When it comes to red dot sights, one thing you may hear about is the terms 3 MOA and 6 MOA. What do they mean, and which one is better for you? Let’s find out.
Firstly, MOA stands for “Minute of Angle”. It is a unit of measurement for angles and, in this case, for red dot sights. A red dot sight is meant to help you aim your firearm better by superimposing a red dot on your target. The dot’s size, measured in MOA, determines how precise your aim is.
Now, between the two options, 3 MOA and 6 MOA, the lower number means a smaller red dot and, therefore, a more precise aim. A 3 MOA red dot will cover 3 inches of the target area at 100 yards, while a 6 MOA dot will cover 6 inches. A smaller dot is more suitable for longer ranges, whereas a larger dot is better for close quarter shooting.
Smaller red dots are preferred by marksmen who need an accurate shot for long-range targets. A smaller dot means less air space in the sight picture, improving accuracy. However, this accuracy is limited to long range shooting only. In close range shooting, a smaller dot may be difficult to find quickly amidst a rapidly moving target.
On the other hand, a larger dot is quicker to find on the target, improving speed.
A 6 MOA red dot is considered more practical for defense. It is easier to find when you need to react quickly, especially in dark or low visibility conditions. A larger dot is also ideal for shooting fast-moving targets.
Therefore, the right choice between 3 MOA and 6 MOA depends on what you will use it for. It is not a matter of one being better than the other, but rather about which one is more suitable for your purpose.
To summarize, 3 MOA vs 6 MOA is a consideration of accuracy and speed. The former is ideal for long-range shooting where accuracy is paramount, while the latter is better suited for defense and close quarter shooting where speed is key.
Keep in mind, the size of the dot does not reflect the overall quality of the sight. The quality of the red dot sight is dependent on factors such as durability, battery life, and the quality of the components before the dot.
Additionally, the quality of the dot’s lens also makes a significant difference to the size and clarity of the dot. A poor quality lens could distort or enlarge the dot, reducing the effectiveness of the sight. So, when selecting a red dot sight, avoid the temptation of just focusing on the MOA size. Instead, look at the overall quality of the sight.
Whether you choose 3 MOA or 6 MOA red dot sights rests entirely on your purpose. For long-range target shooting, a 3 MOA dot will serve you better. If you need a sight for home defense, a 6 MOA dot is generally more practical. And as stated above, always go for quality when choosing a red dot sight.