Capped vs. Exposed Rifle Scope Turrets

One of the most important things to consider when selecting the right scope for your shooting needs is choosing between capped vs. exposed rifle scope turrets.

When it comes to selecting the right rifle scope for your shooting needs, one important thing to consider is the type of turret: capped or exposed. If you’re a long-range target shooter, an exposed elevation turret allows for quick and precise adjustments, giving you the accuracy you need for tight groups. 

 

An exposed windage turret can also be beneficial, especially when you’re compensating for wind drift on those long-range shots. Hunters may also leave their elevation turrets exposed for those crucial moments when they need to make quick, on-the-fly changes. However, they may prefer to cap their windage turrets to protect from accidental adjustments in dense woods or rugged terrain.

 

Whether you’re dialing for a 1,000-yard shot at the range or stalking whitetails in the dense woods, finding the right combination of capped and exposed turrets can make all the difference in the field. Read on to help pick your perfect match. 

Understanding Capped Turrets

Capped turrets feature protective coverings over the adjustment dials. These turrets are typically preferred by hunters who engage in closer-range shooting where frequent adjustments aren’t necessary. For instance, eastern deer hunters often favor capped elevation turrets because they don’t usually need to dial for long-range shots. The protection provided by the caps ensures that the hunters’ settings stay the same, even when navigating through thick brush. Hunters may choose to cap their windage turrets for the same reason.

 

The TORIC 2.5-15×44 30mm Hunt Series, available in a BDC or T-Plex reticle, is an excellent choice for those hunters that want a capped turret (see insert picture). 

 

Capped turrets help prevent hunters from having to compromise on accuracy, especially when a missed shot can lead to an empty tag or, worse, result in an unethical kill that leaves the animal suffering. Precision is key to leading to a clean, humane shot that respects both the hunter’s skill and the animal’s life.

 

The Advantages of Exposed Turrets

Exposed turrets are always accessible, letting shooters make quick and precise adjustments for different conditions as needed. This feature really comes in handy for long-range shooters who need to dial in their elevation and windage frequently. PRS and competition shooters can make rapid adjustments without having to remove any covers. And hunters pursuing game at longer distances can also benefit from the exposed turrets when they’re compensating for changes in distance and terrain.

If you’re interested in the flexibility of an exposed turret but concerned about accidental adjustments and other problems in the field, this is where a zero stop comes in. A zero stop allows shooters to return to a pre-set zero point effortlessly, eliminating the risk of over-rotation and making sure that they can quickly reset their scopes to a known baseline.

 

 

Introducing the Eagleman Long Range Hunting Rifle Scope

The TORIC UHD 4-25X50 Eagleman Long Range Hunting Rifle Scope has all the features you need to maximize your ability to accurately and effectively make shots at those extreme long ranges. The precision-machined elevation turret features .25 MOA per click adjustments and a locking system to eliminate unwanted movement in the field or at the range. The multi-rotation zero stop helps to make sure you don’t get lost in the rotations when dialing those extreme long range shots, and a best-in-class 160 MOA of adjustment means no more running out of elevation. Since most hunters are holding for wind instead of dialing in long range hunting situations, we capped the windage turret, giving the scope a lower profile and saving a few ounces on weight.

Which Works Best for You?

Ultimately, choosing capped or exposed turrets comes down to your unique shooting needs and how often you need to tweak your settings. For long range shooting where regular adjustments for distance and wind are necessary, exposed turrets are ideal. If you mainly shoot within a few hundred yards or in high-pressure situations where there’s no time for adjustments, capped turrets will suffice. Environment also comes into play, since hunters trekking through dense woods will benefit from the durability and protection of capped turrets.

Still have questions about picking your ideal setup? Drop us a line! We’re always happy to help you navigate your specific shooting scenarios and answer questions about optimizing your rifle scope setup to ensure peak performance in the field.

Call us directly at: 631-662-7354 or Click Here to Chat Online or Email us: [email protected]