The most popular MOAs (Minute of Angle) in the market are 3MOA and 6MOA. I’ve used both in my day, and it’s not hard to see why they are the most popular!
To help you decide, I came up with a 3MOA vs 6MOA comparison guide between these options.
After reading this article, not only will you be able to tell the difference between the 3 MOA and 6 MOA red dot, you will also have a better appreciation of the intricacies of red dots!
Contents
What Is MOA (Minute of Angle)?
By definition, “minute of angle,” also known as MOA, is an angular measurement of the distance around the circumference of a circle.
We all know that a full circle is 360 degrees. A minute of an angle is measured at 1/60 of a degree.
Why 60? Because there are 60 seconds to a minute.
One minute of an angle is equivalent to around a one-inch diameter circle at a distance of 100 yards.
How does this apply to target shooting?
When you focus the red dot at around 100 yards, a 3 MOA reticle will look like a 3-inch circle, vs 6 MOA dot, which will appear as a 6-inch circle on the target.
3 MOA Red Dot Sight Overview
Pros
With a 3 MOA dot size, you will be able to shoot accurately over LONGER distances.
With a smaller red dot, you’ll be able to likewise aim at smaller target sizes.
A larger dot might obstruct your view of the target and make you aim at a more general area instead of providing a more precise shot.
I prefer using 3MOA because the sight is 4-5 inches away from my eye, which makes the red dot clearer and easier to differentiate from the target.
Cons
Because this small dot makes it easier for precision shooting, it is not ideal when aiming for larger and more easy-to-aim targets.
You would more or less get the same results as a bigger dot. I’ve put even put more effort to ensure that the tiny red dot is still actually on target.
It’s like using a telescope or binoculars to looking at something that’s directly in front of you!
Moreover, it’s hard to see 3 MOA dots under (or anything less) under bright sunlight since they are small to begin with.
Something larger, like the 6 MOA size, would be more likely to stay visible even under extreme light conditions.
6 MOA Red Dot Sight Overview
Pros
The 6 MOA is widely considered to be one of, if not the MOST POPULAR MOA size (and for good reason).
Bigger is not necessarily better, but when it comes to red dot size, then there are certain advantages that come with the 6 MOA.
Right off the bat, I can see the red dot, meaning it is highly visible at a glance, making it perfect for those looking to have fast target acquisition.
For close to mid-range scenarios, and even common law enforcement situations, the 6 MOA red dot more than enough!
Cons
Though a larger red dot allows for better visibility and generally makes target acquisition easier, it does come with a drawback.
A 6 MOA red dot may not provide the same accuracy as a 3 MOA dot.
Because as mentioned, it could cover your view of the target or make it hard to pinpoint precise parts of the target.
I tried it to shoot a far target with a 6 MOA; the shot didn’t land exactly where I wanted it.
Though you would technically be able to hit targets bigger than the dot, it’s easier to miss small targets or those positioned in tight small groups.
3MOA vs 6MOA: What’s the Difference?
The most noticeable difference would be that the 6 MOA possesses a BIGGER dot as compared to the smaller dot found on the 3 MOA option.
The 3 MOA dot shines in high precision applications where you’d be able to aim small.
Meanwhile, the 6 MOA dot, being the bigger and wider variation, works great for close-range shots where proximity can make up for precision.
Of course, you can apply the 3 MOA and 6 MOA dots outside of these two scenarios. They are not strictly bound to long-range and short-distance shooting, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is the Best for Red Dots?
The answer really depends on what you intend to use the red dots for and the kind of weapon you have.
While there is no direct answer, I can say that generally:
- A 3 MOA is best for long-range shooting with rifles.
- 6 MOA is a popular choice among pistol owners who shoot from 25 yards or closer.
In a nutshell, my recommendation is to consider your target area.
Is it close range, or does it cover longer distances?
Given their overall benefits, choosing between the two would definitely yield better results than using traditional iron sights.
Iron sights do not use illumination like red dot types, though it still has two sights (the rear sight and front sight).
Instead you must align the front and rear sight to create an accurate aim.
But what happens when you have both an iron sight and a red dot sight together?
Since they are used to aim at the same spot, they shou