What Does Moa Stand for On a Rifle Scope?

Imagine you're about to pull the trigger and notice something odd about your scope. There's a strange abbreviation on the side – MOA. 

What could it mean?

Does it have anything to do with the shooting, or is it just about the brand? 

Well, it is all about aiming and shooting. As a shooter, you know how important accuracy and precision are to have a perfect shot; MOA is an important aspect of both. It is a measurement unit that helps you manage a bullet drop and wind drift, ensuring that your bullets are on target every time. 

So, what does MOA stand for on a rifle scope? 

It is basically a key to unlocking greater accuracy and precision in your shooting. You will know more about it in the following discussion. 

What Does MOA Mean?

The acronym MOA stands for Minute of Angle. It matches a 360-degree clock face's minute hand. As with the minutes of an hour, 1/60th of a degree is equal to one minute. It's very important to fine-tune your MOA to the exact angle or "minute" because even a tiny angle can lead you to miss your target.

As the bullet has an arc-shaped track, MOA assesses firing in minutes. Gravity will greatly impact a bullet's speed drop as it goes further. When gravity has a greater impact, your bullet will gradually lose its speed. As a result, the chances of shooting your target perfectly get less. This is referred to as the bullet drop.

Why Do We Need to Measure Shooting in Minutes?

When you watch a bullet move, you'll see that its arc isn't perfectly round. Gravity increases its force as the bullet moves farther, which causes the velocity to decrease. Thus, the arc's slope becomes bigger.

You will discover that you are aiming perfectly at targets that are 200 yards far or less. But when you are shooting farther distances, you will notice your bullets are hitting at lower spots than the target, usually at 600 yards or far. This distance between the spot your bullet is hitting and the target is the bullet drop, which is measured in inches.

It is known as bullet trajectory. If you want to cover the bullet drop successfully, you must measure it in degrees as it occurs in an arc. Here, MOA is the measurement you need. 

MOA and Target Distance

MOA is a common angular unit of measurement. You can achieve your goal perfectly by converting it to linear measurement. An MOA is equal to an inch at 100 yards. The inch measurement is rounded off if you are not shooting long, even though the actual value of an inch is 1.047. Another thing you must remember – the inch increment increases with distance from the target.

Need better clarification? 

You can understand it better from the explanation below.

• 100 yards = 1 inch MOA
• 300 yards = 3 inches MOA
• 500 yards = 5 inches MOA
• 800 yards = 8 inches MOA

A Few Tips for Using MOA

Let's look at a few tips you should follow while shooting. 

Always Consider 1 MOA Increment While Shooting from a Distance.

Fire at a distance of 300 yards. An MOA expands by 1′′ every 100 yards, which becomes 3′′ at 300 yards. You should consider 3′′ growth while calculating the 300-yard distance of your target. Apparently, it becomes clear that 2 MOA equals 2 of the total of 6 inches or 3′′ growth. Similarly, 1/2 MOA is equal to 1.5′′, or half of 3′′ increments.

You can use this method if you have problems calculating the increments and want to use a formula. You can find the size of 1 MOA in inches as you divide the shooting distance (in yards) by 100. Consider the situation where you are now firing from 250 yards away. 250 / 100 = 2.5. 1 MOA is, therefore, 2.5′′ at 250 yards.

Identify the Maximum Number of 1 MOA Increment that Fits Your Modifications.

While trying to move 8" at 400 yards, consider in 4′′ increments. Two 4′′ increments (or chunks of 4′′) can help you with the 8′′ of necessary adjustments. Therefore, you must adjust 2 MOA.

You can use this technique if you find it difficult to calculate with your mind and would prefer a formula. By the number of inches in 1 MOA at that distance, divide the number of inches you want to modify.

Think about MOA rather than your scope's "clicks,"

While most retail scopes are adjusted in 1/4 MOA increments, you can adjust some of the scopes in 1/8, 1/2, or even 1 MOA increments. Making the necessary changes to your specific scope is possible once you know how many MOA you need to change.

If your scope adjusts by 1/4 MOA every click and you want to move the scope up to 2 MOA, you must understand that 4 clicks move the scope 1 MOA. Therefore, you will need 8 clicks altogether.

What are the Formulas for Calculating MOA?

• (Distance to target in yards) / (100) = inches per MOA at that distance
• (Number of inches of adjustment needed) / (inches per MOA at that distance) = MOA adjustment
• (Number of clicks per 1 MOA on scope) x (MOA adjustment) = adjustment in clicks on scope

However, you must know that when you use 1.047″ per 100 yards instead of 1″ per 100 yards, you need to multiply each inch per MOA by 1.047.

What are the Benefits of Using MOA While Shooting?

Using MOA (Minute of Angle) has a couple of advantages while shooting, such as:

Increased Accuracy

MOA helps you to adjust your aim precisely and improves the odds of striking the target precisely as it compensates for bullet drop and wind drift.

Simplicity

If you wish to increase your accuracy, you need to have access to MOA, as it offers a quick and easy approach to making accurate adjustments for your aim.

Versatility

MOA is a reliable measurement among shooters of all skill levels. Hunters, archers, and military people use it for their precise shots.

Adjustable Reticle

You can correct bullet drops and wind drifts with the help of MOA measurement. As a result, you can adjust the sight's reticle, getting a more accurate shot at the target.

Improved Aiming

You can improve your overall performance on the range or in the field when you are using MOA. You will make more accurate and consistent shots.

Summing It Up

MOA is an essential term for you when you are devoted to rifles and scopes. Understanding MOA becomes a necessity while you are hunting, fighting in a competition, or serving the military. It allows you to aim better with your equipment and polish your shooting performance. So, embrace the power of MOA, and take your place among the elite ranks of the shooting community.