Accurately adjusting a riflescope is essential to optimizing your shooting accuracy, whether for sport shooting, hunting, or long-range precision shooting. There are two main systems used to measure adjustments on a scope: MOA ( Minute of Angle ) and Mil ( Milliradian ). Understanding how they work and how to convert them can make all the difference in your performance.
What is MOA?
MOA, or Minute of Angle , is an angular measurement used to adjust scopes.
- 1 MOA corresponds to 1/60th of a degree .
- In practice, this means that at a distance of 100 yards, 1 MOA covers approximately 1.047 inches . For simplicity, we often round up to 1 inch at 100 yards .
- In metric units, 1 MOA = 2.91 cm
Reminder: one inch corresponds to 2.54cm
In order to have more fine adjustment, the manufacturers of glasses have decided to make subdivisions of the MOA: ¼ MOA or even ⅛ MOA
Example: A ¼ MOA scope will move the point of impact at 100 meters by 2.91/4 = 0.72 cm. Not necessarily very practical for users of the metric system as we are used to it in Europe.
On the other hand, this is much simpler in the imperial system so if you set your scope to 1 MOA at 100 yards, your point of impact will move 1 inch. At 200 yards, it will be 2 inches, at 300 yards, it will be 3 inches, and so on.
What is Millet?
The Milliradian (Mil) is another angular unit based on the metric system.
- A Mil is 1/1000th of a radian .
- In practical distance, 1 Mil represents 10 cm of travel at 100 meters (or 3.6 inches at 100 yards).
Most TLD scopes are graduated in 0.1 mil, making conversions very easy: 1 click = 1 cm at 100 meters
At 200 yards, 1 click equals 2 cm, and at 300 yards, 3 cm. This makes it a popular system with shooters using metric measurements.
Why do these two systems coexist?
- MOA is widely used in English - speaking countries, where distances are often measured in yards or inches.
- The Mil is preferred by shooters working in meters and centimeters, especially in Europe.
Manufacturers often offer scopes in MOA or Mil to suit regional preferences or specific shooter needs.
Conversion between MOA and Mil
Relationship between MOA and Mil
Both systems measure angles, so they are directly convertible:
- 1 Mil ≈ 3.438 MOA
- 1 MOA ≈ 0.291 Mil
This relationship arises from trigonometric calculations of angles on a circle.
Simplified Conversion in Practice
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To convert MOA to Mil:
Divide the value in MOA by 3.438.
Example: 10 MOA = 10÷3.438≈2.91 Mil. or 29 clicks -
To convert Mil to MOA:
Multiply the value in Mil by 3.438.
Example: 2 Mil = 2×3.438≈6.88 MOA.
Why Mastering Conversion is Important
Case 1: Mix of MOA and Mil equipment
It may happen that your scope is in MOA, but your spotting scope or shooting buddy is using Mil. Knowing how to convert quickly prevents costly mistakes in precision shooting.
Case 2: Adaptation to Environments
Shooters traveling or competing internationally often encounter equipment in one system or the other. The seamless conversion ensures consistent accuracy, regardless of the standard used.
Tips to Make Conversion Easier
- Use Ballistics Apps: Many smartphone apps allow instant conversion between MOA and Mil.
- Create a Conversion Chart: Keep a MOA/Mil conversion chart in your shooting bag for quick access in the field.
- Practice Adjustments: Familiarize yourself with both systems by regularly applying them to your scope adjustments.
Summary
- MOA and Mil are two angular measurement systems for adjusting rifle scopes.
- MOA is suitable for inch/yard measurements, while Mil is ideal for the metric system.
- The conversion is simple: 1 Mil ≈ 3.438 MOA and 1 MOA ≈ 0.291 Mil .
Whether you use a MOA or Mil scope, understanding both systems and knowing how to convert between them will help you maximize your accuracy and versatility in the field.
Ready to shoot with precision? Now you’re armed with the knowledge to master your settings! 🎯