Leupold Alumina Rubber Eyeguard

[jims]

I have some Leupold Vari X-III scopes made before 2002. I also have two Leupold Alumina rubber eyeguards I would like to install on the scopes to reduce the chance of eye cuts with high recoiling guns. The diameters of the rubber eyeguards are the same size as my scopes, they will not screw into the scope however as the threads are not compatible. I called Leupold and they said they could retrofit the older scopes so the eyeguards would work, normally $90 per scope but if I showed proof of purchase they would do it for $45 a scope.
Being the cheap devil that I am, does anyone know of any other fix. I could have a new insert machined to fit the old scope that would then let the rubber guards insert but I do not want the eyeguard protruding too far from the scope or it gets too close to the eye and the safety feature is compromised.
Any suggestions?

[rossman40]

A company by the name of Dvorak Instruments that makes a flexible eyepiece. Brownells and Natchez sells them. They are fairly long but I have seen them cut down. I have used these and while they are fairly long and takes a while to get used to, the length does help when there is sunlight behind you and it also helps getting your eye centered on the scope. The only drawback is if you get water in the eyepiece it can get splashed in your eye during recoil.

Midway also sells one from Quake Industries that is only $4 and from your post would be more like what you are wanting. They only make one size so if your ocular is from 1.4-1.6" your in.