You might have come across the acronym MOA when looking at a scope. But what is it? This article will explain to you in detail the 2 MOA meaning and provide examples of how this term can be used.
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What Is MOA?
MOA, or Minute of Angle, is a term you’ll see on the scope. MOA is a unit of measurement for angles, and it’s typically used to measure how much an object will cover at a certain distance.
Let’s say we have a scope with 20 MOA adjustments and 100 yards (91.44 m) to shoot from; this means that if we sight in our target 1 inch (2.54 cm) high at 100 yards away, then our bullet will hit 2 inches (5.08 cm) low at 200 yards (ca. 183 m) away.
Understanding MOA
Another way to think about MOA is as “inches per hundred yards.” This can be helpful when you’re trying to figure out how far your shot would drop over any given distance. For example, say I’m shooting my rifle from 300 yards (ca. 274 m) away, and I know it has a scope with 15 MOA adjustments.
If you were to shoot at the top of your target, then adjust 15 MOA for your next shot, you would be shooting from 315 yards (ca. 288 m) away (15 x 100).
The same concept applies when you’re looking up instead of down. If your rifle is sighted in dead-on, but you want to hit that spot higher up the hillside behind your target, then simply add more inches or MOA up and remember that every full rotation will increase/decrease bullet drop by one inch per hundred yards.
Simple MOA Formulas
There are a few simple MOA (Minute of Angle) formulas that shooters can use to help dial in their shots. By understanding the different variables and how they affect your shot, you can accurately place rounds on target.
One important thing to remember is that MOA is not a distance unit, but rather a measurement unit for angles. So, when using these formulas, make sure to convert your distances from inches or yards into degrees.
Here are three basic formulas:
Angle = Distance (in yards) / 100 * Target Size (in inches)
MOA = Angle / 360* #of Minutes in a Degree
Height of Bullet above Line of Sight = Distance (in yards) / (Distance to Target (in Yards))*(24/25)*Target Size (in Inches).
What Does 2 MOA Mean?
If you have a 2 MOA rifle, for instance, that means your rifle is capable of holding a group of shots within a two-inch diameter at 100 yards. In order to achieve the best accuracy from your rifle, it’s important to know what MOA you’re working with and adjust your sights or scope accordingly.
Most rifles can hold groups within three inches at 100 yards, but by tightening down the screws on your scope or adjusting the sights on your gun, you can bring that number down to two inches or even less. It’s also important to remember that windage and elevation play a big role in how well your shot will hit its target, so always consider those when sighting in your weapon. With a little practice, you’ll be able to hit your target every time using the MOA measurements specific to your rifle.
Final Words
As with anything else in life, practice makes perfect for shooting accurately. By getting out and spending time at the range, you can begin to understand better how your firearm behaves under different conditions. With time and patience, you’ll be able to consistently hit targets from further and further distances using MOA as your guide!
