Help needed: MIL or MOA?

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SMH77

SMH77

Member
Oct 28, 2017
997
72
Wisconsin, United States
Guys, I have a scope question that I would like some help / guidance with:: I currently am using a Hawke Sidewinder 30 (8-32x56) by default (on my RAW HM1000x, .25 / .30 cal), but have finally gotten around to leaning more about scopes after reading Ryan Cleckner’s book: Long Range Shooting Handbook. After reading the section on optics, I want a scope whose reticle and turrets are both either MOA or MIL. As such, I think i’m going to put my Hawke up for sale and buy one of these scopes:Athlon Optics Argos BTR Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 6-24 x 50mm First Focal Side Focus Illuminated Reticle MatteMy question for you: which should I choose between MIL and MOA since the scopes are offered in both options? I sort of understand or ‘think’ in MOA ok, but was wondering how difficult it is to learning to think in MIL? As an engineer, I generally prefer the metric system over the SI system when given the chance-if that helps at all.

Which is the least expensive place to buy one of these scopes? Are their any downsides to the scope that should make me hesitate in getting one?

Thanks guys!


Sean
 
Hi Sean,

I think it is not that hard to think in mils, it is an angle that is very easy on math to calculate distance span at the Target, just divide by 1000.

But since the goal here is simplicity mils become very simple if you measure distance in meters and centimeters.

They become slightly more complicated if you think in yards and inches. If someone shows you object of unknown Length, what units do you use in your head to estimate it?

If you think in yards then MOA becomes more simpler system to use. You divide yards by 100 and get number of inches at Target.

So my advice is choose the units that you think in.
 
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I currrently have a Athlon ARGOS BTR 6-24x50 up for sale with a Mil Reticle. Like you, I debated on which to buy but finally decided on the mil version because I liked the reticle better. The mil version has ranging dots that help a lot with windage and holdover. However, I found the scope so easy to adjust using the knobs that I seldom used the windage and elevation markings. Each Mil on the reticle is 10 clicks on the knobs and are dead on.

I honestly don't think there is much difference in usage between mil or MOA. However, if you plan to shoot a lot at 100 yards exactly, a MOA scope will allow you to measure your groups from the bench using the scope. A mil reticle won't so much. If you shoot at a variety of ranges, I actually prefer the smaller adjustment increments of the mil (1/10) than the MOA (1/4).
 
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"Brian10956"Here is a good article that should help you answer both of your questions. I prefer the MIL type but I have and use both.
https://forum.snipershide.com/blogs/lowlight/6252897-mils-vs-moa-which-one-is-right-for-you
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Excellent read Brian-I think I will go with MIL.

Do I dare consider dealing with the 15 yard min focus to gain the 34x magnification on the 8-34? I have taken a number of shots on chipmunks at under 10 yards because that’s where they popped up at.

I was using ChairGun App-what should I use now since that app is specific to Hawke scopes/reticles?

Sean
 
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"mmahoney"I currrently have a Athlon ARGOS BTR 6-24x50 up for sale with a Mil Reticle. Like you, I debated on which to buy but finally decided on the mil version because I liked the reticle better. The mil version has ranging dots that help a lot with windage and holdover. However, I found the scope so easy to adjust using the knobs that I seldom used the windage and elevation markings. Each Mil on the reticle is 10 clicks on the knobs and are dead on.
I honestly don't think there is much difference in usage between mil or MOA. However, if you plan to shoot a lot at 100 yards exactly, a MOA scope will allow you to measure your groups from the bench using the scope. A mil reticle won't so much. If you shoot at a variety of ranges, I actually prefer the smaller adjustment increments of the mil (1/10) than the MOA (1/4).
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I just sent you a PM. Feel free to text me if you prefer. Thanks for the great info.


Sean
 
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"mmahoney"Consider spending a few bucks to get the Strelok plus app. It is my favorite and has the Athlon BTR reticle and any other you might come across because it is updated regularly.
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Actually, I do have Strelok Plus on my iphone-I had just never played with it much. I've started looking around a bit in it today-seems pretty decent so far. Can I enter my own database of pellets? Is there a database built in to the app already? Definitely a beginner on Strelok-are there any useful posts in any of the sections here on AN that I should read for details (not even sure what forum those questions would reside within)?

Looking forward to receiving your scope and stepping into the world of consistent units, MIL, and FFP. :)


Sean
 
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"mmahoney"You can add your own pellet database as well as a database of rifles. I believe you have to add your own information, though. I don't think the information is included in the app.
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Good to know, thanks. I've been playing with the app and am learning to get around a bit better now. I do like that you can put multiple BC's per temperature for a give pellet, etc-nice feature. Looking forward to receiving the scope! :)
 
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