scratched since coatings were pretty delicate back then.

[bug_eyedmonster]

I used to keep one of those lobster claw rubber bands on my scope cause the texture on the older Leupolds sucked. If my hands were wet, I had a hard time adjusting the magnification.

Jerry

[rm1911]

[SonofWWIIDI]

Perhaps it makes it easier for folks who have arthritis or other grip issues to rotate the focus/elevation/windage?

[code_blue]

Maybe to prevent the dials from getting moved?

[MongooseV8]

Ive seen dope charts held on with rubber bands...

[wjc]

I'll admit it...that was funny.

Did the sniper get them with his 1911, I hope?

[LynnJr]

For those that clean the barrel on there rifles the scope caps keep the cleaning solvents off of the lenses so the cleaning solvents don't etch the lense coatings.

[diver160651]

[MarkInFolsom]

I thought they were hearing protection.