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joe9838
Oct 26, 20244 min read

Understanding MOA (Minute of Angle) and Its Impact on Long-Range Precision

Updated: Dec 24, 2024


When it comes to long-range shooting, understanding Minute of Angle (MOA) is critical for achieving consistent accuracy. MOA is a unit of angular measurement used to quantify adjustments for bullet trajectory, windage, and bullet drop. In this guide, we’ll break down what MOA is, how to adjust for it in the field, and provide a comparison to Miliradians (MILs) to help you make the best decisions when adjusting your rifle for long-range precision.


What is MOA?

MOA stands for Minute of Angle, which is an angular measurement equal to 1/60th of a degree. In the context of shooting, 1 MOA equals 1.047 inches at 100 yards, but for simplicity, most shooters round it to 1 inch at 100 yards. This means that for every 100 yards, a 1 MOA adjustment will move the point of impact approximately 1 inch.

  • At 100 yards: 1 MOA ≈ 1 inch.

  • At 200 yards: 1 MOA ≈ 2 inches.

  • At 300 yards: 1 MOA ≈ 3 inches, and so on.


How Does MOA Impact Long-Range Precision?

MOA allows shooters to adjust their rifle scope to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift over long distances. Understanding and using MOA effectively ensures that your bullet hits the target, even when factors like distance, wind, and elevation are in play.

Bullet Drop Compensation

As a bullet travels, gravity pulls it downward, resulting in bullet drop. To compensate for this, shooters use the MOA adjustments on their scope to bring the point of aim back to the center of the target.

  • Example: If a rifle is sighted in at 100 yards, and the target is at 300 yards, the bullet will drop several inches. If your bullet drops 6 inches at 300 yards, you would dial 2 MOA on your scope to compensate (2 MOA x 3 = 6 inches).

Windage Adjustments

Wind can push a bullet off course, and shooters use MOA to adjust for this lateral movement, known as windage. Depending on the wind’s strength and direction, you’ll need to dial your scope to correct for the wind.

  • Example: A crosswind at 10 mph might push your bullet off by 2 MOA at 300 yards. Adjusting for this drift would bring the bullet back to your point of aim.


How to Adjust for MOA in the Field: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learning how to use MOA adjustments on your scope will dramatically improve your shooting performance, especially for long-range targets. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Zero Your Rifle at a Known Distance

Start by zeroing your rifle at a known distance, typically 100 yards. This means adjusting your scope so that the bullet hits exactly where the crosshairs are aimed.

Step 2: Calculate Bullet Drop and Windage for Distance

Once your rifle is zeroed, use a ballistic calculator or a ballistics chart to determine the bullet drop and windage for your specific caliber and distance.

  • Example: If your bullet drops 10 inches at 400 yards, you’ll need to adjust your scope by 2.5 MOA (10 inches ÷ 4 inches = 2.5 MOA).

Step 3: Make the Adjustments on Your Scope

Your scope’s elevation and windage turrets will have MOA markings. Adjust the turrets based on your calculations.

  • Elevation: Dial the MOA needed to compensate for bullet drop.

  • Windage: Adjust the MOA to compensate for wind drift, if needed.

Step 4: Confirm the Adjustment

Fire a group of shots at your target to confirm that the adjustments were accurate. Fine-tune as needed.


Understanding MILs vs. MOA: What’s the Difference?

While MOA is commonly used in the U.S., many precision shooters use Miliradians (MILs) as an alternative angular measurement. Both systems serve the same purpose, but they measure angular distance differently.

MOA

  • 1 MOA = 1.047 inches at 100 yards.

  • More commonly used in hunting and general target shooting.

MIL

  • 1 MIL = 3.6 inches at 100 yards.

  • MILs are often favored by long-range precision shooters and military personnel due to their smaller, finer adjustments.

Which Should You Choose?

The choice between MOA and MIL often comes down to personal preference. If you’ve already trained with MOA, there’s no need to switch. However, if you’re planning on diving deeper into precision shooting, consider experimenting with MIL-based scopes to see if you prefer the finer adjustments.


Recommended Scopes with MOA Adjustments

Many modern rifle scopes offer MOA adjustments to help shooters dial in their aim for long-range accuracy. Here are some of the top-rated MOA scopes for different budgets and shooting styles:

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm MOA

  • Best Use: Long-range precision shooting.

  • Key Features: The Vortex Viper PST offers a high magnification range and precise MOA adjustments, making it perfect for long-range engagements. The reticle features MOA hash marks to help with holdovers and windage corrections.

Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm MOA

  • Best Use: Hunting and target shooting.

  • Key Features: Known for its clarity and durability, the Leupold VX-3i provides reliable MOA adjustments for hunters looking to take shots at extended ranges.

Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm MOA

  • Best Use: Extreme long-range shooting.

  • Key Features: The Nightforce ATACR is a premium option for shooters who demand the highest level of precision. It offers exceptional clarity and ultra-precise MOA adjustments for extreme distance shooting.


MOA is an essential tool for long-range shooters who want to dial in their accuracy and hit targets consistently over varying distances. Understanding how to calculate bullet drop and windage adjustments in MOA, and making the necessary corrections on your scope, will greatly improve your shooting performance. Whether you’re using MOA or MIL, the key is practice—getting comfortable with your scope and learning how your rifle performs at different distances.


Looking for a new scope to improve your long-range accuracy? Browse our selection of top-rated MOA scopes from brands like Vortex, Leupold, and Nightforce. Explore here and let us know if you don't see what you're interested in. Don't forget that our inventory is on-demand and we order what you need when you need it.





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