MOA and MIL
Also called: minute of angle, milliradian, mrad, turret clicks
Two angular units used on scope turrets and reticles. One MOA is about 1 inch at 100 yards, and one MIL is about 3.6 inches at 100 yards.
- Type
- Specs & Terms
- 1 MOA
- About 1.047 inches at 100 yards
- 1 MIL (mrad)
- About 3.6 inches at 100 yards, or 10 cm at 100 meters
- Common clicks
- 1/4 MOA, 1/2 MOA, or 0.1 MIL per click
- Used for
- Hunting, Target shooting
What it is good for
- Understanding scope adjustments.
- Making holdovers and corrections.
- Keeping reticle and turrets in the same unit.
Where it falls short
- Pick a scope whose turrets and reticle use the same unit.
- Clicks are only as accurate as the scope's tracking.
- Hunters rarely need either beyond basic zeroing.
Tips
- After you zero, record your turret setting.
Works well with
- Reticle Types: where the marks are.
- Laser Rangefinder: gives the distance to correct for.
Field notes
Angles grow with distance. A 1 MOA error is about 1 inch at 100 yards and about 3 inches at 300 yards.
Related guides
Specs here are typical, not guarantees; models differ, so check the maker's published numbers. Never look at the Sun through any optic without a certified solar filter, and zero or mount a scope with the firearm unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. Rules on optics, such as scopes on certain hunts or lasers and electronics, differ by state; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations. Want a buying guide? Read Choosing Hunting Optics.