Some people will claim that one is better than the other, but comparing Mil vs. MOA is just like comparing meters with yards: both are practically different in scale and usage, more popular to certain people depending on the region they find themselves in, but are means of achieving the same results.

However, even though you technically can have both (there is a small category of hybrid optics), it is more practical to choose one. That means, if you have been considering an LPVO or any other kind of optic, you must understand the nuances between MOA and Mil in order to pick the option that works best for you and is compatible with your gear.

As clearly but briefly as we can, let us discuss the differences between MOA and MIL, their applications, and how to decide which one suits you best.

Definitions: What Does MOA AND/OR MIL MEAN?

MOA (Minute of Angle)

What is MOA?

MOA literally means Minute of Angle. “Minute” means 1/6th (just like a minute is 1/6th of an hour), while “angle” refers to the 360 degrees in a circle.

So, MOA divides a single degree into 60 equal parts, known as minutes, and since there are 60 degrees in a circle, this results in 21,600 minutes of angle in a full circle. Here are the four most important things to know about MOA.

Understanding MOA

• 1 MOA is equal to 1.047 inches at 100 Yards. Most shooters scale this down to 1 inch for simplicity because the .0.047 inch is ignorable in most cases.
• It is an Angular Unit of Measurement. This means it spreads out over a distance. At 200 yards, for example, 1 MOA equals 2.094 inches; at 300 yards, it equals 3.141 inches, and so on.
• The number of clicks in an MOA varies depending on the type of optic you use. MOA scopes typically adjust in fractions of MOA, such as 1/4 MOA per click (common in hunting and target scopes).
• MOA is better for Precision: Precision shooters prefer MOA because Smaller increments like 1/4 MOA allow for fine-tuned adjustments.

Mil (Milliradian)

Mil, which is a shortened term for “milliradian,” is based on the radian, which is a unit of angular measurement used in mathematics. A milliradian is 1/1,000th of a radian.

Here are the Four Most important things to know about Milliradian

• At 100 yards, 1 mil is approximately 3.6 inches.
• It is also an angular Unit of Measurement. Again, this means it spreads out over a distance. 

             At 200 yards, 1 Mil equals 7.2 inches; at 300 yards, it equals 10.8 inches, and so on.

• Scope Adjustments are usually standard with Mil. Mil optics commonly adjust in 0.1 Mil increments.
• Mil is great if you are familiar with the decimal System. The metric-based decimal system makes calculations straightforward for those familiar with it.

Comparing MOA and Mil

Feature	MOA	Mil
Unit Size	Smaller (1 MOA = 1.047 inches at 100 yards)	Larger (1 Mil = 3.6 inches at 100 yards)
Adjustment Precision	Finer adjustments (1/4 MOA = 0.261 inches at 100 yards)	Coarser adjustments (0.1 Mil = 0.36 inches at 100 yards)
Ease of Calculation	Preferred in inches (Imperial system)	Simplified in meters (Metric system)
Common Usage	U.S. hunters and target shooters	International long-range shooters and military
Reticle Design	MOA-based markings	Mil-dot or Mil-hash reticles
Conversion	1 Mil = 3.438 MOA	1 MOA = 0.2909 Mil

Advantages of MOA

They are More Familiar in the U.S

The biggest advantage of the MOA system is that it is more familiar in the United States. Most American shooters use the Imperial measurement system (inches and yards) rather than the metric system.

With an MOA system, you will have no difficulties making adjustments or going on group shooting activities.

They Are Better for Acute Precision

With MOA, you can make smaller increments (like 1/4 MOA) for more precise zeroing and more accurate adjustments. If you are target shooter or hunter, this makes you life much easier.

Scaling is More Straightforward

Since you are more than likely already familiar with the system, you can easily calculate in inches (as opposed to millimeters).

Gear is Readily Available

Many riflescopes, especially those aimed at the American market, are designed with MOA adjustments.

Advantages of Mil

If you are not American, mil aligns with the metric system (meters and centimeters).

The reticle markings in Mil can quickly estimate range or holdovers; there is no need for extensive calculations.

For military and tactical scopes, the Mil system is a standard which makes it compatible with rangefinders and ballistics tools.

When time is critical, you can make faster adjustments on a Mil system than the precise but smaller MOA.

Choosing Between MOA and Mil

1. Consider Your Shooting Style

If you focus on precision and prefer fine adjustments, MOA may be the better choice. But if you are in the army or involved in tactical shooting, the MIL system would be more suitable.

2. Think About Measurement Preferences

If you are accustomed to inches and yards, MOA already aligns with your existing understanding and tools. Mil is more intuitive for those familiar with meters and centimeters.

3. Gear Availability and Compatibility

Many of the hunting and recreational scopes you will get in the United States are MOA-based. If your existing gear uses MOA, sticking with it ensures consistency. Mil will only make more sense if you plan to work with rangefinders or ballistic apps.

4. Depends on the Group

If you collaborate with others or participate in mixed-discipline events, consider which system is more popular in your group and align aligning with everybody else.

Get an MOA Optic

Gogunnr’s Odin optics come in three models: the Odin 1-6x 28, Odin 1-8x 24 LPVO, and the Odin 1-10x 28 LPVO. These three Odin optics offer every possible magnification range within the capabilities of an LPVO, which makes them perfectly versatile for deer hunting.

7 Reasons To Check Out Gunnr’s MOA LPVOs

• Gogunnr Odin scopes feature Bullet reticles with extended 1 MOA hash marks for precise windage and elevation adjustments. You can compensate for bullet drop at varying distances without even adjusting the scope's elevation turret.
• They come with a cantilever mount, directly compatible with the Picatinny rails of most hunting rifles. You can use them with no additional adapters.
• The lenses are made of German Schott glass, which gives clear image quality, even in low light, with no chromatic aberration.
• Odin scopes generally weigh about (about 4.8×1.65×2.44 inches in size), making them just as lightweight and maneuverable for your hunting setup.
• The exterior of each optic is made of 7075 aluminum alloy, durable and can withstand harsh hunting conditions.
• They are all tested to withstand 1,000 impacts at 1,000G and 2,000 live-fire rounds.

Common FAQs About MOA and Mil

Let's address some common misconceptions about MOA AND Mil

1. Mil Is More Accurate Than MOA

Precision depends on the shooter, the rifle, and the scope’s adjustment increments. Mil is not inherently more accurate than MOA. The larger unit size doesn’t mean it’s less precise; it’s just a different scale.

2. MOA Is Only for Beginners

Advances shooters also use MOA, and they are okay with it. The only reason you’d find most beginners using the MOA is because they are familiar with the Imperial system.

3. Mil Is Exclusively for Professionals

Saying MIL is exclusively for professionals implies that you cannot be a professional shooter except you are in the military, which is, of course, false.

Transitioning Between Systems

• If you’re switching from MOA to Mil or vice versa, practice is key. 
• Understand conversion and remember that 1 Mil = 3.438 MOA; 1 MOA = 0.2909 Mil.
• Use ballistic calculators or range apps to get comfortable with the new system.
• Familiarize yourself with reticle markings and how they translate to adjustments in your chosen system.
• Test your skills under real-world conditions to build confidence, so practice in different conditions.