Mil vs. MOA – A Realistic Break-Down by Precision Rifle Blog
While I am not a typical precision rifle shooter, I do occasionally go out and reach to the long ranges with a good bolt gun. Like many today, I was once confused on the two major systems for scope reticles that populate the market: Milliradians and Minutes-of-Angle.
Precision Rifle Blog has an excellent write-up of the two systems and their function. They focus on the factual differences, rather than get emotionally attached to one system or another.
- 1/4 MOA adjustments are slightly more precise than 1/10 MIL
- MIL values are slightly easier to communicate
- If you think in yards/inches the math for range estimation is easier with MOA. If you think in meters/cm the math is easier with MIL.
- If you have a friend that is already using one, there is some advantage to being on the same system.
- Around 90% of the pros use MIL
- More product options in MIL
- Whatever you decide, go with matching turret/reticle (i.e. MIL/MIL or MOA/MOA)
One of TFB's resident Jarheads, Nathan now works within the firearms industry. A consecutive Marine rifle and pistol expert, he enjoys local 3-gun, NFA, gunsmithing, MSR's, & high-speed gear. Nathan has traveled to over 30 countries working with US DoD & foreign MoDs.The above post is my opinion and does not reflect the views of any company or organization.
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MIL values are slightly easier to communicate
Can not be overstated. It's a TON easier to talk to your spotter/shooter and say "Nine point Eight" than it is "Twenty Two and Three Quarters" for the exact same shot.
Or likewise if I need to make an adjustment, in MILS 9.8 + 6 is 10.4, easy. But 5.75 + 6 is um, 7.5 wait, no, 7.25, much harder unless you maybe cook a ton and are used to working in 1/4 increments.
We just zero our rifles at MPBR and never touch the turrets again...