Scope Numbers Explained: What They Really Mean

Markgriffin10 Aug, 2025News

A scope labeled 6-24x offers an even wider range. At 6x, it works well for mid-range targets. At 24x, you are using high magnification. This is great for long-distance shooting, such as prairie dog hunting or hitting steel targets beyond 600 yards. The second number after the “x” indicates the objective lens diameter in millimeters. A 40mm lens, for example, gathers more light than a 32mm, which typically means a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses may require higher mounting and add weight.