Rifleman Q&A: What Does 'MOA' Mean?

by
posted on August 1, 2021
NEWQ&A

Q: I am new to the shooting sports, and my background is in aviation. In my field, the acronym “MOA” means “Military Operations Area.” When Air Traffic Control informs us that MOA is “hot,” we do not fly, and a “cold” announcement means we can. Does this terminology cross over to the shooting sports, and what is “DOPE?”


A: In shooting, “MOA” is an acronym for minutes of angle. The NRA definition is, “An angular measurement method used to describe accuracy capability. A minute of angle is 1/60th of a degree, and subtends 1.047" at 100 yards, which, for practical shooting purposes, is considered to be an inch. A minute-of-angle group, therefore, would measure slightly more than one inch at 100 yards, two inches at 200 yards, etc.”

From a shooter’s perspective, “dope” is a useful and descriptive word when applied to the activity of achieving downrange success. This magazine has used the phrase “Dope Bag” since at least 1921 when Col. Townsend Whelen first titled his column. Even then, it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used by target shooters to hold ammunition and accessories on the firing line. “Sight dope” also was a traditional marksman’s term for sight-adjustment information, while judging wind speed and direction was called “doping the wind.” Some shooters also use it as an acronym for “Data On Previous Engagement.”

—John Treakle, Contributing Editor

Latest

Smith Wesson Csx Rifleman Review 4
Smith Wesson Csx Rifleman Review 4

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson CSX

Smith & Wesson's CSX is a different take on the micro-compact 9 mm Luger-chambered pistol concept, one that will appeal to fans of more traditionally built and styled handguns.

New For 2023: Ruger LC Charger

Ruger's expanded its 5.7x28 mm-chambered firearm lineup with its new LC Charger, a large-format pistol based on the company's earlier LC Carbine.

The Rifleman Report: Free Market Innovations

Our country’s innovations in arms design and manufacturing have been key to individual liberty from the earliest days of the Republic. In the modern era, the informal title “America’s rifle” has almost exclusively been applied to the AR-15—and for good reason.

Review: Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0

Roy Weatherby’s timeless Mark V design seems to have only improved with age, even nearly 70 years after its introduction, it remains one of the strongest bolt-actions on the market.

Editor’s Choice: Burris Veracity PH

Burris spent years developing the technology behind its Veracity PH riflescope, and now that it’s out for 2023, the innovative Programmable Elevation Knob system promises to make it easier than ever to get on target at distance.

Rifleman Q&A: Restoring A Krag

I have a sporterized rifle found in my late grandfather’s basement made from what I have determined is a Norwegian Krag-Jorgensen. It has a date of 1924 stamped on it.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.