MOA or MRAD Turrets

[vikkz]

Hi can anyone tell me the pros and cons of both systems and what is the best to use on long range target and why

[TattooedGun]

In my opinion, the use of MOA over MIL is much better for target shooting, due to the nature that 1 mil = 3.438 Minutes (MOA = Minutes of angle)

MilRad scopes usually come in 1/10 MRAD clicks

MOA scopes usually come in 1/4 MOA clicks.

1 MOA at 100 yards is 1.047 inches / 4 = 0.26175 inch adjustment per click at 100 yards

vs.

1 MRAD = 3.6 inches / 10 = 0.36 inch adjustment per click at 100 yards.

So you can see, you get finer level of adjustment with MOA turrets.

IF however you are going to be engaging targets at varying (unknown) distances, it is somewhat easier to work out distance based on the MIL dot reticule on scopes (although I won't go into how as although I have a grasp on it, it's not very strong) and it can be confusing to mix mil dot reticles and MOA turrets.

Hope this helps, even a little bit :)

[TattooedGun]

This is a great guide to Range Estimation:

http://www.mil-dot.com/media/1027/the_d ... ations.pdf

[Ian]

If you prefer to keep one sight picture and make adjustments for wind by twiddling the turrets; use MOA. (my preference, Small dot and fine cross-hairs. Always the same sight picture, it endorses training and reflex)
If you prefer to aim off to allow for wind but keep the sight adjustments alone; use MIL.

It always seems obtuse to me to have a sight with Mildots on the reticule but MOA on the turrets. Really confuses me.

[Individual]

No major pro's & cons for either. Both can work equally well for you once you are used to them. Although commonsense says its best to make a choice and stick to it.

Be wary that people will be happy express personal preferences, as if they are 'facts'. For example, a preference for MOA may because they think in 'inches' and find it easier just because of that. Or if you raised on metric, you may prefer MILS.

I'd say buy the best quality scope you can afford - and just use the system it has. MILS or MOA you'll soon get used to it.

[ovenpaa]

The vast majority of UK based civilian shooters will work in moa so there is always going to be someone around to assist when things get confusing plus when someone walks away from a firing point and tells you at least 8 minutes for left wind is required you will know what they mean. My preference is to works in mils as I am used to it and for me 1 click = 1cm at 100m is simplicity itself. Yes 0,1mil clicks are slightly coarser than some imperial systems however I would defy all but the finest shooters to correctly identify a 1/4 or even 1/2 minute wind switch and one of the problems I see with new to the sport long distance shooters is under reading changes in the wind.

Back to mils versus moa, it is really down to how your mind is calibrated, my preference is to work in mils with m/sec for wind and moving targets (A slow walking speed target is 1m/sec so very easy to allow for) plus you have all of the fun of seeing the look on someone's face when you can tell them you had 1,4mils left wind dialled in. There is also the issue of availability, there are far fewer mil/mil scopes available and do you really need the ability to range a man sized target when you are shooting at a 5"/half moa disk from a firing point next to a sign that says 1000 yards?

[TattooedGun]

For example, a preference for MOA may because they think in 'inches' and find it easier just because of that. Or if you raised on metric, you may prefer MILS.

With this in mind, it might be pertinent to think about the ranges at which you might be shooting. If mostly ranges in yards, perhaps MOA is best, if they're measured in metres. Then go with MilRad.

I guess the reason I think in inches is because I shoot at yards, mostly.

25 yards, 100yards 3, 6, 9, 100 yards at Bisley

MOA makes sense with Yards. It gets slightly more complicated mixing yards and Mils. Either or once you're zeroed in though, really.

As Individual says, Make your choice and stick with it.

However, again, you do get finer adjustments with MOA than with Mil Dot...

do you really need the ability to range a man sized target when you are shooting at a 5"/half moa disk from a firing point next to a sign that says 1000 yards?

Beaten to the punch...

[DW58]

I'm not going to express a preference for either because whether you use MOA or MILS is a very personal thing, however ... ... ...

Caveat There are still scopes on the market with mixed MOA/MILS set-ups, i.e. MOA turrets and MIL-graduated reticles or (but more rarely) vice-versa - these are a bit of a disaster and are in my opinion best avoided.

[TattooedGun]

I'm not going to express a preference for either because whether you use MOA or MILS is a very personal preference, however ... ... ...

Caveat There are still scopes on the market with mixed MOA/MILS set-ups, i.e. MOA turrets and MIL-graduated reticles or (but more rarely) vice-versa - these are a bit of a disaster and are in my opinion best avoided.

I have one of these on my Rem 700. MOA/Mil Ret.

it never occurred to me at the time of buying because it was the first time I bought a scope. However, I wouldn't do it again...

[vikkz]

Thank you all for the great comments I will take a good look at the Vortex scopes but still need to make the right decision
Many thanks again to you all