MOA stands for a minute of angle. On the surface, it looks a bit complicated and not beginner-friendly at all. And if you are anything like me and have a lifelong enmity with math, then you hate to be in a conversation like this.
But like everything else, this knowledge is mandatory for all sorts of shooters. Let’s pretend we are reading a textbook and learn what MOA is.
Keeping It Simple Stupid
Here is an explanation for dummies like me. A minute of angle is an angular measurement of 1/60th of a degree. 1 MOA spreads around 1” per 100 yards. Though some might say it’s bigger than an inch (and that’s true), in a normal shooting scenario, that difference is debatable. But we are not here to debate, but rather learn. Let’s get on with it.
The best and easiest way to think of a 1” group at 100 yards is 1 MOA And a 2” group at 200 yards is 1 MOA. So, a 3” group is 1 MOA and the cycle repeats. For example, if you have 2 MOA rifles, it means your gun can shoot a 2” group at 100 yards or 4” groups at 200 yards.
The main thing you will need to keep in mind is that 1 MOA is a different size at different distances. 8” at 800 yards is still 1 MOA. Just think that 1 MOA increment is based on the distance you are at.
If you are shooting at 300 yards and you know that MOA spreads 1” per yard, then at 300 yards your MOA distance is 3”. Therefore, if you make any adjustment at 300 yards, you will need to calculate by 3” increment or decrease meant
Just by that, if you are increasing 2 MOA, you are increasing 6” and if you are decreasing ½ MOA, then you are decreasing 1.5”.
Think Not Read
This is a formula that a lot of hunters like to apply. Instead of reading the increment on your turrets, you think MOA. The majority of the modern scopes adjust in ¼ MOA per click. Some offer ⅛ and ½ even, but 1 MOA per click is rare.
Once you know how many MOA you need to adjust, you can make the particular adjustment in your scope without any issues.
Let me give you an example if you have ¼ MOA scope and you want to adjust 2 MOA, then you will click 8 times.
Conclusion
It’s not dumb if it works! I know there are written formulas and standard stuff published by authorities that also help you learn MOA. But I felt like I needed to publish what I know on the topic and If you want to know about MRAD reticle! tap here.
As a newbie, it’s easy to get lost in these readings and mess up adjustments. And then we blame the company for “bad scopes”. So, I hope you learned something new today and hate math a bit more as well. Jokes aside, thanks for reading and I will see you at the next one.
Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!
