Imagine yourself on the firing line, looking through your rifle scope and preparing for the perfect shot. Your target, distant yet distinct, demands precision, that’s why every adjustment and calculation matters.
You might be wondering: “Which system can help me make the right Adjustments — milliradians (MILS) or Minute of Angle (MOA)?”
We’ll review MILS vs. MOA and compare them in terms of application, ease of conversion, equipment availability, and compatibility with ballistic calculators.
In addition, we’ll answer common questions and explore scenarios when choosing between a MILS and MOA scope can determine whether you hit the mark or miss your shot.
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What Are MILS?
Milliradians, or Mils, are a unit of angular measurement used in shooting and ballistic calculations.
One milliradian is equal to 1/1000th of a radian. In practical terms, a milliradian subtends an arc equivalent to about 3.6 inches at 100 yards or roughly 1 meter at 1000 meters.
What does this mean for you?
When viewing the target through a MILS scope, you see the crosshairs alongside dots or hash marks. The spacing between these marks at a common sighting distance of 100 yards for hunting rifles represents a vertical measurement of 3.6 inches on your target. This distance between mil dots or hash marks adjusts proportionally as the distance to your target changes.
Common MIL sizes range from 0.1 MIL to 1 MIL. These sizes are used for ranging targets and making holdover and windage adjustments in MIL-based scopes and reticles.
Smaller increments, such as tenth MIL markings, allow outdoor enthusiasts to make finer graduations for even more precise aiming, particularly in long-range shooting scenarios.
What Is MOA?
Minute of Angle, or MOA, is another unit of angular measurement used in shooting sports and hunting.
One minute of angle is equal to 1/60th of a degree, or approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards. This means that at 100 yards, one MOA subtends an angle that would cover about 1.047 inches on the target.
What does this mean for you?
When using a MOA scope, you'll see crosshairs, together with vertical and horizontal lines or dashes. At 100 yards, the spacing between these dashes represents a measurement of approximately 1.047 inches on your target.
Common MOA sizes range from 1 MOA to 8 MOA. These sizes are used for making precise adjustments to compensate for bullet drop and windage in MOA-based scopes and reticles. If you want to know how these sizes compare to each other, read more about 3 MOA vs. 6 MOA in our recent article.
Smaller increments, such as 1/4 MOA or 1/8 MOA, allow outdoor enthusiasts to fine-tune their aim for maximum accuracy at different distances and achieve the best results under varying shooting conditions.
MILS vs. MOA: Key Differences
Choosing between MILS or a MOA scope is a crucial decision on the path to shooting accuracy. Each has its own set of benefits and complexities, and we're here to delve into their unique characteristics.
Measurement System
MILS is based on milliradians, which is a decimal-based system for angular measurement. This system is straightforward for calculations and adjustments, particularly in long-range shooting scenarios.
MOA is based on minutes of angle, which is a system that divides the degree into 60 equal parts. This system might be less intuitive for outdoor enthusiasts in terms of conversion and calculations compared to MILS.
Application
MILS is used in military and tactical shooting applications due to its ease of use in ranging, holdover calculations and compatibility with military equipment.
MOA is used in precision rifle shooting, hunting and target shooting as it provides precise elevation and windage control.
Ease Of Conversion
MILS provides easy conversion between angular measurements and distance due to its base-10 system. This helps you make quick calculations of target size, range estimation and holdover adjustments.
MOA requires calculations involving fractions of a degree, which might be a challenging task — especially for people who are unfamiliar with the MOA system.
Range Estimation Formula
MILS uses a straightforward range estimation formula: Target Size (in yards or meters) divided by MILS read equals Range to Target (in yards or meters).
For example, if a target is estimated to be 2 MILS tall and is 1000 yards away, the range estimation would be 1000 yards ÷ 2 MILS = 500 yards.
The range estimation formula using MOA follows a similar principle but requires adjustments because 1 MOA subtends approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards.
