Rifle Scopes Noob... MOA vs MRAD

TriggerHappy1

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Apr 24, 2014
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Hi. I hope this forum takes kindly to noob questions. I'm a beginner long-range shooter. I have an LMT AR10 and a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 CM, and a NightForce NXS 3.5-15x50 F1 scope. I'm thinking of relegating the NightForce to the AR10, and getting a new Vortex PST GEN 2 5-25x50 F1 for the RPR. The NightForce is MOA. I took some training classes recently, and it seems that MRAD is more common, although I could be wrong in that conclusion. Can I get your input whether I should get the Vortex in MOA since I already have the NightForce in MOA, or take the opportunity to switch to MRAD? What are the pros/cons? MOA seems pretty easy to master: 1 MOA = 1 inch @ 100yds. Yet MRAD has finer measurements. I know there are lots of discussions on this topic, but I thought I would start with the experts here. Thanks.
 
A few things - this subject gets brought up constantly. Search is your friend.
1MOA isn't 1" at 100 yards, it's 1.047" - and yes, that tiny fraction adds up over distance.
MIL scopes usually have a coarser adjustment than MOA, not finer. .1MIL is .36" at 100 yards.
If you're thinking about PRS/NRL style events, MIL is definitely the dominant format.
 
If you haven’t started yet go Mil because that’s what all the cool kids use and nothing ordered then trying to call misses with your buddies when they are using Mils and your using MOA.

We have a habit off calling “clicks” and when your shooting MOA you have too many clicks.
 
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Guys thanks for your feedback. I neglected to mention an important criteria. One of the major Internet sites is selling the F1 MOA version of the PST GEN 2 at $749. That's 25% off the going price. They have a special run where the MOA reticle is slightly different... EBR-2D as opposed to EBR-2C. I didn't see that they are offering the same deal on MRAD version. So that's my incentive to stick with MOA, but I get your points on MRAD being more common for competition.
 
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Don't look at it as what each measures at what distance. If you are shooting at (for example) 770 yards and you miss, it doesn't matter what the actual measurement is. You would adjust by the angular measurement that spotted. If you missed 2.75 MOA left you adjust 2.75 MOA right. Whatever 2.75 MOA actually measures at that distance doesn't matter.

I prefer MRAD because according in mils is easier than MOA because using tenths is easier than quarters.
 
Flip a coin. I use MOA but most use mills. It’s completely user preference although it does seems as if there are a couple more offerings in mils.

As far as calls go I just wish people would give calls based on location and target size. Ex: Miss 10 o’clock 2 plates. It doesn’t matter what scope you are using, you can make an accurate adjustment off that call.
 
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If you're going to compete in PRS events (or similar) get a milliradian scope. If you're not, get whichever you like best.

Whichever you get, make sure you get these things in your scope:
  1. A reticle with subtentions in the same exact units as the turret adjustments
  2. A "tree" type reticle that makes it easy to adjust for wind and elevation for when you don't want (or don't have time) to set dope with the turrets
 
OP , it's not a noob question. It's actually a topic that had been in discussion for ages. LIke other suggested, it's a personal reference base on many factors. You just gotta do research and try it yourself.
If you're doing fine in MOA, then why do you want to switch?
 
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What works for you? Don’t forget that generally speaking MOA scope resale is not as good as MILL scopes. And if you give the HIDE vendors a call you can get a great deal on lots of optics, not to mention the classified section here on he Hide.