Two seasons ago, I was glassing elk across a canyon in the Bitterroot Mountains when I realized my old 3-9x scope wasn’t cutting it anymore. At 400 yards, I could see the bull was a shooter, but I couldn’t make out enough detail to feel confident about shot placement. That’s when I decided it was time to step up to a variable power scope that could handle both close timber shots and long-range opportunities.
After mounting the Bushnell Engage 6-24×50 on my .300 Winchester Magnum hunting rifle, I’ve put this optic through two full hunting seasons and countless range sessions. From early morning mule deer hunts in Montana’s high country to late-season elk in thick timber, this scope has proven itself in the conditions that matter most to serious hunters.
The wilderness doesn’t give you second chances, and neither should your optic. After 14 months of hard use, including pack trips into some of the roughest country in the northern Rockies, I can tell you exactly what this scope delivers – and where it falls short.
- The Engage riflescope represents the latest evolution in Bushnell optics. The new Deploy MOA reticle features 1-MOA windage and elevation hashmarks, and can reach short and mid-range targets. Dialing in the scope is easy too, with the Toolless Locking Turret (TLT). The TLT also allows for Toolless ZERO reset. Find out why Bushnell’s clarity and glass are best in class with Engage.
Why Trust My Field Assessment
I’m Flint Marshall, and I’ve been testing hunting and survival gear for over two decades. As a former Army Ranger turned wilderness guide and survival instructor, I depend on my equipment when failure isn’t just disappointing – it can be dangerous. I bought this scope with my own money, not as a promotional sample, and I’ve used it in situations where performance matters.
My evaluation comes from guiding hunters across Montana, Idaho, and Alaska, where shots can range from 50 yards in thick timber to 500+ yards across open basins. I don’t write reviews based on range time alone – this scope has been my primary hunting optic through two complete seasons, multiple guided hunts, and extensive training courses where I teach long-range shooting fundamentals.
When Sarah, my wife (who’s a wildlife biologist), questions whether an expensive scope is really necessary, I tell her the same thing I’ll tell you: “Your equipment should never be the reason you miss an opportunity.” This Bushnell has proven that philosophy correct more times than I can count.
Real-World Testing in Hunter Conditions
I mounted the Engage 6-24×50 on my custom .300 Winchester Magnum using Talley Lightweight rings and a 20 MOA Picatinny base – a setup that’s seen action from sea level in Alaska to 9,000 feet in the Montana Rockies. My testing focused specifically on hunting applications rather than bench rest accuracy.
Field Testing Protocol:
- 14 months of active hunting and guiding use
- Over 200 rounds fired in hunting conditions
- Temperature extremes from -15°F to 95°F
- Altitude testing from 2,000 to 9,500 feet
- Extended pack trips with significant gear abuse
- Multiple animal harvests at ranges from 75 to 485 yards
I used primarily Barnes TTSX 180-grain loads for big game hunting, with some Federal Premium 200-grain Partition for heavy cover work. The scope endured everything from horseback hunting in rough terrain to stream crossings during combination hunting/fishing expeditions.
Durability Testing Highlights: This isn’t a safe queen scope. It’s been dropped on rocks during steep mountain descents, soaked during surprise weather, and subjected to the kind of punishment that comes with serious backcountry hunting. The real test came during a particularly brutal pack hunt when my horse spooked and sent my rifle case tumbling down a rocky slope – twice.
Technical Specifications That Matter to Hunters
Key Features:
- Magnification range: 6-24x (ideal for versatile hunting)
- Objective lens: 50mm (excellent light gathering)
- Tube diameter: 30mm (robust construction)
- Eye relief: 91mm (comfortable for heavy recoiling rifles)
- Field of view: 18 feet at 6x, 4 feet at 24x
- Total weight: 1.5 pounds
- Overall length: 14.3 inches
- Adjustment range: 150 MOA total travel
- Turret style: Exposed tactical with locking feature
- Parallax range: 10 yards to infinity
- Reticle: Deploy MOA (first focal plane)
What This Means in Hunting Situations: The 6x minimum magnification works perfectly for timber hunting where you might encounter game at 50-100 yards. The 24x maximum provides enough power for ethical shots at extended ranges while still maintaining a usable field of view. The 50mm objective gathers enough light for those critical dawn and dusk periods when big game is most active.
Glass Quality and Optical Performance
The optical clarity of this scope impressed me from day one. During a memorable morning hunt last fall, I was glassing a distant ridge at first light when I spotted what looked like a mature bull elk. At 24x magnification, I could clearly distinguish antler points and judge body size – details that would have been impossible with lesser glass.
