GPO Scopes

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I have no experience with GPO scopes. And I suspect I never will. Did you happen to notice that this scope offers 4mm of eye relief? Not sure if this is a misprint error on their part but I don't think you will avoid a scope cut from a 416RM with 4mm of eye relief. If it is in fact a misprint, would you really trust a company that doesn't double check their own literature? What does it really say about the quality you would expect from their scopes if you can't trust their print?

For DG, I would not trust anything less than Leupold from a price point and go up from there. The VX-5HD 1-5x24 Illuminated (about the same price) would fit the bill and also give you true 1x at the low end. This also gives 5x magnification that will allow you to reach out to about 250 yards. I would not expect a PH to be giving you the green light on a shot longer than this with a 416RM, regardless of the game being hunted.

Leupold has an outstanding reputation for durability and reliability, along with a lifetime guarantee. Other names I'd trust (in no particular order) are Trijicon, Leica, Swaro, S&B, Kahles and Zeiss. Finding a scope from one of these manufacturers WITH PROPER EYE RELIEF for a big bore rifle should not be difficult.

Going on a DG hunt is not the time to be skimping on glass. This is literally something that you are trusting your life to.

Lastly, I'd highly recommend that you mount whatever you buy in high quality QR ring mounts AND that your iron sights are dialed in for 50-100 yards. Mounts from Alaska Arms, Talley and Warne are all trusted brands and should be available for your choice of scope with your Dakota.

@BeeMaa
You forgot meopta scopes as well my friend. Great optics.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

It is a Chinese made German designed scope

@Muskox.
That pisses me right off. I bought a fridge for off roading that said American technology, nothing else.
I bought it based on that but when I got it in small print was made in China. It was a good fridge for the money but not equal to the Engels or Waco.
Bob

 

[ldmay375]

Totally agree Bob. I have been had by old time brands, bullshit advertising; to only find a small ass sticker that says made in China.

 

[Dirtdart]

For most hunting conditions I want a scope to have a field of view on the bottom end of at least 70+ feet and a minimum of 3.5 inches of eye relief with a comfortable "eye box". Glass quality and being able to take some abuse was all part of the package when most of the top tier manufactures produced models in 1.5-6x42 with #4 or plex type reticle.

As I type this the Zenith 1.5-6 by Schmidt & Bender is still in production. I did not see the 1.5-8x42 Stratos listed currently on the S&B website.

Leica did produce the Magnus in 1.5-10x42 but I believe it has been discontinued. I am sure it is, or was a very nice scope if it was anything like the binos they produce.

IMHO the gold standard general purpose hunting scope still in production is the Swarovski 1.7-10x42 Z6i. No need to look elsewhere but sometimes I get curios.

I am not affiliated with any dealer or manufacturer so the following is just my first impression and objective opinion of a GPO 1.5-9x32i Spectra that I recently acquired. The GPO is a sub 1K priced scope being put side by side with a Z6i that cost well over twice that new.

The crosshairs in the GPO #4 are heavier than the Z6i #4. Looking through each side by side with fading light I am able to see the the center hairs on the GPO after I loose the much thinner center of the Z6. I have always thought the Swarovski reticles should be heavier so for me the illuminated dot is critical in low light. The GPO is not as bright at last light as the Z6 but I am shocked at the margin.

I personally do not care if illumination controls are located on the rear eye piece or the side of a scope.
The GPO is a rheostat type that goes from min to max with no off in between each setting. The dot is very crisp on the bottom end but does "bleed" when maxed out. I can't ever see using a setting of higher than 3 of the 8 on the dial other than possibly in broad daylight. I prefer this setup to the illumination my Leupold VX-6HD as it is just more intuitive IMHO.

GPO claims a field of view of 86 feet at 1.5 magnification for this model. The specs for the Z6 from the factory are 75.6 feet at 1.7. The GPO does have a slightly wider FOV on the bottom end but I can't tell if the margin is that much. As a point of reference Leupold stated that the VX-3 1.5-5 had a FOV of 65 feet at 1.5 magnification. The difference between the VX-3 and the Z6 on the bottom end to my eye is substantial.

