In the world of long-range rifle shooting, Minute of Angle (MOA) is a common term used to measure accuracy and adjust for bullet drop and windage. But what exactly is MOA and how does it work? To help us understand this complex concept, we have invited Ryan Cleckner, an expert in long-range shooting and author of the book “Long Range Shooting Handbook,” to share his insights and wisdom with us. Join us as we dive deep into the world of MOA and uncover the secrets behind this essential concept for long-range shooters.

Introduction

Long-range rifle shooting requires precision and accuracy, and one of the critical aspects of achieving that is understanding Minute of Angle (MOA). MOA is a unit of measurement that sniper instructors like Ryan Cleckner use to adjust scopes for sighting in and compensating for bullet drop due to gravity at different distances. This article will explain what MOA is, how it works, and why it’s essential for long-range shooting accuracy.

What is Minute of Angle (MOA)?

MOA is a unit of measurement that represents 1/60th of a degree on a circle or about 1 inch at 100 yards. It’s used to adjust the scope’s crosshairs for sighting in and compensating for bullet drop at different distances. To put it simply, if a rifle is sighted in at 100 yards with the crosshairs aligned with the point of impact, adjusting the scope one MOA will move the point of aim by one inch at 100 yards.

Understanding MOA for Long-Range Shooting

At distances beyond 100 yards, the bullet drop due to gravity becomes more pronounced, making it essential to use MOA adjustments to compensate for it. Understanding MOA helps in compensating for bullet drop as the bullet slows down and loses speed, causing it to drop continuously. MOA adjustments allow shooters to accurately hit targets at various distances by adjusting the scope’s crosshairs for zeroing in and compensating for bullet drop.

Ryan Cleckner’s Explanation of MOA

Ryan Cleckner is a former special operations sniper and sniper instructor who explains MOA easy-to-understand language. In his book, “Long Range Shooting Handbook,” he explains MOA as follows: if you were to draw a circle around the shooter and increase the radius of the circle by one inch, the arc would subtend one minute of angle.

MOA Measurements at Different Distances

At 200 yards, one MOA equals about 2 inches, and adjustments can be made using increments of 1 or 0.5 MOA. At 400 yards, one MOA equals about 4 inches, and adjustments can be made using increments of 1 or 0.5 MOA.

How to Improve Accuracy with MOA Adjustments

Sighting in a rifle requires MOA adjustments to compensate for bullet drop over different distances. Understanding MOA can help adjust your scope and improve your accuracy while shooting. By knowing how to make MOA adjustments to your scope, you can hit the target at different distances accurately.

Ryan Cleckner’s Long-Range Shooting Handbook

Ryan Cleckner’s book, “Long Range Shooting Handbook,” is a beginner’s guide to long-range shooting, and it provides tips and techniques in easy-to-follow language. Cleckner provides personal tips and advice from his experience, making it ideal for novice shooters looking to improve their long-range shooting skills.

NSSF Initiatives

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is an organization that provides information on shooting ranges. It has social media presence on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. The NSSF has initiatives for hunting and shooting, including the Plus One Movement and Gun Owners Care. The NSSF has also launched websites like Let’s Go Hunting and Let’s Go Shooting to promote shooting sports and provide information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding MOA and how it works is essential for long-range shooting accuracy. MOA adjustments allow shooters to accurately hit targets at various distances by adjusting the scope’s crosshairs for zeroing in and compensating for bullet drop. Ryan Cleckner’s Long-Range Shooting Handbook is a great resource for beginners looking to improve their long-range shooting skills. Taking an interest in the shooting sports can also lead you to explore NSSF’s initiatives and websites.

FAQs

1. What is MOA in long-range shooting?
   A: MOA is a unit of measurement used to adjust a scope’s crosshairs for sighting in and compensating for bullet drop at different distances in long-range shooting.

2. How does MOA help with long-range shooting accuracy?
   A: MOA adjustments allow shooters to accurately hit targets at different distances by adjusting the scope’s crosshairs for sighting in and compensating for bullet drop due to gravity.

3. Who is Ryan Cleckner, and why is his book recommended for long-range shooting?
   A: Ryan Cleckner is a former special operations sniper and sniper instructor. His book, Long-Range Shooting Handbook, is recommended for beginners looking to improve their long-range shooting skills, as it provides tips and techniques in easy-to-understand language.

4. What are some of the NSSF initiatives for hunting and shooting?
   A: The NSSF has initiatives for hunting and shooting, including the Plus One Movement and Gun Owners Care, aimed at promoting and preserving shooting sports.

5. What are Let’s Go Hunting and Let’s Go Shooting?
   A: They are websites launched by NSSF to promote shooting sports and provide information to those interested in hunting and shooting.