Light Transmission Performance: The fully multi-coated lenses deliver exceptional performance during those critical low-light periods. I’ve successfully identified and harvested game up to 30 minutes after official sunset, when many scopes would leave you squinting at shadows. The 50mm objective lens gathers enough light to extend your effective hunting time significantly.
Reticle Design and Functionality: The Deploy MOA reticle is well-designed for hunting applications. The first focal plane design means the reticle scales with magnification, so your holdover points remain accurate at any power setting. The hash marks provide precise aiming points for wind drift and bullet drop compensation without cluttering the sight picture.
Edge-to-Edge Clarity: At lower magnifications (6-12x), the image remains sharp across the entire field of view. At maximum magnification, there’s slight softening at the very edges, but nothing that affects practical hunting use. The center 80% of the image stays crisp at all power settings.
Tracking Precision and Turret Performance
I learned the importance of reliable tracking the hard way during my military service, and this scope delivers the consistency you need for long-range work. During my standard box test at 100 yards, the Engage tracked within 0.25 MOA of theoretical – impressive for a scope in this price range.
Turret Characteristics: The tactical-style turrets provide positive, audible clicks that you can feel even with heavy gloves. Each click represents 0.25 MOA of adjustment, and the locking mechanism prevents accidental movement during transport. The turrets have enough travel to accommodate most hunting scenarios from close-range to extended distances.
Zero Retention: After 200+ rounds of .300 Winchester Magnum recoil and numerous pack trips, this scope has never lost zero. I verify my zero before every hunting season and have yet to need an adjustment. This reliability is crucial when you might travel hundreds of miles for a hunting opportunity.
Field-Friendly Adjustments: The turrets are large enough to operate with gloves but won’t snag on vegetation. The markings are clear and easy to read in field conditions. I particularly appreciate the ability to lock the turrets after zeroing – no more worrying about accidental movement during rough travel.
Durability in Harsh Hunting Conditions
Montana hunting means dealing with everything from August heat to November snow, and this scope has handled it all without complaint. The nitrogen-purged housing has remained fog-free through rapid temperature changes, from heated truck cabs to sub-freezing mountain air.
Weather Resistance: The EXO barrier coating on the lenses repels water, snow, and debris effectively. During a particularly miserable elk hunt in freezing rain, I never had to clean the lenses more than once per day. The scope maintained clear visibility throughout conditions that would have rendered lesser optics useless.
Physical Abuse Tolerance: This scope has survived drops onto rocks, impacts from low branches during horseback hunting, and the general punishment that comes with serious mountain hunting. The aluminum construction shows minor cosmetic wear but maintains perfect functionality.
Temperature Performance: I’ve used this scope in temperatures ranging from -15°F during late-season hunts to 95°F during early archery scouting trips. The optics remain clear and the adjustments smooth across this entire range. No fogging issues even during rapid temperature transitions.
Magnification Range and Hunting Applications
The 6-24x magnification range hits the sweet spot for versatile hunting. At 6x, you have enough field of view for quick target acquisition in thick cover. At 24x, you can make ethical shots at extended ranges while still maintaining enough light gathering for practical use.
Low-End Performance (6-8x): Perfect for timber hunting where shots typically occur at 50-150 yards. The wide field of view helps track moving game, and target acquisition is fast enough for running shots if necessary.
Mid-Range Performance (10-16x): Ideal for most open-country hunting situations. This range provides excellent detail for shot placement while maintaining reasonable light transmission and field of view. I use these settings for 80% of my hunting.
High-End Performance (18-24x): Reserved for long-range opportunities in open terrain. While the field of view narrows considerably, the detail available for precise shot placement is excellent. I’ve successfully used maximum magnification for shots out to 485 yards.
Parallax Adjustment: The side-focus parallax adjustment works smoothly from 10 yards to infinity. This feature is crucial for accuracy at varying distances and prevents the focusing errors that can cause missed shots.
Weight and Handling Characteristics
At 1.5 pounds, this scope adds noticeable weight to your rifle. For mountain hunting where every ounce matters, this is a consideration. However, the performance benefits justify the weight penalty for serious long-range work.
Balance and Handling: Mounted on my .300 Winchester Magnum, the scope doesn’t throw off the rifle’s balance significantly. The weight is well-distributed, and the overall feel remains manageable for extended carrying. The 14.3-inch length fits well on most hunting rifles without appearing oversized.
Portability Concerns: For dedicated mountain hunting where you might cover 10+ miles per day, the extra weight is noticeable. However, for stand hunting, blind hunting, or vehicle-based hunts, weight isn’t a significant factor. Consider your hunting style when evaluating this aspect.
