RED DOT MOA

pirate2501

Is there a big difference between 4MOA and 5MOA specs. when it comes to red dot sights?

dcs shooters

A Minute of Angle (MOA) is an angular measurement.

A MOA is 1/60th of a degree.

1 MOA spreads about 1" per 100 yards. (actually 1.047")

1 MOA is a different size at different distances, 8" at 800 yards is still just 1 MOA.

100 yds 200 yds 300 yds 400 yds 500 yds 600 yds 700 yds 800 yds
1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7" 8"
(Distance to target in yards) / (100) = inches per MOA at that distance

(Number of inches of adjustment needed) / (inches per MOA at that distance) = MOA adjustment

(Number of clicks per 1 MOA on scope) x (MOA adjustment) = adjustment in clicks on scope

Note, if you insist on using 1.047" per 100 yards instead of 1" per 100 yards, you must multiply the (inches per MOA at that distance) by 1.047.

EXAMPLES

260

4and 5 =MOA AT 100YDS.therfore, you would either have a 4" or 5" red dot on your target @ 100 yds.

rufe-snow

If you intend to use it at long range, get the smallest red dot that you can. I mounted one of the inexpensive Chinese red dots on a rifle. At 100 yds the dot was so big, it was impossible to shoot any kind of a group with it. I learned my lesson and went back to a scope.

pirate2501

One is advertised as 4MOA and the other is advertised as 5MOA so at 100yds the 4" dot would be better?

NeoBlackdog

quote:Originally posted by pirate2501
One is advertised as 4MOA and the other is advertised as 5MOA so at 100yds the 4" dot would be better?


Yes, the 4 MOA dot allows you to hold tighter groups than a 5 MOA dot. Step up to an Eotech 512 and you get a 1 MOA dot highlighted by a 65 MOA circle.

perry shooter

I shoot bulls eye Pistol this is one handed at 50 and 25 yards . this is completely different idea then hunting with rifle with it rested . most red dots are one power if you have any kind of shake a one minute dot will drive you crazy, sort of like trying to shoot a 12X scope off hand.I shoot 10 minute dot on my pistols then the dot looks sort of like a Full moon floating small dot looks like Saint VITUS DANCE. try it off a rest some time you can shoot smaller groups with large red dot. With small dot your brain is fighting your trigger finger with Start / Stop, Yes / No Now / Wait commands.

beantownshootah

quote:Originally posted by pirate2501
Is there a big difference between 4MOA and 5MOA specs. when it comes to red dot sights?


Difference. . .yes.
BIG difference. . .no.

As mentioned, bigger dots are a little easier to see, and a little faster to get on target, at the cost of lower shot precision.

All else being equal, I prefer the smallest dot possible, but IMO, the clarity/focus of the dot is more important than its absolute size. If the dot looks blurry, or oval, or "smeared" (as is common on lower end dot sights) then you're going to have that much harder of a time placing your shots accurately, and have that much more eye fatigue after a day's shooting.

pirate2501

Thanks for your informative replies. After checking out the 3 4 and 5 Moa units in the $239 - $299 range I took NeoBlackdogs suggestion and scored an Eotech 512 for $358 here on GunBroker. [:)]

NeoBlackdog

You got a good price on that 512, assuming it was NIB. What are you putting it on?

pirate2501

Yes NIB going on a Windham Weaponry SRC 223/556 I got at Cabelas Thurs. for $739 out the door

cpermd

quote:Originally posted by pirate2501
Is there a big difference between 4MOA and 5MOA specs. when it comes to red dot sights?


No practical difference