0 MOA vs 20 MOA Scope Mounts: Which One Should You Use?

0 MOA vs 20 MOA Scope Mounts: What’s the Real Difference?

If you’ve spent any time looking at scope mounts or rails, you’ve probably seen the terms 0 MOA and 20 MOA thrown around—and if you’re like most people, your first thought was:

“What do I actually need to care about this?”

Short answer:
Yes… but only depending on how you shoot.

Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense—no fluff, no overcomplicated math—just what you need to know to make the right decision.

First—What Does MOA Even Mean?

Before we compare 0 MOA and 20 MOA, we need to understand what MOA is.

MOA = Minute of Angle

It’s just a way to measure adjustments in your scope.

• 1 MOA ≈ 1 inch at 100 yards
• 2 MOA ≈ 2 inches at 100 yards
• And so on

Your scope uses MOA to adjust:

• Elevation (up/down)
• Windage (left/right)

So when we talk about a 20 MOA rail, we’re talking about a mount that’s angled slightly downward toward the muzzle, which affects how much elevation adjustment your scope has available.

What Is a 0 MOA Mount?

A 0 MOA mount (or rail) is completely flat.

Your scope sits perfectly parallel to your rifle barrel.

What this means for you:

• Your scope starts out “neutral”
• You have equal adjustment up and down (in theory)
• It’s ideal for short to mid-range shooting

Best Use Cases for 0 MOA:

• Hunting (most situations)
• Shooting under 300–400 yards
• General-purpose rifles
• Beginner setups

Real-world example:

If you’re hunting deer in the woods or shooting at 100–200 yards, a 0 MOA mount is exactly what you want—simple, reliable, and easy to set up.

👉 If you’re building a hunting setup, start here:
Shop Rifle Scopes

What Is a 20 MOA Mount?

A 20 MOA mount is angled.

The rear of the mount sits slightly higher than the front.

This tilts your scope downward slightly—forcing you to dial your scope up to compensate.

What this actually does:

It gives you more upward adjustment range in your scope.

Why that matters:

At long distances, your bullet drops significantly. To compensate, you need to dial your scope up.

A 20 MOA mount gives you more room to do that.

The Key Difference (Simplified)

• 0 MOA = flat, standard setup for most shooting
• 20 MOA = angled, designed for long-range shooting

Why 20 MOA Matters for Long Range

As distance increases, bullet drop becomes more extreme.

• 100 yards → minimal drop
• 500 yards → noticeable drop
• 1000 yards → significant drop

Scopes have limited elevation adjustment. If you run out of upward adjustment, you won’t be able to compensate for distance.

A 20 MOA mount helps solve that problem by giving you more usable elevation.

Who Actually Needs a 20 MOA Mount?

Most people don’t.

You should consider 20 MOA if:

• You shoot 600+ yards regularly
• You’re doing long-range or precision shooting
• You want to maximize your scope’s adjustment range

👉 If that’s your goal, look at:
Long Range Rifle Scopes

You probably don’t need it if:

• You’re hunting inside 300 yards
• You shoot at a standard range
• You’re running a basic setup

For Hunters—Here’s the Truth

Most hunting happens inside 300 yards.

In many cases, shots are under 200 yards.

At those distances:

• You don’t need extreme elevation adjustment
• You need speed, clarity, and reliability

That’s why most hunters are better off with a 0 MOA setup.

👉 If you’re hunting, start here:
Shop Hunting Scopes

Downsides of 20 MOA

There are trade-offs.

1. Close-range zeroing can be harder

You may need more downward adjustment than your scope allows.

2. Overkill for most setups

You’re solving a problem you may not have.

3. Adds complexity

More adjustment and setup involved.

A Better Way to Decide

Ask yourself:

“How far am I realistically shooting?”

• 0–300 yards → go 0 MOA
• 300–600 yards → still likely 0 MOA
• 600+ yards → consider 20 MOA

Common Mistake

A lot of people think:

“20 MOA is better”

It’s not about better—it’s about purpose.

• 0 MOA = practical
• 20 MOA = specialized

Quick Comparison

Final Verdict

Choose 0 MOA if:

• You’re hunting
• You shoot under 400 yards
• You want a simple, reliable setup

Choose 20 MOA if:

• You’re shooting long range (600+ yards)
• You need more elevation adjustment
• You’re building a precision rifle

One Last Thought

A scope mount isn’t about having the most advanced setup.

It’s about choosing what actually fits how you shoot.

Most people are better off with a simple, reliable 0 MOA setup—and only moving to 20 MOA when their shooting demands it.