The term "24-gauge" typically refers to the thickness of a material, often used in the context of metal sheets or wire. In the gauge system, a lower number indicates a thicker material, so 24-gauge is relatively thin. It is commonly used in applications like roofing, siding, and HVAC systems due to its balance of strength and weight. In the world of firearms, "24-gauge" can also refer to a specific size of shotgun shell. However, this is less common than other gauges like 12 or 20. The 24-gauge is primarily of interest to collectors and enthusiasts of vintage or specialized firearms.