MRAD vs MOA Rifle Scopes
Which one is better: MOA or MRAD?
The short answer: it’s the shooter’s preference. If you think in the metric system (meters/centimetres) then it is easier to deal with MRAD. If you measure in the empirical system (yards/inches) then MOA may be easier.
Both types are equally successful for long-range shooting depending on how well you know the system you’ll be shooting with. MRAD can be somewhat easier to communicate to others and 90% of the professionals are using MRAD, because there are more options in the MRAD system.
MOA (Minutes of Angle) and MRAD (Milliradians) are units of measurement used in shooting and adjusting rifle scopes. Understanding their differences and choosing the right one for your needs is important for accurate and consistent shooting.
Here’s why we care about MOA vs MRAD:
1. Measurement Precision: MOA allows for finer adjustments due to its smaller unit size, typically 1 MOA equals 1.047 inches at 100 yards. MRAD, on the other hand, provides coarser adjustments, with 1 MRAD being approximately 3.6 inches at 100 yards. MOA can be advantageous for long-range precision shooting.
2. International Standard: MRAD is more commonly used internationally, making it easier to communicate and collaborate with shooters from different countries. MRAD also simplifies range and wind estimation calculations, as the units are consistent with the metric system.
3. Conversion: MRAD offers easier conversion between distance, target size, and holdover adjustments. For example, with MRAD, the math is straightforward when estimating holdover or adjusting for windage, as 1 MRAD equates to 10 centimeters at 100 meters. MOA requires more complex calculations for these conversions.
4. Personal Preference: Some shooters may have a personal preference or familiarity with one system over the other. Choosing the system that you are most comfortable with and have experience using can lead to quicker and more accurate adjustments in the field.
You can have best rifle scopes on the market, but if you don’t sight it in using either system, it’s useless. If you’re looking for help choosing between long range rifle scopes.
What’s an MOA Scope?
An MOA (Minutes of Angle) scope refers to a riflescope that utilizes MOA as the unit of measurement for adjusting the reticle and making precise aiming adjustments. MOA is a unit of angular measurement commonly used in shooting and optics.
In an MOA scope, the adjustments for windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) are typically expressed in fractions or increments of MOA. For example, a scope may have ¼ MOA adjustments, meaning each click will move the point of impact by ¼ of an MOA.
MOA scopes are popular among shooters, particularly in the United States, for their ability to provide fine-tuned adjustments for precision shooting. The smaller unit size of MOA allows for more precise calibration and adjustment at longer distances.
When using an MOA scope, shooters need to understand the relationship between MOA, distance, and impact adjustments. It requires calculations or mental adjustments to account for the bullet drop and windage at various distances.
Overall, an MOA scope offers shooters the flexibility and precision needed for long-range shooting and precise aiming adjustments. It is important to note that there are other units of measurement, such as MRAD (Milliradians), which provide different advantages and considerations.
MOA vs MRAD: Why do we care?
An MRAD (Milliradian) rifle scope refers to a riflescope that utilizes MRAD as the unit of measurement for adjusting the reticle and making precise aiming adjustments. MRAD is a unit of angular measurement commonly used in shooting and optics.
In an MRAD scope, the adjustments for windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) are typically expressed in fractions or increments of MRAD. For example, a scope may have 0.1 MRAD adjustments, meaning each click will move the point of impact by 0.1 MRAD.
MRAD scopes are popular worldwide, particularly in military and tactical applications, as well as long-range precision shooting. MRAD offers advantages such as easy conversion between distance, target size, and holdover adjustments due to its consistent relationship with the metric system. For example, 1 MRAD equates to 10 centimeters at 100 meters.
When using an MRAD scope, shooters can more easily calculate adjustments for bullet drop, windage, and range estimation using MRAD-based formulas or mathematical calculations. MRAD scopes provide quick and precise adjustments, making them suitable for dynamic shooting scenarios and fast target acquisition.
MRAD vs MOA: Which is better?
A brief comparison between MRAD (Milliradian) and MOA (Minutes of Angle):
1. Measurement Precision: MRAD scopes provide coarser adjustments, typically 1 MRAD equals 3.6 inches at 100 yards. MOA scopes offer finer adjustments, usually 1 MOA equals 1.047 inches at 100 yards. MOA allows for more precise calibration and adjustment at longer distances.
2. Conversion: MRAD offers easier conversions between distance, target size, and holdover adjustments. MRAD units align well with the metric system, making calculations and estimations more straightforward. MOA requires more complex calculations for conversions.
3. International Standard: MRAD is more commonly used internationally, making it easier to communicate and collaborate with shooters from different countries. MRAD scopes are often preferred in military and tactical applications due to their international standardization.
4. Familiarity: MOA scopes are more prevalent in the United States and may be more familiar to shooters in that region. Shooters who have experience with MOA adjustments and are comfortable with the unit of measurement may prefer MOA scopes.
5. Adjustments and Field of View: MRAD scopes typically have larger adjustments per click compared to MOA scopes. However, MOA scopes often offer wider field of view due to their finer adjustments.
6. Personal Preference: The choice between MRAD and MOA ultimately comes down to personal preference and familiarity. Some shooters prefer MRAD for its simplicity, international standardization, and easy conversions, while others prefer MOA for its finer adjustments and potential familiarity.