When you’re new to shooting or hunting, you may encounter terms like “Mil” and “MOA” in relation to scopes and sight adjustments. These terms can be confusing for beginners, but understanding them is key to improving your accuracy and knowing how to adjust your scope to hit your target. This guide will explain what Mil and MOA are, how they impact your shooting, and help you decide which one might work best for you.
What are Mil and MOA?
When adjusting your rifle scope, you’re moving your point of aim by very small angles to ensure you hit your target precisely. These small angles are measured using either MOA (Minute of Angle) or Mil (Milliradian).
What is MOA?
MOA stands for “Minute of Angle.” It’s a way of measuring small angles, and one MOA equals 1/60th of a degree. At 100 yards, one MOA represents about 1 inch, meaning if you adjust your scope by 1 MOA, your point of impact will shift by about 1 inch at that distance.
The further away you get, the more distance each MOA represents. So at 200 yards, 1 MOA is about 2 inches, at 300 yards, it’s around 3 inches, and so on. This makes MOA an intuitive choice for shooters who want to adjust their aim by a certain number of inches on the target.
What is Mil?
Mil stands for “Milliradian,” which is another way of measuring angles. In practical terms, 1 Mil at 100 yards equals about 3.6 inches, a bit larger than the shift you’d get with 1 MOA. Like MOA, the distance each Mil represents increases as you move farther from the target. For example, at 200 yards, 1 Mil is about 7.2 inches, and at 300 yards, it’s about 10.8 inches.
Mil is commonly used in military and tactical shooting because it’s compatible with the metric system, and it’s slightly easier to make quick mental calculations at longer distances.
How Mil and MOA Affect Scope Adjustments
Knowing how these units impact scope adjustments is important because each “click” on a scope is calibrated to move by a small fraction of a Mil or MOA. Typically, each click in an MOA scope moves the point of aim by ¼ inch at 100 yards, while a Mil-based scope moves the point by about 0.36 inches (or 1/10th of a Mil).
For example, if you’re shooting at a target 100 yards away and notice your shot hits 2 inches left of the bullseye, you would need to adjust 2 MOA (8 clicks if each click is ¼ MOA) to bring it to center. In a Mil-based scope, that same adjustment would take around 5.5 clicks. Understanding these differences will help you make more precise adjustments depending on the type of scope you have.
Which is Better for Beginners? Pros and Cons
Each measurement type has its strengths, and choosing the right one depends on your goals, shooting style, and even where you plan to shoot.
Advantages of MOA:
- Easy Conversion for Short Distances: Since MOA is close to 1 inch at 100 yards, it’s straightforward for calculating short- to mid-range adjustments. You know that if you’re off by 2 inches, you can adjust by 2 MOA to correct it.
- Imperial System Compatibility: MOA aligns well with inches and yards, which is ideal if you’re used to the imperial system.
- Popular in Hunting and Target Shooting: Many hunting scopes are MOA-based, making it easier to find compatible equipment if you plan to use it for recreational shooting or hunting.
Advantages of Mil:
- Ideal for Long-Range and Tactical Shooting: Mil is commonly used in tactical and military scopes because it allows for easier adjustments over long distances.
- Compatibility with the Metric System: Since the metric system is based on 10s, Mil calculations can be quicker to make in the field, especially for long-range shooting.
- Consistent Angular Measurements: Mil-based scopes tend to be more precise at extended ranges, making them popular among long-range shooters who need to make minute adjustments.
If you’re a beginner focusing on mid-range shooting or hunting, an MOA scope might be easier to start with. For long-range or tactical applications, Mil might offer more flexibility and precision at a distance.
Practical Scenarios: When to Use Mil or MOA
Different shooting scenarios may benefit from one unit of measurement over the other. Here are some common examples to help you understand how Mil and MOA apply in real-world situations:
Hunting
For hunting within 200-300 yards, an MOA scope is often easier to use. You’ll be able to quickly estimate adjustments in inches, which aligns well with typical hunting distances. If you know your bullet impacts 3 inches off target at 100 yards, you can adjust by 3 MOA (or 12 clicks on a ¼-MOA scope) to bring it back to the center.
Long-Range and Precision Shooting
For shooting at 500 yards or more, Mil is often the preferred choice. Since Mil-based adjustments cover more distance per click, it’s easier to make quick corrections at long range. If your shot is off by 10 inches at 500 yards, a Mil-based scope would require fewer clicks than an MOA-based one to get you back on target.
Understanding which situations benefit from each unit can help you make an informed decision when choosing between Mil and MOA.
Choosing the Right Scope Based on Mil vs. MOA
When it comes to choosing a scope, it’s helpful to start with your intended use and experience level:
- New Shooters & Hunters: MOA is often the easiest to understand and may feel more intuitive for beginners, especially if you’re shooting within 100-300 yards.
- Long-Range & Tactical Shooters: Mil tends to be better for long-range, tactical, or metric-system shooters. The larger adjustments make it faster to zero in on targets at greater distances.
- Hybrid Use: Some scopes come with both Mil and MOA adjustments. These are rarer but may be helpful if you want to try both systems without committing to one.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that fits your shooting needs and helps you make adjustments that feel natural to you.
Common Questions for Beginners
1. What if I choose the “wrong” measurement type?
No worries! There isn’t a “wrong” choice; it’s about finding what works best for your needs. Many shooters use both systems depending on their shooting goals.
2. Can I switch between Mil and MOA?
You can switch if you try both systems and find one suits you better. Keep in mind that scopes are typically built for one or the other, so you may need a new scope if you decide to switch.
3. Are there scopes that allow both measurements?
Some high-end scopes offer dual adjustments, but they are rare. Most shooters prefer to stick with one system for simplicity.
4. Which is better for accuracy: Mil or MOA?
Both are equally accurate when used correctly. Your choice will depend on your preferences and the shooting scenarios you’re most interested in.
Conclusion
Understanding Mil and MOA is an important step for any shooter who wants to improve their accuracy and make the most of their scope. While MOA is often seen as the more beginner-friendly choice, especially for mid-range hunting, Mil provides tactical and long-range shooters with the precision and flexibility needed for greater distances. By exploring both systems, you’ll be better prepared to choose a scope that fits your style, helping you become a more confident and effective shooter.
