How Much Sunshade Do I Need?

[Weyoun]

I see a lot of pictures of various scopes some with sunshades that extend even beyond the barrel. How much length of sunshade do I really need? I don't like the look of sunshades but want at least some extra protection of my lens and any sun glare reduction would be a plus. I am not a hunter or competitor and mainly shoot for fun and practice for defense.

[waveslayer]

What scope are you running and have any pictures of sun shades running over the barrel? Never seen that. Juat buy whatever sunshade your scope sells for you make and model. I don't hunt with a sunshade to help gather more light a dawn and dusk.

My competition rifles all have sun shades because I use those at all hours of the day

My wife thinks I only have 3 guns

[Weyoun]

I am using Leupold VX-R Patrol 3-9. They sell 4in and 2.5in. Which one should I get? Do I need one at all?

[waveslayer]

What are you using the rifle for? All around use, 2.5 will be fine. If your range has you shooting into the sun, 4 in.

I don't use one on my hunting rifles, personal preference that's all.

All my target guns have them.

My wife thinks I only have 3 guns

[waveslayer]

I know you want to protect the glass.. but that's not an extremely expensive scope.. so I wouldn't worry. What's it mounted on?

My wife thinks I only have 3 guns

[Weyoun]

It's on a AR-15. I just use it for target shooting. I will probably go with the 2.5. Thanks for the advice.

[kcheung2]

How much do you NEED? None. If your goal is protecting the glass, focus on some lens covers instead. What are you using now? And Butler Creek is not the choice if protecting the lens is really your priority.

[jtv3062]

40 mm bell needs a 40 mm sunshade 50 to 50 and so on