One of our regular enquiries is if there is a honeycomb sunshade or killflash/ARD for a particular scope model. They can be useful for reducing glare and preventing reflections from optics such as scopes, binoculars, or red dot sights
Unfortunately in most cases there is no after market accessory. Such things are nornally screw in and are very fussy about specific make and model scopes both in case inner diameter and then thread pitch and width. Taking the example of Hawke honeycombs, they do 2 models for just their 50mm scopes, due to differences in case inner diameter between AO and non AO models. And even then they do not fit a lot of Hawke scopes, especially older models, let alone anyone elses! Such is the issue that we have taken them off sale on places like Amazon where we cannot edit adverts to stress the importance of 100% compatibility. = Many returns.
But all is not lost! From low tech supermarket to higher tech 3D printing there are ways to make your own. Here are some ideas for your new DIY honeycomb shade.
A homemade honeycomb / killflash (anti-reflection device, ARD) You can make one using simple materials like honeycomb material, plastic, or mesh.
Method 1: Drinking Straws (Easy & Cheap)
Materials Needed:
- Black plastic drinking straws (thin-walled preferred)
- Super glue or hot glue
- Electrical tape or shrink wrap
- Razor blade or sharp scissors
- A scope lens cover or plastic ring
Steps:
1. Cut the straws to match the depth of your scope's objective lens (typically around 5-10mm).
2. Arrange the cut straws tightly together inside a plastic ring (use a scope cap or make a ring from a bottle cap).
3. Glue the straws together carefully to form a honeycomb-like structure.
4. Trim excess material to ensure a perfect fit inside your scope’s lens housing.
5. Attach the ARD to the front of your optic using electrical tape or glue.
Method 2: Honeycomb Mesh (More Durable)
Materials Needed:
- Black plastic or aluminum honeycomb mesh (found in car grilles, air vents, or online stores)
- A scope lens cover or a plastic ring
- Super glue or epoxy
- Sharp knife or Dremel tool
Steps:
1. Cut the honeycomb mesh to match the size of your optic's objective lens.
2. Secure it inside a lens cap or within a plastic ring that fits snugly.
3. Glue or snap the honeycomb insert into place.
4. Paint matte black if needed to reduce reflections further.
Method 3: Window Screen or Metal Mesh
Materials Needed:
- Fine black window screen or metal mesh
- Scissors or wire cutters
- Glue or double-sided tape
- Black paint (optional for extra anti-glare protection)
Steps:
1. Cut the mesh to fit over the lens.
2. Glue or tape it to a ring that fits on the objective lens.
3. Use multiple layers if more light reduction is needed.
Final Tips:
- A deeper honeycomb (5-10mm) will be more effective at blocking reflections.
- Ensure uniformity so that light transmission is not blocked too much.
- Test the ARD to ensure minimal distortion of the sight picture.
- Consider using removable methods like Velcro or friction-fit rings for easy removal.
Here is an example for a specific optic. In this case a Vector Optics Mustang 1-4x30 is a low-power variable optic (LPVO) with a 30mm objective lens. Given its compact size, a homemade killflash (ARD) needs to be slim and lightweight to avoid obstructing the field of view.
Best DIY Killflash for Your Scope:
Recommended Method: Honeycomb Mesh (Durable & Low Profile)
Since the 30mm objective is relatively small, using a thin aluminum or plastic honeycomb insert is the best option.
Materials Needed:
✅ Aluminum honeycomb mesh (from car grilles, ventilation panels, or Amazon)
✅ 30mm plastic ring (scope cap, PVC pipe section, or a 3D-printed ring)
✅ Super glue or epoxy
✅ Matte black spray paint (optional for extra anti-glare protection)
Steps:
1. Cut a 30mm circle from the honeycomb mesh (about 5-7mm thick for best results).
2. Insert it into a scope cap or plastic ring that fits snugly over the objective lens.
3. Glue the honeycomb piece inside the ring and let it dry completely.
4. Paint matte black (if needed) to further reduce glare.
5. Attach it to the front of your scope using friction fit, Velcro, or a small amount of removable adhesive.
Would you like a 3D-printed design template or help finding materials online?
For this, get on over to ChatGPT or your AI of choice and ask it: how to make an homemade honeycomb sunshade killflash / ARD for *scope make model here*
It will reply with the options above and then ask if you want it to generate design templates. Amazing.
For our example 30mm scope above here is what to expect:
solid Killflash
// Define parameters
lens_diameter = 30; // Diameter of the scope lens
honeycomb_size = 3; // Size of honeycomb cells
thickness = 7; // Depth of the killflash
module honeycomb_pattern(){
for (x=[-lens_diameter/2:honeycomb_size:lens_diameter/2]){
for (y=[-lens_diameter/2:honeycomb_size:lens_diameter/2]){
translate([x, y, 0])
cylinder(h=thickness, r=honeycomb_size/2, center=true, $fn=6);
}
}
}
module killflash(){
difference(){
// Outer ring
cylinder(h=thickness, r=lens_diameter/2, center=true, $fn=100);
// Honeycomb pattern
honeycomb_pattern();
}
}
killflash();
How to Use the File:
Download & Print
Use PLA, PETG, or ABS (black recommended).
Print with a layer height of 0.2mm for best detail.
Post-Processing
Sand edges if needed for a snug fit.
Paint matte black if necessary.
Attachment
Snap onto your scope or use a small amount of removable adhesive.