Understanding Rifle Scope Adjustments
One of the most common questions shooters ask when purchasing a new optic is whether they should choose an MOA or MRAD scope. Both systems are highly effective and can be equally accurate when used correctly.
The best choice often comes down to personal preference and how you prefer to calculate corrections in the field.
What is MOA?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle.
A minute of angle is an angular measurement used to adjust rifle scopes.
At 100 metres:
- 1 MOA ≈ 29mm
- 2 MOA ≈ 58mm
- 4 MOA ≈ 116mm
Most MOA scopes feature adjustments of:
- ¼ MOA per click
- ⅛ MOA per click (target scopes)
Advantages of MOA
✅ Very common in hunting optics
✅ Traditional system familiar to many shooters
✅ Fine adjustment increments
✅ Huge selection of available scopes
What is MRAD?
MRAD stands for Milliradian (commonly called “Mil”).
MRAD is also an angular measurement system but is based on the metric system.
At 100 metres:
- 0.1 Mil = 10mm
- 0.2 Mil = 20mm
- 1 Mil = 100mm
Most MRAD scopes adjust:
- 0.1 Mil per click
Advantages of MRAD
✅ Metric-based system
✅ Easier calculations at distance
✅ Popular in PRS and long-range shooting
✅ Faster spotting corrections
MOA vs MRAD Example
Imagine your bullet impacts:
MOA
Impact is 58mm low at 100m.
Correction:
- 2 MOA Up
MRAD
Impact is 50mm low at 100m.
Correction:
- 0.5 Mil Up
Many shooters find metric corrections easier because the maths is based on tens.
Which Is Better for Hunting?
MOA
Ideal for:
- Traditional hunters
- General sporting rifles
- Recreational shooting
MRAD
Ideal for:
- Long-range shooting
- Precision Rifle Series (PRS)
- Shooters using metric measurements
Match Your Reticle and Turrets
Always choose:
✅ MOA Reticle + MOA Turrets
or
✅ MRAD Reticle + MRAD Turrets
Never mix systems.
Common Mistake
❌ MOA reticle with MRAD turrets
This forces conversions under pressure and can lead to errors.
GunsPerth Recommendation
Hunters
MOA or MRAD will both serve you well.
Precision Shooters
MRAD is generally the preferred modern standard.