MOA vs MIL Scopes: What's the Difference? | Tactical Rifleman

Published on April 3, 2026
Duration: 7:44

This video breaks down the differences between Minute of Angle (MOA) and Milliradian (MIL) units of measurement for precision rifle scopes. It explains their definitions, how they translate to adjustments at different distances, and clarifies that neither system is inherently superior. The choice between MOA and MIL ultimately depends on the shooter's preference and familiarity with either inches/yards or centimeters/meters for calculations.

Quick Summary

Minute of Angle (MOA) is 1/60th of a degree, subtending roughly 1 inch at 100 yards. Milliradian (MIL) is 1/6400th of a circle, often approximated as 10 cm at 100 meters. While the military uses MILs due to standardization, neither system is inherently superior for civilian shooters; the choice depends on personal preference and familiarity with inches/yards (MOA) or centimeters/meters (MIL) for calculations.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to MOA vs MIL Scopes
  2. 00:19Scope Adjustment Options
  3. 01:18What is Minute of Angle (MOA)?
  4. 02:07What is Milliradian (MIL)?
  5. 02:34MOA vs MIL Adjustment Sizes
  6. 03:08Example: Milliradian Scope Adjustments
  7. 03:23Which Adjusts Better? MOA vs MIL
  8. 04:07Why the Military Uses MILs
  9. 05:03Scope Companies Offer Both
  10. 05:05Ballistic Reticles (Horus Example)
  11. 05:41Modern Reticle Availability
  12. 05:56Choosing the Right System for You
  13. 06:33The Shooter as Part of the System
  14. 07:08Conclusion: MOA vs MIL Decision
  15. 07:16Tactical Riflemen Training

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fundamental difference between Minute of Angle (MOA) and Milliradian (MIL) in rifle scopes?

Minute of Angle (MOA) is 1/60th of a degree, subtending roughly 1 inch at 100 yards. Milliradian (MIL) is 1/6400th of a circle, often approximated as 10 cm at 100 meters. Both are angular measurements that increase in physical size with distance.

Does the military's use of Milliradians (MILs) make them superior to Minute of Angle (MOA) for precision shooting?

The military uses MILs due to NATO standardization and the metric system. For civilian shooters, neither system is inherently superior. The choice depends on personal preference and familiarity with inches/yards (MOA) or centimeters/meters (MIL) for calculations.

How do MOA and MIL adjustments compare in terms of precision per click?

Common MOA scopes adjust in quarter MOA (0.25 MOA) per click, equaling 0.25 inches at 100 yards. MIL scopes often adjust in tenths of a MIL (0.1 MIL) per click, which is 1 cm (approx. 0.39 inches) at 100 meters. The practical difference at long range is often negligible.

Are ballistic reticles typically MOA or MIL based?

Many advanced ballistic reticles, like the Horus system, are based on a MIL grid. These reticles allow for direct holdovers and windage corrections without needing to adjust turrets, simplifying aiming at various distances.

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