In this quick guide, let's breakdown 3 MOA VS 6 MOA to help you better understand the subtle details to change how you think about them.
Fact: 1 MOA is 1 / 60th of a degree
Table of Contents
Major Differences Between 3 MOA and 6 MOA
Dot Sizes
3 MOA covers about a 3" diameter circle at 100 yards,
6 MOA covers about a 6" diameter circle at 100 yards.
Target Coverage
6 MOA dot covers up the target area a lot more more than a 3 MOA dot, and makes it challenging to aim accurately if the target is relatively small.
Indoor
Bright daylight will wash away the emitter red dot starburst (even if the brightness is dialed up all the way) and leave the user with a round center dot.
Daylight
Aiming Performance
6 MOA is much LARGER and ROUNDER to see for shooters with mild astigmatism under daylight use (even without corrected vision)
3 VS 6 MOA Pros And Cons
6 MOA Red Dot
A 6 MOA covers:
- 6" diameter at 100 yards
- 3" diameter at 50 yards
- 1.5" diameter at 25 yards
Pros
- Fast target acquisition for close up targeting shooting
- Less emitter starburst or reticle smear
- Larger dot for shooters, less emitter refraction, a fix for astigmatism
- Less reticle tremor for steady aim and more accuracy
- Similar size to pistol front sight post
Cons
- May cover up too much of the target sitting far away
- Not great for distanced target shooting even if mounted on a rifle
Browse More 6+ MOA Red Dot sights here
3 MOA Red Dot
A 3 MOA red dot covers:
- 3" diameter at 100 yd
- 1.5" diameter at 50 yd
- 0.75" diameter at 25 yd
Pros
- Best balance between precision and speed
- Better accurate shots
- Covers a 3" diameter hit zone for tight small groups
- A smaller dot to shoot accurately
Cons
- Hand motion tremors the reticle
- Hand sway tremors the reticle even more apparent at long distance
Our favorite 3 MOA red dot sights:
Others worth mentioning:
ReCap - Which Dot Size To Get?
Features Springfield Hellcat
There is no right or wrong answer. If you have to pick ONE dot size for pistol use, most people prefer the 6 MOA.
- Much larger dot reticle to acquire for CQB use
- Better dot clarity with less emitter refraction for astigmatism users under daylight use
- Sunlight will wash off the emitter starburst and leaving the shooter a clean and visible enough dot
- Roughly the same size as most front sight post
- No visible reticle tremors for steady aim.
However, a blurry red dot is usually a vision problem that need to be considered
If astigmatism or other eye related problems affect the dot clarity, then you may need a vision check if you haven't.
$60 off $600 (use code: MC4) – Complete the build you have been saving up for
How Does A 6 MOA Dot Perform At Night?
A bigger dot is definitely faster to pick up when there is enough light to ID the target as well and what's behind the target.
The red dot emitter starburst isn't a big problem under daylight setting because the bright sunlight can wash it off. But in low light settings, it can be a problem
More tips on using an red dot sight at night - check it out here
Can You Shoot Up To 100 yards with a 6 MOA dot?
Yes, but the 6 MOA dot can cover up the target a lot if the target is too small.
3 MOA VS 6 MOA For Competitive Shooting
Both options work.
If there is anything you would like to add to this topic. Please email support@badassoptic.com
3 MOA VS 6 MOA For IPDA
Red dots are allowed in IPDA matches, and the 6 MOA is still preferred at close range. 3 MOA isn't a bad choice either.