I can't tell if the GPO factory claim of 4 inches of eye relief is correct but it has to be close. Easy to get behind.

No "mushy" feel when making windage or elevation adjustments.

The rifle range that I have access to is located in the middle of a hunting lease with our spring gobbler season is in full swing. Out of courtesy I keep it quiet until after the season ends so I will not get around to trying this one out on a rifle for a while. I have a week or so to send this scope back for a refund but I am going to hang on to this one.

 

[Dirtdart]

The Swarovski Z6i that I was comparing this GPO to is a Gen1. When I put this GPO next to my Swarovski Gen2 1.7-10 it was obvious that Swarovski has beefed up the crosshairs quite a bit which broadens the gap between them.
Only one range session thus far with the GPO mounted on a .308 but tracking was perfect. So far so good.

 

[CBeck]

For most hunting conditions I want a scope to have a field of view on the bottom end of at least 70+ feet and a minimum of 3.5 inches of eye relief with a comfortable "eye box". Glass quality and being able to take some abuse was all part of the package when most of the top tier manufactures produced models in 1.5-6x42 with #4 or plex type reticle.

As I type this the Zenith 1.5-6 by Schmidt & Bender is still in production. I did not see the 1.5-8x42 Stratos listed currently on the S&B website.

Leica did produce the Magnus in 1.5-10x42 but I believe it has been discontinued. I am sure it is, or was a very nice scope if it was anything like the binos they produce.

IMHO the gold standard general purpose hunting scope still in production is the Swarovski 1.7-10x42 Z6i. No need to look elsewhere but sometimes I get curios.

I am not affiliated with any dealer or manufacturer so the following is just my first impression and objective opinion of a GPO 1.5-9x32i Spectra that I recently acquired. The GPO is a sub 1K priced scope being put side by side with a Z6i that cost well over twice that new.

The crosshairs in the GPO #4 are heavier than the Z6i #4. Looking through each side by side with fading light I am able to see the the center hairs on the GPO after I loose the much thinner center of the Z6. I have always thought the Swarovski reticles should be heavier so for me the illuminated dot is critical in low light. The GPO is not as bright at last light as the Z6 but I am shocked at the margin.

I personally do not care if illumination controls are located on the rear eye piece or the side of a scope.
The GPO is a rheostat type that goes from min to max with no off in between each setting. The dot is very crisp on the bottom end but does "bleed" when maxed out. I can't ever see using a setting of higher than 3 of the 8 on the dial other than possibly in broad daylight. I prefer this setup to the illumination my Leupold VX-6HD as it is just more intuitive IMHO.

GPO claims a field of view of 86 feet at 1.5 magnification for this model. The specs for the Z6 from the factory are 75.6 feet at 1.7. The GPO does have a slightly wider FOV on the bottom end but I can't tell if the margin is that much. As a point of reference Leupold stated that the VX-3 1.5-5 had a FOV of 65 feet at 1.5 magnification. The difference between the VX-3 and the Z6 on the bottom end to my eye is substantial.

I can't tell if the GPO factory claim of 4 inches of eye relief is correct but it has to be close. Easy to get behind.

No "mushy" feel when making windage or elevation adjustments.

The rifle range that I have access to is located in the middle of a hunting lease with our spring gobbler season is in full swing. Out of courtesy I keep it quiet until after the season ends so I will not get around to trying this one out on a rifle for a while. I have a week or so to send this scope back for a refund but I am going to hang on to this one.

View attachment 526049View attachment 526050

Just had one arrive today. Any long term update on the GPO?

 

[Muskox]

@Muskox.
That pisses me right off. I bought a fridge for off roading that said American technology, nothing else.
I bought it based on that but when I got it in small print was made in China. It was a good fridge for the money but not equal to the Engels or Waco.
Bob

dude part of life.

When we lived in Australia back 2010-2013. We were shocked how you had the same problem we have in the USA and Europe on not making anything.

Even Bloody RM Williams is made in China.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

dude part of life.

When we lived in Australia back 2010-2013. We were shocked how you had the same problem we have in the USA and Europe on not making anything.

