Asking for advice from anyone with direct experience of GPO variable scopes used on DG rifles. Particularly the 1-8X Illuminated Passion model, 30 mm tube. I am considering this possibility for a .375 Ruger. Would like comments regarding lens quality / clarity, overall scope robustness, electronics reliability, manufacturer warranty.
Also, I would like to know where these scopes are actually made. Much is said of their German connection but I can't find info on whether they are European made or not.
My interest is driven by the better price point for the specs. I was planning to look at Leupold but current pricing here seems a bit overboard these days.
Thankyou for any help.

I would be highly suspicious of the practicality of a scope which presumes to have an 8 to 1 magnification range, regardless of whose brand it bore or where it was made. The laws of physics would require that (1) either the eye relief be very, very short, or (2) that the eye relief would vary a great deal from low to high power, or (3) that the field of view would be extremely limited. One of these circumstances is unavoidable (and two are possible at the same time).

Any of these circumstance would argue against such an instrument being a good candidate for an optical gunsight on a hunting rifle.

Stonecreek,
Valid points and food for thought, thankyou.
If possible I'll check out these GPO scopes more closely to ascertain potential pairing with a.375 Ruger. I'm waiting on more details and pricing now.
I am very happy with the Leupold and Swarovski scopes I already have but am in this case looking for something as, if not more, robust with at least passable optical quality and at the right price point as intended rifle use will be rough and tumble and shooting out to 200 - 250 yds max.

The very name and concept of that brand - to claim German attributes but make the scopes somewhere in Asia - would put me on my guard.

Had they gone back to a solid technology like reticle-movement (long clung to by Teutonic makers) they might have at least had a claim of difference, but I'm yet to hear they provide anything not found in other Asian scopes at the same price.

As well as Stonecreek's points, I wonder about the mechanical robustness and recoil inertia aspects of all high-multiple scopes. Remember, any additional mass and complication is still likely to be contained within an articulated erector tube, to be hammered down, up and longitudinally every time you touch off your .375.

If they claim the mass is minimised by use of aluminum instead of brass, that's a worry in itself because it is more prone to galling.

Answer according to Doug from Camera Land to a poster on another forum asking the question as to where are GPO scopes made;

The majority are made in China, the top of the line models are made in Japan

Doug @ Camera Land

gr8fuldoug@aol.com
http://www.cameralandny.com
516-217-1000

quote:

Originally posted by eagle27:
Answer according to Doug from Camera Land to a poster on another forum asking the question as to where are GPO scopes made;

The majority are made in China, the top of the line models are made in Japan

Doug @ Camera Land

gr8fuldoug@aol.com
http://www.cameralandny.com
516-217-1000

That is correct. Also to keep in mind is that design and quality control is done by GPO outside of the Pacific Rim. Their quality and value for $$$ spent is amazing

Eagle and Doug,
Thanks for answering that question.
So, specifically, which are the "top of the line models" actually manufactured in Japan please ?

Just FYI, Leupold also have some of their lower priced optics made in China and for the money, the made in China Leupold binoculars that two of my sons have are very good. They are still covered by the Leupold legendary lifetime, no questions asked, warranty.

quote:

Originally posted by 30.06king:
Eagle and Doug,
Thanks for answering that question.
So, specifically, which are the "top of the line models" actually manufactured in Japan please ?

B600 8x42HD Japan
B620 10x42HD Japan
B640 8.5x50HD Japan
B660 10x50HD Japan
B680 12.5x50HD Japan
R310 3-9x32 Philippines
R350 4-12x42 Philippines
R360 4-12x42i Japan
RT610 1-6x24 itac Japan
RT820 1-8x24 itac Japan