In the realm of precision shooting, particularly in rimfire competitions where every fraction of an inch matters, choosing the right optic can make a significant difference in performance. Two commonly used types of scopes for such competitions are MIL and MOA scopes, each offering distinct advantages. However, when it comes to precision rimfire competitions, MIL scopes often hold a decisive edge over their MOA counterparts due to several key factors.
Reticle Holdovers
Mil-Dot scopes, named for their milliradian-based reticles, offer a host of advantages tailored to the demands of precision rimfire shooting. One of the primary benefits lies in their reticle design, which facilitates quick and precise holdovers and windage adjustments. Mil-Dot reticles are equipped with evenly spaced dots or hash marks along both the horizontal and vertical axes, each representing a specific angular measurement known as a milliradian. This feature allows shooters to estimate range, hold off for windage, and adjust for bullet drop without needing to dial the turrets, thereby reducing time spent on adjustments during rapid-fire sequences common in NRL22 and PRS rimfire competitions.
Simplicity and Speed
Moreover, the milradian system employed by MIL-Dot scopes offers superior versatility and ease of use compared to minute-of-angle (MOA) scopes, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios. While both systems enable shooters to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift, milliradians are inherently more intuitive for most shooters due to their metric nature. Unlike MOA, where 1 MOA equals roughly 1 inch at 100 yards, milliradians provide a straightforward angular measurement system that remains consistent at any distance. This consistency simplifies elevation adjustments and holdover calculations, allowing shooters to quickly adapt to varying conditions without mental gymnastics.
For example, the holdovers for most 40-grain 22LR subsonic match ammo are 1 MIL at 75 yards, 2 MILs at 100 yards, 3 MILs at 125 yards, 4 MILs at 140 yards, and 5 MILs at 150 yards. This formula is fairly straightforward to remember. Compare this to 3 MOA at 75 yards, 7 MOA at 100 yards, 11.4 MOA at 125 yards, and 16 MOA at 150 yards. MIL-based scope turrets are more simple to dial for extended distances as well with 1/10 increments vs. 1/4 MOA increments.
Wrap Up
While both MIL and MOA scopes have their merits, MIL scopes offer distinct advantages for precision rimfire competition. From their intuitive reticle design and versatile ranging capabilities to their superior visibility and compatibility with ballistic tools, MIL scopes provide shooters with the tools they need to excel in the demanding world of precision rimfire shooting. Whether engaging distant targets or navigating dynamic shooting scenarios, the precision and efficiency offered by MIL scopes make them the preferred choice for discerning competitors seeking to maximize their performance on the range.