Even Bloody RM Williams is made in China.

@Muskox
Don't get me started mate at one stage our Army DPM uniforms were made in China.
Go figure.
Bob

 

[Muskox]

@Muskox
Don't get me started mate at one stage our Army DPM uniforms were made in China.
Go figure.
Bob

I was still on active duty when we got the first issue of the Navy Type 3 green camo. Looks like guacamole.

I got on eBay after they sent me the wrong sized hat and ordered one, it came from China. Was a perfect knock off. You couldn't even get one from the supply system in the size I needed.

 

[Dirtdart]

Just had one arrive today. Any long term update on the GPO?

That scope has only been to the range a couple of times since so that is not much of a test. I like it enough that I bought a second one for a future project. Let us know your thoughts good or bad after you have a little time with it.

A while back I went to the range and I wanted to get three rifles in the bull at 100 so that the next trip with any of them would be for more serious load work. The three scopes were a Zeiss Diavari 2.5-10x48, Leupold VX-6 2-12x42, and a cheap ass Sig Sauer Whisky3 2-7x32. I wish I had the Zeiss and Leupold rep with me so they could see and feel what a turret adjustment SHOULD feel and sound like. A solid ass kicking from a sub $200 scope.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I have the GPO RSO640 BRWi 2-12 x 44i on my CZ550 458WM. So far it has stood up to several range days, or over ~ 400+ rounds of factory and custom 458WM reloads, ~100+/- reduced 458WM to heavy 45-70 reloads, and ~60 grey area 45-70/458WM reloads.

One problem that I have is the quick power adjustment spur. On my set up at 2 and 3 power settings the adjustment spur interferes with operating the bolt for fast follow-up shots if/when needed. I'll remedy this by simply loosening the spur screw and removing the spur.

The glass is clear and the reticle is easy to see and hold on target. However, I do prefer a bit finer center cross hair.

The reticle adjustment stresses my brain a bit. WTH!! 1Click=1cm/100m Holy Sh!t!!
Zeroing at 50 yards adjusting ~1-1/2 inches Right means ~8-10 Clicks Right. At ~2 inches High it means ~14 Clicks Down.

I would almost say, Screw 1/8" mil. Definitely say screw 1/4" MOA. At 50yds 3 clicks at 1 click = 1 cm / 100m only moved my bullet about half a bullet hole.

A second not so much of a problem IMPO is the 44mm objective bell/lens. Again it's my current setup, but I would prefer a similar model scope with a 40mm or 34mm objective bell/lens to avoid seeing my front sight through the scope at 2 and 3 power.

Overall, currently, I would recommend this scope. The only draw backs are:
1. I haven't had the need to test GPO scope warranty.
2. I have only had the scope and rifle from home to truck to range table, 20 to 60 rounds down range, and return. No actual field testing.

 

[ZG47]

I have the GPO RSO640 BRWi 2-12 x 44i on my CZ550 458WM. So far it has stood up to several range days, or over ~ 400+ rounds of factory and custom 458WM reloads, ~100+/- reduced 458WM to heavy 45-70 reloads, and ~60 grey area 45-70/458WM reloads.

One problem that I have is the quick power adjustment spur. On my set up at 2 and 3 power settings the adjustment spur interferes with operating the bolt for fast follow-up shots if/when needed. I'll remedy this by simply loosening the spur screw and removing the spur.

The glass is clear and the reticle is easy to see and hold on target. However, I do prefer a bit finer center cross hair.

The reticle adjustment stresses my brain a bit. WTH!! 1Click=1cm/100m Holy Sh!t!!
Zeroing at 50 yards adjusting ~1-1/2 inches Right means ~8-10 Clicks Right. At ~2 inches High it means ~14 Clicks Down.

I would almost say, Screw 1/8" mil. Definitely say screw 1/4" MOA. At 50yds 3 clicks at 1 click = 1 cm / 100m only moved my bullet about half a bullet hole.

A second not so much of a problem IMPO is the 44mm objective bell/lens. Again it's my current setup, but I would prefer a similar model scope with a 40mm or 34mm objective bell/lens to avoid seeing my front sight through the scope at 2 and 3 power.

