GPO Spectra 1.5-9x441

GPO or German Precision Optics, have made definite in roads into the rifle scope and binocular market here in Britain as they offer quality European optics at a competitive price. Distributed by Raytrade there are six new models from the Spectra line up which utilises a 6x power range for versatility in sighting your target at close or longer ranges.

These include the Spectra 1-6x24i, 1.5-9x32i, 1.5-9x44i, 2-12x44i, 2-12x50i, and 3-18x56i scopes, on test 1.5-9x44i. Each model features a 30 mm tube, GPO`s high-transmission lens coating technology, iControl illumination, Passion Drop hydrophobic exterior lens coatings, combined with a double HD glass objective lens, all for the princely sum of £710.

Zoom, focus

The new Spectra`s are made from a solid 30mm aluminium tube, which is nitrogen-purged and tested to be dust, water, and shock proof, thus offering confidence in a non-shifting zero and durability and only weighing 575 grams. Overall finish sleek with its anodised black satin skin and this models 44mm objective lens allows a lower mounting point to the rifle, without compromising its light gathering properties!

The eyepiece has a very nice large box or field of view (FOV) that allows a strain- free viewing of the image, even at maximum magnification. There is also a fast and smooth focus ring to adjust the sharpness of the reticle and the zoom ring, 6x range on these models is also silky smooth and rotates anti clockwise!

Near or far

The zoom ring has three rows of smooth serrated grooves for grip and an elevated fin, so that the 1.5xto 9x mag is easily manipulated out in the field, with or without gloves on. I like this lower mag range as for my woodland stalking it means you have a good open FOV of 28m at 100m on 1.5x yet still can dial up to 9x if a deer appears at longer ranges for a more defined shot.

The lenses GPO offer 90% light transmission, aided by the double HD objective, with their proprietary, multicoated surfaces. Theses do achieve a bright image with good edge to edge clarity and colour rendition, that allows a deer or game to pop from the background foliage, with the addition that water/ moisture is wicked away by the Passion Drop coating.

Getting cross

Reticle-wise, you have two styles - the G4i or G4i Drop (on test), both are second focal plane (SFP) with illumination, via the G4i fibre, that culminates in a fine and bright illuminated dot with eight intensity settings from dim to bright, so good for all lighting conditions without masking the target, or too much glare. Also, the iControl technology automatically switches it off after three hours and shows you when the battery needs changing by flashing. I like the G4Drop with its ballistic stadia on the 6 o`clock axis, it’s not too complicated, but adds down range bullet compensation positions which, once learned are fast to use with its wide 4a-type pattern and central floating dot.

Passionate

Adjustments are via the PassionTrack turrets, which are capped and in use offered tactile and positive click adjustments, note caps have to be removed to access the adjusters. These low profile drums use easy to read numbers and offer 1cm @ 100m click values, sub-divided into six, 10mm sections. Windage is marked differently with a 0 positioned then left and right adjustments in 3 marked segments for fast visual acuity when adjusting for the wind.

Total adjustment range for both turrets is 400cm at 100metres, more than enough in reality. Included with the scope is a blank turret so you can add your own ballistic drop data and click points if needed by unscrewing the top of the turret and sliding the sleeve off. I like that idea especially if you are using the rifle for dual hunting purposes with differing bullet weights and velocities.

First light, last light

I used this scope for some CWD stalking at first light, but also more in the evening, although both lighting conditions were decidedly murky and dreary in nature. The GPO optics coped very well, cutting through the gloom, and allowing a good clear image to place that floating central dot on target, which is my preferred reticle type which, instinctively leads or aligns the eye correctly.

Its lightweight nature aboard the equally swelt Fierce carbon fibre, test rifle was appreciated and really this size and magnification range are more useful than some of the ultra mag versions in my view. When waiting for CWD to appear from the hedge rows I was on 1.5x in case they popped out close and 9x power was more than enough for any safely stalking range anyway. After a short wait the GPO cleanly spotted and targeted a CWD doe which was harvested humanely.

I did test the power range and zero shift if any by shooting a group at differing magnification settings to see if it would wander, I am glad to say all shots formed a normal group at 100 yards.

Conclusion

All Spectra 6x power scopes come with an instruction manual, cleaning cloth, scope covers, CR2032 battery and a generous 10-year warranty. The price point is very good for the level of lens quality and performance you have on tap and this lightweight smaller or more compact Spectra scope offers a good overall performance for most shooting tasks. Tracking was spot on and zero shift was neglectable so an optic you can rely on for real world hunting scenarios. Many of us get too wrapped up in higher magnification stalking optics, but in truth the spec of the 1.5-9x42 is most practical and allows you to get on with the job at all ranges.