For example, if a target is estimated to be 2 MOA tall and it’s 1000 yards away, the range estimation would be 1000 yards ÷ 2 MOA = 500 MOA, then when converted to yards it results in approximately 47.7 yards.
Equipment Availability
MIL-based scopesand reticles are widely available — especially for military and tactical use models. Many modern riflescopes offer MIL adjustments and MIL-based reticles as standard features.
MOA-based scopes and reticles can also be found easily, particularly in models designed for precision rifle shooting and hunting.
Compatibility With Ballistics Calculators
Many ballistics calculators work seamlessly with MIL-based measurements, facilitating long-range shooting calculations such as bullet trajectory, bullet drop, windage adjustments and holdovers.
Similarly, there are numerous ballistics calculators that support MOA measurements. They allow outdoor enthusiasts to input their scope's adjustments and reticle subtensions for precise shooting results.
Global vs. Regional Preference
MILS are used worldwide — especially in military and tactical shooting contexts.
MOA is more common in certain regions, like the United States, where outdoor enthusiasts are familiar with the minute-based system and where MOA-based equipment is widely accessible.
MILS vs. MOA: Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice between MILS and MOA will depend on your familiarity with the measurement system, your intended application and preferences.
Opt for a MILS scope for:
- Military or tactical shooting where precise ranging, holdover and windage adjustments are crucial
- Dynamic shooting environments
- Long-range engagements
Opt for a MOA scope for:
- Precision rifle competitions
- Hunting
- Target shooting
Shop Scopes At Natchez
Whether you're a seasoned marksman or new to precision shooting, Natchez Shooting & Outdoors offers a wide selection of MILS and MOA optical equipment to meet your needs.
If you're a precision rifle competitor aiming for that perfect shot, our selection of MILS and MOA rifle scopes and rangefinders will help you hit your mark with unmatched accuracy.
For hunters venturing into the field, our MILS and MOA optics ensure reliable ranging and holdover, making sure you get ethical and successful kills in any terrain.
At Natchez, you can also find top-tier ammunition, shooting gear, and reloading equipment that cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts across disciplines and budgets.
Explore our online store to discover a world of precision optics, shooting gear, and high-performance ammunition, making sure you're equipped for unparalleled accuracy and reliability in every shooting situation.
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MOA vs. MIL: FAQS
Still have questions about MILS vs. MOA? Check out our section with frequently asked questions to gain more insights.
Can I mix MILS and MOA adjustments on the same scope?
It's not recommended to mix MILS and MOA adjustments on the same scope, as this can lead to confusion and errors in adjustments. Instead, you can just opt for a scope calibrated in either MILS or MOA and stick with that system.
Are MILS measurements consistent across different magnifications?
Yes, MILS measurements remain consistent regardless of the magnification levels on a scope. This helps calculate ranging and holdover accurately and achieve reliable performance in various shooting conditions.
Which scopes are better for shooting at moving targets — MILS or MOA?
Both MILS and MOA scopes can be used for shooting at moving targets. Make sure to make accurate adjustments for target speed and distance.
Do MILS provide better visibility in low-light conditions than MOA?
Visibility in low-light conditions depends more on the design and quality of the scope and reticle rather than on the measurement system. Both MILS and MOA provide excellent visibility when paired with a high-quality scope (check our selection at Natchez Shooting & Outdoors!).
Can I use MILS or MOA for shooting at long distances?
Both MILS and MOA can be used for shooting at long distances. However, MILS are a more common choice due to their base-10 system, which simplifies calculations and adjustments over longer ranges.
Can I zero my rifle using MILS or MOA at any distance?
Yes, both MILS and MOA measurement systems allow for precise zeroing adjustments at any distance, aligning with your preference and shooting style.
Can I use MILS or MOA for shooting competitions?
You can use both MILS and MOA in shooting competitions, depending on the rules and preferences set by the organizers. Some competitions may specify the use of MILS or MOA, while others may allow you to choose your preferred measurement system.
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