Overall, currently, I would recommend this scope. The only draw backs are:
1. I haven't had the need to test GPO scope warranty.
2. I have only had the scope and rifle from home to truck to range table, 20 to 60 rounds down range, and return. No actual field testing.

@Ridge Runner ... .1 mil OR 1 cm is essentially 1/3 MOA for hunting purposes. It would also be perfectly adequate for shooting out to 500 yards and probably out to 1,000 yards; based upon my limited long range shooting experience. One minute of angle at 100m equals 29.09 mm. Check the percentage difference between that value and 30mm. It is bugger all.
Simple as, especially given that I and other trades people actually prefer working in thirds when making fine adjustments. N.B. I have never heard of any complaints about the old Lyman internally adjustable scopes which, dependent upon magnification, sometimes came with 1/3 MOA adjustments.
Just get out there and shoot ... you grumpy beggar!

 

[steve white]

I just bought a GPO spectra 6 1-6x24 for my .375 H&H magnum. They are about £650 new bit a friend had it and gave it for £300 and it was never used. I heard good reports about them. So only time will tell

You got it priced right.
I favor the eye relief and specs and know that QC is where it's at, even with Chinese products, but I refuse to pay extra for a germanic name on a Chinese product, just on principle.

 

[Ridge Runner]

@Ridge Runner ... .1 mil OR 1 cm is essentially 1/3 MOA for hunting purposes. It would also be perfectly adequate for shooting out to 500 yards and probably out to 1,000 yards; based upon my limited long range shooting experience. One minute of angle at 100m equals 29.09 mm. Check the percentage difference between that value and 30mm. It is bugger all.
Simple as, especially given that I and other trades people actually prefer working in thirds when making fine adjustments. N.B. I have never heard of any complaints about the old Lyman internally adjustable scopes which, dependent upon magnification, sometimes came with 1/3 MOA adjustments.
Just get out there and shoot ... you grumpy beggar!

I prefer 1/8" mil sort of my personal gold standard in scope reticle adjustments.

I have had to relent to using 1/4" MOA on a couple of scopes. The MOA doesn't get me the finer groups as Mil. Then I see this: 1click=1cm/100m. Never heard of such thing. How many clicks equals: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1 inches?
Screw racking my brain trying to do all the math conversion.

Trial and Error. Started with 3 clicks right, fire for effect. As I said earlier it adjusted the bullet ~1/2 a bullet hole. My bullet's POI was half the previous bullet hole right and a wee bit high. I think it was12 more clicks right, fire for effect. High noon, center mass (the 8) 8 ring. Drop (Down) 10 clicks, fire for effect. High noon, over red dot in center 10 ring. Drop (Down) 2 or 3 more clicks, fire for effect. Center mass bullseye. Confirmation shot: ~1/4" low of previous shot, bullseye. Out of 458WM ammo.

About 90% of my shooting routine is:
Check scope zero at 25 yds off sticks.
Move to 50 yds, Check scope zero off sticks. Conduct any test load data. Practice shooting form, rifle position: in shoulder, cheek on butt stock, hand grip, trigger finger positions and movement to trigger to "bang", depending on rifle caliber: off hand location, hold, and grip on rifle or off hand hold and position on shooting sticks. Shooting sticks height. Rifle height and position on shooting sticks. My body and rifle position and form shooting from shooting sticks: standing and sitting (seated, as in a chair or on a bench).

Then move to 100 yds, 150 yds, when possible 200 yds and repeat 50 yd exercises at each extended range.

If I'm shooting good and have sufficient ammo my range sessions are long, easily shoot 50+ to 100+ rounds per firearm. If things aren’t working good then I just collect test load data and call it a day. No since in wasting time and ammo.

The other 10%: ~3% bench shooting, ~7% off hand, standing and seated unsupported. More time is spent on the off hand unsupported standing and seated positions as it gets closer to hunting season here in the US or getting closer to departure for Africa.

Apologies to the OP. I didn't intend to hijack his thread. The GPO Scopes having 1click=1cm/100m seems to result in tighter groups than 1/8" mil.