Are you having a hard time selecting the best MOA for a red dot? We’ve got you covered. In this brief post, we will explain what MOA is and give a brief run-down on the pros and cons of the 3 MOA and 6 MOA dot sizes for both pistol and rifle builds.
The main aim of this article is to break down the major differences to help you make an informed purchase. By the end of this post, you will know the best option for your firearm.
If you have been in the shooting game for a while, you have probably heard of the best red dot sights. They are also known as reflex sights and are designed for close to moderate ranges.
3 Vs 6 MOA Red Dot » 3 MOA vs 6 MOA Red Dot
Red dots are ideal for tactical shooting and home defense because they make target acquisition easier and improve accurate shots. They are very easy to mount on any firearm. All you need to do is line up the target and the dot to take a shot.
The only problem with buying red dots is selecting the best MOA or minute of angle. This is why we created this guide to help you out.
Let us get right into it.
What Is Minute of Angle?
MOA is an angular measurement equivalent to 1/60th of a degree. It stands for a minute of angle.
It is important to note that reticle sizes are measured in milliradians or minutes of angle. Red dots use MOA to express approximately a one-inch diameter circle at 100 yards.
It is not a complicated process to measure the Minute Angle of a red dot sight. It represents a specific area you can expect your rounds to land when aiming at a target. This helps to eliminate any guesswork in your shooting application.
It is worth mentioning that at a distance of 100 yards, a 3 MOA reticle looks like a 3-inch circle. On the other hand, a 6 MOA looks like a 6-inch circle on the target.
This means that 3 MOA sights are better for longer or more distant shots. Large 6 MOA dots work best for short ranges.
3 MOA
As mentioned earlier, 3 MOA reticle is ideal for distant shots. It covers a 3″ diameter at 100 yards and 0.75″ diameter at 25 yards. It also covers a 1.5″ diameter at 50 yards.
This reticle size allows you to shoot more precisely. This is because the dot covers less of the target. It creates a great balance between precision and speed because the dot is versatile enough to be used at varying distances.
One of the best 3 MOA reticle red dot sights is the Vortex Venom Sight. It is packed with many features to take your shooting game to the next level.
The Vortex Venom sight is popular because of its lightweight design. It will not weigh you down when you mount it on your firearm. In addition, the rugged construction allows you to use it effectively, even in the harshest climatic conditions.
The only problem with 3 MOA dots is that they can be hard to see, especially in bright sunlight. In addition, it takes a bit of time to focus and line up your shot at close ranges.
6 MOA
6 MOA reticles are ideal for close-range shots. It covers a 6″ diameter at 100 yards and 1.5″ diameter at 25 yards. It also covers a 3″ diameter at 50 yards.
6 MOA red dots are more visible and make it easy to aim at a moving target. This is why they are mostly used for defensive and law enforcement situations. They help to reduce eyestrain because the intensity helps you find the dot quicker.
One of the best 6 MOA red dots is the Vortex Viper. It is a popular optic that can be used effectively even in the harshest climatic conditions.
The Vortex Viper comes with its own set of features and benefits. It offers unlimited eye relief, allowing you to shoot with both eyes open. It is also waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.
If you have astigmatism, we recommend investing in a 6 MOA red dot sight. This is because you will not see a starburst or reticle smear.
The only downside is that it can be a little bit difficult to shoot accurately at long ranges. It is also not a great choice for co-witnessing with a gun’s front sight.
Conclusion
By now, we are sure that you know the perfect MOA size for your rifle. Choosing the best scope reticle entirely depends on your shooting preferences and your gun’s limitations.
Therefore, it is always advisable to define your shooting requirements to make your selection process easy. This ensures that you do not make the expensive mistake of investing in a scope that is not compatible with your shooting requirements.
For instance, if you have eyesight conditions, the 6 MOA is the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you want pinpoint accuracy for distant shots, the 3 MOA is the best choice.
For pistols, we recommend the 6 MOA red dot sight. You can use it for plinking, target shooting, or home defense. Rifles work best with 3 MOA reticles because they provide better accuracy at longer distances.
Both reticles work very well at night. They are better than iron sights, especially on a dark background.
We hope that this post provided you with all the information you needed to know about 3 MOA and 6 MOA red dot scopes. They will help you to hone your precision and accuracy skills.