What is M.O.A.?

MOA, or Minute of Angle, is an angular unit of measurement used by precision shooters to describe a rifle's accuracy and adjust a scope's sights. Put simply, it is 1/60th of a degree. Because of this angular measurement, the physical distance an MOA represents grows as the target distance increases. For easy field math, shooters approximate 1 MOA to equal 1 inch at 100 yards.

Understanding MOA at Different Distances

The core concept of MOA is that it represents a small slice of a circle. The further away you are, the larger that slice of the circle becomes. The technical measurement is 1.047 inches per 100 yards, but for practical purposes, the 1-inch-per-100-yards rule is the standard.

• At 100 yards, 1 MOA = 1 inch
• At 200 yards, 1 MOA = 2 inches
• At 300 yards, 1 MOA = 3 inches
• At 800 yards, 1 MOA = 8 inches
• ...and so on.

How MOA Relates to Your Scope Mount (0 MOA vs. 20 MOA)

This is where MOA becomes a critical factor in your equipment. The "MOA" of a scope base refers to a cant, or downward angle, that is machined directly into the rail.

0 MOA Scope Bases

A 0 MOA base is parallel to your rifle's barrel. It has no built-in elevation. If your scope has 60 MOA of total internal elevation travel, a 0 MOA base will place your 100-yard zero near the center of that travel, giving you approximately 30 MOA of "up" adjustment to dial for distance.

• Best For: Shooting from 0 - 500 yards.
• Benefit: Allows for easy zeroing at 100 yards with nearly any scope.

20 MOA Scope Bases

A 20 MOA base is machined with a downward angle. This points the front of your scope down, which forces you to dial "up" to get zeroed. This process effectively shifts your scope's available adjustment range, giving you 20 additional MOA of "up" travel for dialing to extreme distances.

• Best For: Shooting from 500 - 1000+ yards.
• Benefit: Preserves your scope's internal travel for long-range shots, preventing you from "bottoming out" your turret.
• Consideration: With a 20 MOA base, we recommend zeroing at 200 yards. Depending on your scope's total travel, you may not be able to dial back down to a 100-yard zero.

Which MOA Base Should I Buy?

The choice depends entirely on your intended shooting distance.

1. For Most Hunters and Shooters (0-500 Yards): A 0 MOA scope base is the perfect choice. It provides a simple, reliable platform for the most common shooting distances.
2. For Long-Range Shooters (500-1000+ Yards): A 20 MOA scope base is essential. It's the key to unlocking your rifle's and your scope's true long-range potential.