Essential Mounting and Accessories
Proper Mounting is Critical: I use Talley Lightweight rings with a 20 MOA base to maximize the scope’s long-range potential. The investment in quality mounting hardware pays dividends in reliability and accuracy. Never compromise on mounting components – they’re as important as the scope itself.
Recommended Accessories:
- Lens covers: Essential for protecting the glass during transport and field use
- Scope level: Critical for long-range accuracy to prevent canting errors
- Quality rings and bases: Use reputable brands with proper torque specifications
- Lens cleaning kit: Carry appropriate cleaning supplies for field maintenance
Maintenance Considerations: Keep lens cleaning supplies in your pack. A small bottle of lens cleaner and microfiber cloth ensure clear optics when conditions deteriorate. The scope’s coatings are durable but not indestructible.
Performance Ratings Based on Field Use
Optical Clarity: 4.5/5 Excellent glass quality that competes with scopes costing significantly more. Minor edge distortion at maximum magnification.
Light Transmission: 4.5/5 Outstanding low-light performance extends effective hunting time. The 50mm objective gathers light efficiently.
Tracking Accuracy: 4.5/5 Reliable, repeatable adjustments with minimal deviation from theoretical. Critical for long-range confidence.
Durability: 5/5 Survived extensive field abuse without mechanical failure or optical degradation. Built for serious hunting use.
Value Proposition: 4/5 Delivers performance typically found in more expensive scopes, though weight and size are considerations.
Hunting Versatility: 4.5/5 Magnification range handles everything from timber hunting to long-range opportunities effectively.
Comparison with Alternative Options
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50: Better overall features including zero-stop turrets and improved glass, but costs nearly twice as much. The Vortex warranty is also superior.
Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20×50: Lighter weight with excellent glass quality, but lacks the tactical turrets and first focal plane reticle of the Bushnell.
Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50: Similar specifications with illuminated reticle and zero-stop features at a lower price point. Worth serious consideration.
Primary Arms GLx 4-16×50: Lighter and less expensive, but sacrifices some optical quality and maximum magnification range.
Bottom Line for Hunters
After 14 months of serious field use, the Bushnell Engage 6-24×50 has earned its place as my primary hunting optic. While it’s not perfect – the weight and size are noticeable, and it lacks some features found on more expensive scopes – it delivers the optical performance and reliability that serious hunters need.
Buy this scope if:
- You need versatile magnification for varied hunting situations
- Optical quality is a priority within a reasonable budget
- You want tactical-style features in a hunting scope
- Long-range capability is important to your hunting style
Consider alternatives if:
- Weight is a critical factor for your hunting style
- You need illuminated reticle features for low-light hunting
- Budget constraints make the Athlon Argos BTR more attractive
- You primarily hunt at close ranges where this magnification is overkill
The Engage 6-24×50 represents solid value in the mid-tier scope market. It’s not the lightest or the most feature-rich, but it delivers dependable performance when it matters. Remember, practice makes permanent, so get familiar with your equipment before hunting season arrives.
As my grandfather used to say, “You can’t shoot what you can’t see clearly.” This scope ensures you’ll see your target with enough detail to make ethical, accurate shots across a wide range of hunting situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scope suitable for mountain hunting? The Engage performs excellently optically, but the 1.5-pound weight is noticeable during long mountain hunts. If you’re covering serious elevation and distance daily, consider lighter alternatives. For stand hunting or vehicle-based mountain hunts, the weight is manageable for the performance gained.
How does this scope perform in extreme cold? I’ve used it successfully in temperatures down to -15°F without issues. The nitrogen purging prevents internal fogging, and all adjustments remain smooth. Always allow the scope to gradually adjust to temperature changes rather than subjecting it to extreme rapid transitions.
What’s the maximum effective hunting range? With proper ammunition and shooting skills, this scope supports ethical shots to 500+ yards. The 24x magnification provides sufficient detail for shot placement at these distances. However, remember that scope capability doesn’t replace the need for proper range estimation and ballistics knowledge.
Is the reticle too busy for hunting? The Deploy MOA reticle strikes a good balance between functionality and simplicity. It provides useful holdover references without cluttering the sight picture. Most hunters will find it intuitive after a brief familiarization period.
How does it compare to European glass at this price point? The Bushnell competes well against European alternatives in this price range. While some European manufacturers offer marginally better glass, the difference isn’t dramatic enough to justify significantly higher costs for most hunting applications.
Continue expanding your hunting knowledge with our comprehensive guides on long-range shooting techniques, rifle setup, and wilderness hunting strategies. Remember, the best equipment means nothing without proper training and field experience.