MOA vs. Mil-Dot Reticles: Which is Right for You?
MOA vs. Mil-Dot Reticles: Which is Right for You?
When choosing a rifle scope, one of the biggest decisions shooters face is whether to go with a MOA (Minute of Angle) or a Mil-Dot (Milliradian) reticle system. Both systems are effective for long-range shooting, but they measure distance and holdover differently. Understanding how each works will help you choose the right reticle for your shooting style, whether you’re hunting, competing, or practicing precision shooting.
What is MOA?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle, a unit of angular measurement.
-
1 MOA = 1.047 inches at 100 yards (often rounded to 1").
-
Most MOA scopes adjust in ¼ MOA clicks — meaning each click moves the point of impact about 0.25 inches at 100 yards.
Advantages of MOA:
-
Easier to visualize in inches, since most shooters in the U.S. think in imperial measurements.
-
Finer adjustment with ¼ MOA clicks.
-
Ideal for hunters and marksmen shooting within 1,000 yards.
What is Mil-Dot?
Mil-Dot reticles use milliradians (mils) to measure angle.
-
1 Mil = 3.6 inches at 100 yards (or 10 cm at 100 meters).
-
Most Mil scopes adjust in 0.1 Mil clicks, which equals 0.36 inches at 100 yards.
Advantages of Mil-Dot:
-
Easier math when working with metric units.
-
Widely used in military and tactical shooting.
-
Faster for range estimation using the reticle.
MOA vs. Mil-Dot: Side-by-Side
| Feature | MOA | Mil-Dot |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement Unit | Minutes of Angle (1 MOA ≈ 1” at 100 yds) | Milliradians (1 Mil ≈ 3.6” at 100 yds) |
| Adjustment Clicks | ¼ MOA (0.25” at 100 yds) | 0.1 Mil (0.36” at 100 yds) |
| Best For | Hunters, U.S. shooters | Military, tactical, metric shooters |
| Ease of Use | Simple in inches | Simple in meters |
| Precision | Finer adjustments | Faster ranging |
Which Should You Choose?
-
If you primarily shoot in yards/inches and prefer fine adjustments, MOA may feel more natural.
-
If you train or compete with a military/tactical background, or often work in meters/metric, Mil-Dot will be a better fit.
At the end of the day, both systems are accurate and effective — the real key is to stick with one and master it.
Final Thoughts
Both MOA and Mil-Dot reticles are tried-and-true systems. Neither is “better” — but one may be more practical depending on your background, preferred measuring system, and shooting style. Choose the one that feels most intuitive, and spend your time practicing with it rather than switching back and forth.
