3 MOA vs 6 MOA pistol dots

[GunXpatriot]

I suppose it really depends what you're doing. I don't have a massive amount of experience with red dots, just lower-end ones. I would guess that a smaller dot could theoretically help precision accuracy, whereas for a combat-oriented handgun, a larger dot would likely be more utilitarian at closer ranges, and could still be effective at longer range in a pinch.

 

[GunXpatriot]

I wish I still had the article or video (cant remember which one it was) were the individual brought up a great point. He mentions how most iron sights on a handgun are something like 8 moa

For sure, if not much larger, depending on the gun. Not that it necessarily matters, but I suppose it makes something harder to master.

I know this isn't what we're talking about, but the Crosman 1377 and others in that series have HUGE front sights. At 20+ yards, they completely cover up a typical airgun bullseye target. Didn't stop me from being able to shoot under an inch at that distance, but it took a little practice. And these are particularly blocky, so I wouldn't be surprised if they were way above 8 moa.

Point being, you can pretty much get good with anything with some practice, but in that situation, even a 6MOA dot is an epic improvement.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I think if you are using a handgun for self defense, the bigger dot makes more sense since your shots will be no greater then 10 ft. If you only have one for both competition and self-defense the bigger Beats dot beats the smaller one. The smaller dots would better serve for competition shooting at longer distances.

 

[71velle]

I feel stupid now!! I could have watched this video and be done with it.

 

[Edwardteach72]

So I did some research to try and find out what the average stock handgun front sight MOA is.

Turns out it's not an easy answer, has to do with measuring the width of the blade and then also depends on distance the blade is from the eye.....

 

[Edwardteach72]

@MikeyCNY yes john prefers 2 and 3 moa dots

And @71velle corrext me if I am wrong but Aaron Cowen said he is a 6moa fan, also have you watched is first video on the whole red dot vs irons. He was not a red dot fan

 

[Wraith]

So I did some research to try and find out what the average stock handgun front sight MOA is.

Turns out it's not an easy answer, has to do with measuring the width of the blade and then also depends on distance the blade is from the eye.....

Makes sense as MOA is entirely determined by angular distance.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Makes sense as MOA is entirely determined by angular distance.

Well yes, but I figure like with optics, front sight A would always be X MOA, not X MOA for person 1 and Z MOA for person 2

 

[Wraith]

Well yes, but I figure like with optics, front sight A would always be X MOA, not X MOA for person 1 and Z MOA for person 2

Ahh, I think I see what you’re getting at.

 

[Marine Cpl]

It shouldn't be that different from person to person at arms length unless you are Stretch Armstrong.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Ahh, I think I see what you’re getting at.

Handgun iron sight MOA was something I've never actually thought about until this thread (just happened to remember it being mentioned in something somewhere before and this thread has actually peaked an interest I never had before)

 

[Edwardteach72]

It shouldn't be that different from person to person at arms length unless you are Stretch Armstrong.

Meh half MOA +/- give or take I'm not real sure on the math, but I'm 5'5" and I'm sure someone who is 6'2" has a much longer arm span than me

 

[Marine Cpl]

Meh half MOA +/- give or take I'm not real sure on the math, but I'm 5'5" and I'm sure someone who is 6'2" has a much longer arm span than me

Not much to make a severe difference in measuring MOA I would think. Remember, it starts making a difference at many yards.

From Shooting Illustrated.

While 1 MOA at 100 yards equals 1.047 inches, at 200 yards it equals 2.094 inches.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Not much to make a severe difference in measuring MOA I wouldn't think. Remember, it starts making a difference at many yards.

From Shooting Illustrated.

While 1 MOA at 100 yards equals 1.047 inches, at 200 yards.

Great now I cant find the equation to figure out what a front sight would equal as MOA size

 

[Edwardteach72]

Formula *

 

[Edwardteach72]

Took me a min to remember where this thread about MOA was. But

Looks like Aaron Cowen form Sage Dynamics went from 6.5moa camp (but thinks nothing is wrong with 3.25moa)

Toooo spoiler alert

1 MOA

 

[71velle]

Took me a min to remember where this thread about MOA was. But

Looks like Aaron Cowen form Sage Dynamics went from 6.5moa camp (but thinks nothing is wrong with 3.25moa)

Toooo spoiler alert

1 MOA

Not sure if I agree with him. I have been shooting a 3 MOA a lot over the last 3 years and when I pick up a 6.5 MOA I do not shoot any worse. I do believe the larger dot can be picked up quicker. Since I started this thread I have talked to a few guys who shoot a lot of competitions and they prefer the larger dot but feel it is a huge advantage in the bright sun. I dont see think I would like a 1 MOA, but I would sure like to try one.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Not sure if I agree with him. I have been shooting a 3 MOA a lot over the last 3 years and when I pick up a 6.5 MOA I do not shoot any worse. I do believe the larger dot can be picked up quicker. Since I started this thread I have talked to a few guys who shoot a lot of competitions and they prefer the larger dot but feel it is a huge advantage in the bright sun. I dont see think I would like a 1 MOA, but I would sure like to try one.

I can see the 1MOA being used for some very very precise shots, but I personally dont see many situations where I'm going to need to take a shot and the difference if 2.35" at 100 yards/meters is going to compromise anything.

That being said I do like his reasoning for a smaller dot along the lines of more data being seen because less is covered by the dot,

 

[71velle]

I can see the 1MOA being used for some very very precise shots, but I personally dont see many situations where I'm going to need to take a shot and the difference if 2.35" at 100 yards/meters is going to compromise anything.

That being said I do like his reasoning for a smaller dot along the lines of more data being seen because less is covered by the dot,

At handgun distances the amount of a target getting blocked is so little I do not see that to be of any advantage. Ay 50 yards a 6 MOA covers 3 inched of target not much information being lost. But at the end of the day it a personal preference.

I lost some respect for this guy after seeing his new video. In a year and a half his opinion did a 180, what will he say a year from now?

 

[Edwardteach72]

At handgun distances the amount of a target getting blocked is so little I do not see that to be of any advantage. Ay 50 yards a 6 MOA covers 3 inched of target not much information being lost. But at the end of the day it a personal preference.

I lost some respect for this guy after seeing his new video. In a year and a half his opinion did a 180, what will he say a year from now?

I agree partly, to the sense that he did also mention that a 6.5 or 3.25 are just as good of an option (unlike others that will say 3.25 is the only choice or other way around)