If you’re in the hunting or shooting community, you’ve probably heard the name Bushnell more than a few times. They’ve been in the game for a long time, offering a range of optics that often strike a fine balance between quality and affordability. The Engage series from Bushnell is designed to offer high-performance features without breaking the bank, and this particular scope, the 6-24×50, is no exception.
In this review, I’ll be getting into the nitty-gritty of what makes this scope stand out. I willl go over everything from its optical performance and build quality to its real-world applications. I’ll share my initial impressions right out of the box. Then, I’ll dig into the optics, construction, and the little features that can make or break your shot. I’ve put this scope through its paces in various real-world scenarios to give you an insider’s perspective.
First Impressions
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The moment I unboxed the Bushnell Engage 6-24×50, I knew I was dealing with a serious piece of equipment. It has a robust, sleek design that immediately catches your eye. After handling various scopes over the years, I developed a sixth sense for quality, and this one didn’t disappoint.
The scope comes with a set of lens caps and a sunshade, a nice touch if you ask me. As for the build, it felt solid in my hands, it doesn’t feel cheap, but it’s not overly heavy either. It’s got that durable feel that you’d want when you’re out in the field.
In my opinion, first impressions can often set the tone for your experience with a product. And let me tell you, the Bushnell Engage scored high marks right out of the gate.
Optical Performance
Optical performance is the bread and butter of any scope, and the Bushnell Engage 6-24×50 doesn’t skimp here. It comes with a fully multi-coated lens that ensures bright and high-contrast images. This is an asset when you’re out in the field, whether you’re tracking a moving target or focusing on a stationary one.
Now, let’s talk about the eye box, an often overlooked but crucial aspect of any scope. The Engage offers a comfortable 3.6-inch eye relief, providing ample space to get a full view without straining your eye. What impressed me most during real-life testing was how forgiving the eye box is, particularly at higher magnifications.
This is critical when you need to make quick target acquisitions or if you’re switching between different shooting positions. A generous eye box like this allows for some wiggle room, making your shooting experience far more enjoyable and less stressful.
Another notable feature is the scope’s parallax adjustment, which ranges from 10 yards to infinity. This is incredibly useful for both short-range and long-range shooting, adding another layer of versatility to an already impressive package.
With the Engage, you’ll also appreciate the 28′ FOV at 4X and 7′ at 16X, making it much easier to maintain situational awareness while scoped in.
Build Quality and Construction
The scope is constructed with high-quality aluminum, giving it a robust and durable frame. The 30mm tube adds to the ruggedness, ensuring that it can withstand various elements and rough use.
But where it truly shines is in its lens protection. The scope features Bushnell’s exclusive Exo Barrier Technology, a protective lens coating that bonds with the glass on a molecular level. This coating is exceptional in repelling oil, dust, and water while preventing scratches. When I was out in the field, I noticed how effective it was at keeping my optics clear, despite some challenging weather conditions.
The scope also offers water resistance with an IPX7 rating, making it both waterproof and fogproof. That’s an essential feature for anyone who’s ever had to deal with sudden weather changes while hunting or shooting.
Incorporated with fully multi-coated glass, this scope provides bright, high-contrast images, which is crucial for accurate long-range shooting.
The Turrets
One of the standout features of the Bushnell Engage 6-24×50 is its Toolless Locking Turret (TLT) system. This turret design not only offers precise adjustments but also simplifies the zero-reset process. No need to fumble with tools in the field; you can easily lock in your settings with the simple push-and-pull mechanism.
The turrets are MOA-based, providing 50 MOA of both windage and elevation adjustment, with 15 MOA of travel per rotation. After the tests I’ve done, I can vouch for their accuracy. These turrets click confidently into place, and you can feel each increment as you make your adjustments, which is key when you’re out in the field where every second counts.
One of my favorite features here is the Toolless ZERO Reset. Once you’ve sighted in, setting the zero is straightforward and requires no tools, aligning perfectly with the Deploy MOA reticle.
Reticle Performance
One of the game-changing features of the Bushnell Engage 6-24×50 is its Deploy MOA reticle. First off, it’s compatible with multiple calibers, giving you the flexibility to switch firearms without having to relearn your scope.
The Deploy MOA reticle features windage and elevation hash marks at 1 MOA resolution. This makes it incredibly straightforward for holdovers and windage adjustments. After the tests I’ve done, I found that the thin reticle design doesn’t obscure your target, allowing for precise shots during both short-range and mid-range engagements.
The reticle is located on the second focal plane, meaning it stays the same size regardless of your zoom level. This is particularly useful for long-range shooting, where varying magnification can often complicate matters.
Real-Life Testing: A Day in the Field
Now, let’s talk about the true test of any scope: how it performs in real-life situations. I’ve taken the Bushnell Engage 6-24×50 on a couple of hunts and spent a good deal of time with it at the range. Trust me when I say it holds its own.
On a recent deer hunting trip in East Texas, the scope proved to be invaluable. I had set up in a tree stand overlooking a clearing, and the first thing that struck me was how vividly I could see the details. I could clearly make out a herd of deer about 300 yards away, grazing without a care in the world. Dialing in the scope to 18x magnification, the image was crisp, and the reticle was easy to center. I took the shot, and the deer was down.
But the scope isn’t just for hunting. I’ve also used it extensively at the shooting range, practicing on targets at various distances. Whether it was 100 yards or 600 yards, the scope’s adjustments were accurate, and the tracking was reliable. I could dial in the turrets and trust that the bullet would land where the reticle was pointing.
After using the product for a good stretch, I also appreciated its ergonomic design. Even after hours of use, it felt comfortable and didn’t give me any sort of fatigue, which is more than I can say for some other scopes I’ve tried.
The Bushnell Engage 6-24×50 passed my real-world tests with flying colors. It’s versatile enough to serve you well, whether you’re in a hunting scenario or honing your skills at the shooting range. Its ease of use, clarity, and precision make it a top contender in its price range.
Who Should Buy This Scope?
So, you might be wondering if the Bushnell Engage 6-24×50 is the right fit for you. Based on my experience and testing, this scope is versatile enough to appeal to a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned vets.
For beginners, the scope offers ease of use, and its sturdy build is forgiving as you learn the ropes. Sure, there might be a bit of a learning curve, especially when it comes to understanding turret adjustments and magnification settings, but don’t let that deter you. The scope is intuitive enough that you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.
For experienced users, the scope’s versatile magnification settings, durable build, and accurate turrets make it a compelling option. Whether you’re hunting or hitting the range, this scope will not disappoint. It offers a level of performance that even discerning users will appreciate.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Deploy MOA reticle offers versatility and precision, suitable for multiple calibers.
- Exo Barrier Technology effectively protects the lens from water, oil, and scratches.
- Exceptional build quality ensures durability and longevity.
- Fully multi-coated glass delivers bright, high-contrast images.
- Toolless Locking Turret and ZERO Reset streamline the sighting process.
Cons
- Second focal plane may not be suitable for all shooting styles.
- The scope is only available for shipping within the U.S.
- The lack of an illuminated reticle can be a limitation in low-light conditions.
The Final Word
In my opinion, the Bushnell Engage 6-24×50 is a top-tier scope that brings a lot to the table. From its outstanding build quality to its versatile Deploy MOA reticle, it offers features that both novices and experienced shooters can appreciate. While it has a few limitations, like the lack of an illuminated reticle and restricted shipping, these are minor when you consider its overall performance and reliability. It’s a solid addition to any hunting rig, no matter the shooter’s experience level.
To find out more about rifle scopes have a look at my Burris Eliminator III review or the best Sightron scopes guide.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.