Minute of Angle (MOA) is a unit of angular measurement commonly used in shooting and ballistics. Determining the adjustment needed, often in clicks on a scope, to correct for bullet drop or wind drift at a given distance involves understanding its relationship to linear measurement. One MOA subtends approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards. For practical purposes, it is frequently rounded to 1 inch at 100 yards. Consequently, at 200 yards, one MOA represents roughly 2 inches, at 300 yards, it is approximately 3 inches, and so forth. A basic calculation involves multiplying the distance in hundreds of yards by the MOA value. For instance, a 2 MOA adjustment at 500 yards would shift the point of impact by about 10 inches.
The ability to make accurate adjustments is essential for precision shooting and long-range accuracy. Understanding how to derive these values enables shooters to compensate for environmental factors and projectile trajectory, leading to improved hit probability. This system provides a standardized framework for communicating adjustments between spotters and shooters, and contributes to efficient and effective shooting strategies in various disciplines, from hunting to competitive target shooting. Its historical roots lie in military applications, where accurate artillery fire was critical, and the system has since been refined and adopted by civilian shooters.
