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Contents
  • What Does 6-24x50 Mean on a Scope?
  • Range and Best Uses of a 6-24x50 Scope
  • 6-24x50 Scopes: Pros and Cons to Consider
  • Affordable 6-24x50 Scope from Gunnr
  • Final Thoughts: What makes a 6-24x50 Special?
Contents
  • What Does 6-24x50 Mean on a Scope?
  • Range and Best Uses of a 6-24x50 Scope
  • 6-24x50 Scopes: Pros and Cons to Consider
  • Affordable 6-24x50 Scope from Gunnr
  • Final Thoughts: What makes a 6-24x50 Special?

6-24x50 Scopes: Everything to Know

by Jack Johnson 15 Jan 2026 0 Comments
An HPVO and all the key features it must have

Long-range shooting has become more popular than ever, and shooters now want to push their rifles past the typical 100-yard mark. To do this effectively, you need an optic that can bridge the gap between mid-range and extreme distances. 

High Power Variable Optics with the 6-24x50 configuration have become a gold standard for this exact purpose, and offer a balance that few other optics can match. If you want to hit targets at long distances, choosing a 6-24x50 scope is a significant step toward building a nice platform for your needs. 
An HPVO optic provides the power you need to see details far away while maintaining a bright image. Whether you are a precision shooter or a hunter in open country, understanding how this magnification works is essential for your next rifle build.

What Does 6-24x50 Mean on a Scope?

The numbers on a scope tell you its capabilities. In the case of a 6-24x50 scope, the first two numbers refer to the magnification range.

  • The first number ‘6’ means that the lowest setting is six times closer than the naked eye.
  • The ‘24’ means you can zoom in up to twenty-four times. This is a wide range that allows you to scan for targets at 6x and then zoom in for a precise shot at 24x.
  • The third number ‘50’ refers to the objective lens diameter in millimeters. This is the lens at the front of the scope that faces your target.

When you zoom into 24x, the amount of light reaching your eye naturally decreases. This is why a 50mm lens is necessary, as it compensates for the high power by pulling in as much ambient light as possible.

This is particularly useful during the golden hour, which is the time just after sunrise or right before sunset, when hunting game is most active, like coyotes and elk.

The size of this lens is also very important. A larger lens, like a 50mm, can collect more light than a smaller 32mm or 40mm lens. This extra light is what makes the image look bright and clear, especially when you are using the higher magnification settings.

a complete field of view through a 6-24x50 scope

Range and Best Uses of a 6-24x50 Scope

One of the most common questions I get is about the 6-24x50 scope range. While a skilled shooter can hit targets at many distances, this optic is truly designed for work between 100 and 1,000 yards.

This scope is a favorite for several specific activities:

  • Precision Rifle Competition: In matches like the Precision Rifle Series, targets are often small and placed at unknown distances. The high zoom helps with spotting and ranging.
  • Varmint Hunting: If you are hunting prairie dogs or groundhogs from a distance, you need to see tiny details. This magnification makes those small targets much easier to hit.
  • Benchrest Shooting: If you want to shoot the smallest groups possible at the range, more magnification is almost always better. It allows you to refine your aiming point down to a fraction of an inch.
  • Open Country Hunting: For hunters in the mountains or plains, shots can often exceed 400 yards. This scope provides the confidence needed to take those ethical shots.

Because they can reach out so far,  6-24x50 scopes are commonly paired with calibers like the 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, or .300 Winchester Magnum. These cartridges have the ballistics to match the visual reach of the glass.

a man holding a 6-24x50 scope for hunting

6-24x50 Scopes: Pros and Cons to Consider

Pros and Advantages

The main advantages of a 6-24x50 are the extensive magnification it gives you in long-range shooting scenarios, the clearer images for precise shots, and the highly versatile reticles they come with.

  1. The biggest pro is the sheer versatility in magnification. You can use this scope for almost anything except for very close-quarters shooting. 
  2. The 50mm objective lens also provides a very clear image even on overcast days. Most scopes in this category come with advanced features like side parallax adjustment. 
  3. This allows you to fine-tune the focus so the reticle stays perfectly still on the target, even if you move your head slightly.

Cons and Challenges

The main challenges with using a 6-24x50 scope have to do with extra weight, the field of view at higher magnification, and the (typically) smaller eye box at high magnification. 

  1. The main drawback is potential weight. A 6-24x50 scope is usually much heavier and longer than a standard 3-9x40 hunting scope. It can make a lightweight rifle feel top-heavy. 
  2. Another factor is the field of view. At 24x, your view is very narrow. This makes it difficult to track a moving target. If an animal is running, you will likely need to dial the scope back down to 6x or 8x to find it again. 
  3. Lastly, the eye box might become very small at 24x. You must have a very consistent cheek weld to maintain a clear image.
a complete photo of an affordable HPVO scope and its complete package

Affordable 6-24x50 Scope from Gunnr

At Gunnr, we understand that shooters want professional features without the professional price tag. That is why Gunnr developed the Heimdall HD 6-24x50 FFP

The Heimdall is a First Focal Plane (FFP) optic,  and it’s a 6-24x50 rifle scope built to handle the most demanding conditions while providing world-class clarity. The lenses are made of  German Schott glass, famous for its high light transmission and lack of distortion. 

Its 1/8 MOA holdover marks are accurate at every power level. If you need to hold two mils for wind, it is two mils at 6x and two mils at 24x.

Key Features of the Heimdall 6-24x50 Scope

  • 7075 Aluminum Alloy Body: This is the same high-strength material used in aircraft. It is much stronger than the standard 6061 aluminum found in budget scopes.
  • Locking Zero-Stop Turrets: You can dial for elevation and return to your zero instantly. The locking mechanism ensures your turrets do not move accidentally while you are hiking.
  • 1/8 MOA Adjustments: This allows for extreme precision when zeroing your rifle. You can make tiny adjustments that larger click values simply cannot match.
  • Extreme Durability: We test these optics to withstand 1,000 impacts at 1,200G. It is rated for heavy hitters like the .375 H&H and 12-gauge slugs.

The Heimdall HD also features argon purging. This is superior to nitrogen for preventing internal fogging when you move from a warm truck into the freezing cold air of a hunting blind.

Final Thoughts: What makes a 6-24x50 Special?

The combination of a wide zoom range and a large objective lens makes the 6-24x50 scope one of the most practical choices for the modern marksman. Whether you choose the Gunnr Heimdall for its rugged 7075 construction or another model, you will appreciate the extra detail it provides.

While it requires a bit more care in mounting and a more disciplined shooting position, the rewards are worth it. 

Once you experience the clarity of a high-quality 6-24x50 scope, it is very hard to go back to anything less. It gives you the confidence to take the shot, knowing exactly where that bullet is going to land. Heimdall HD 6-24x50 FFP.

Explore more on what HPVOs are, as you seek to make the most of your scope.

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