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1 Mil at 100 Meters: How Much Is It & What Does It Mean?

Dakota Potts | Updated February 26, 2024 | Why You Should Trust Us | How We Earn Money
Cover photo of 1 Mil at 100 Meters showing fingers adjusting the knob

If you’re trying to understand the concept of 1 mil at 100 meters, you’ve come to the right place. Knowing this is crucial for making accurate adjustments and hitting targets at longer ranges.

So, ensure you’re doing it right and improving your shooting results by understanding this system.

For more reading on rifle scopes see our guide on the top 22 rimfire scope reviews.

Key Takeaways

  • 1 mil at 100 meters represents a measurement essential for accurate long-range shooting
  • Mils, being angular measurements, are popular among tactical shooters and military snipers because they correlate well with metric distances
  • Understanding the difference between mils and MOA helps improve shooting accuracy and adjustments

What Is 1 Mil at 100 Meters?

So, the term “mil” refers to a milliradian, an angular measurement used in rifle scopes and other precision instruments. In shooting, it helps to calculate adjustments for bullet drop and wind drift. 

When dealing with metric units, 1 mil at 100 meters represents a distance of 10 centimeters or 100 millimeters.

Image showing 1 MIL at 100 meters is equal to 100 millimeters

At this distance, mil measurements assist shooters in making accurate shots. The mil-dot reticle, a popular choice among tactical shooters, uses mils for consistent aiming points. It’s typically available in both first and second focal plane configurations.

Now, radian is the base unit of angular measurement, and a milliradian equates to 1/1000th of a radian. If you haven’t come across this before, don’t worry about it. Just know that in the context of a riflescope, we commonly deal with mils as a measurement unit. 

As the shooting distance increases, the value of 1 mil incrementally grows in size (e.g., 1 mil equates to 20 centimeters or 200 millimeters at 200 meters).

But making 1 mil adjustments is still quite huge. That’s why if you look at a mil scope, adjustments are usually made in 0.1 mil increments (1 cm at 100 meters) for more precise changes.

Image showing 1 MIL at 1000 meters is equal to 1000 millimeters

The mil system works best with the metric system because it works in tenths, and understanding this conversion between mils and meters is vital for precision shooting.

1 MRAD at 100 Meters

MRAD is actually another name for milliradian, so mil and MRAD represent the same unit of angular measurement.

And same as mil, 1 MRAD at a shooting distance of 100 meters corresponds to an adjustment of 10 cm on target.

MRAD rifle scope mounted on a rifle

Scopes with an MRAD-based reticle simplify the whole game of calculating adjustments. They let you quickly figure out how much you need to tweak your aim, gauge the distance to your target, measure its size, and even account for bullet drop over specific distances. 

This makes them a go-to choice for tactical situations. Because they’re so precise and easy to use, long-range shooters often prefer them when they’re aiming for pinpoint accuracy.

Fun Fact

The name “snipers” was one that was originally used when referring to skilled hunters. These hunters were able to shoot a snipe, which was a breed of game bird that was famous for its very erratic flight and the ability to camouflage itself. If a hunter was skilled enough to kill a snipe, the marksman earned the right to be known as a sniper. Source: womenandguns.com

1 MRAD at 1,000 Meters

At 1,000 meters, 1 MRAD equals a length of 1 meter, making it a versatile unit for estimating shooting distance and adjusting scopes.

Tactical shooters often prefer the metric system, as the units are easier to use, understand, and convert. With 1 MRAD covering 1 meter at 1,000 meters, there’s no need for conversion factors, as opposed to the minute of angle (MOA) system.

Man lying on the ground outdoors and aiming a rifle with a scope 

Long-range shooting requires a keen understanding of MRAD for successful distance estimation and adjustment. So, 1 MRAD at 1,000 meters becomes an essential concept for anyone serious about honing their long-range shooting skills.

“Generations of gun owners have taught their sons and daughters that it takes as much patience and skill to be a good shot as it does to be a good steward of a powerful weapon.”

-Gabrielle Giffords

1 MOA at 100 Meters

Ok, now on to MOA.

Minute of Angle (MOA) is also a measure of precision used to make adjustments on rifle scopes, the same as MRAD. However, this measurement system primarily works with yardages and inches instead of the metric system. 

Fingers adjusting the knob of an MOA scope

At 100 meters, 1 MOA is approximately 2.9 centimeters in length. However, at 100 yards, 1 MOA equals 1 inch. 

Most American-made tactical riflescopes use MOA turrets and reticles. This standard makes conversions between units easier, as 1 MOA is approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards.

However, you should be aware of the difference between MOA and Shooters MOA (SMOA) when dealing with units. SMOA is slightly more simplified, with 1 SMOA being exactly 1 inch at 100 yards – compared to the MOA’s 1.047 inches.

Diagram showing 1 SMOA being 1 inch at 100 yards

If you shoot in metric distances, it may be worth considering a switch to mil-based turrets and reticles. Although mils are not metric, they are easier to work with when using meters as the unit of distance. At 100 meters, 1 mil is approximately 10 centimeters.

To wrap this up, understanding MOA and its relation to meters is essential for any shooter aiming for precision and accuracy. Getting familiar with the different units of measurement will go a long way in making calculated shooting distance adjustments.

Mil vs MOA vs MRAD

When it comes to rifle scopes, there are three main units of measure: Mil, MOA, and MRAD. Mil stands for milliradian and is used as a super precise angular measurement that represents a thousandth of a radian.

The use of mils is particularly popular in the world of tactical long-range shooting and military snipers because it pairs well with the metric system. Compared to the Minute of Angle (MOA) system – another angular unit often used by shooters – mils offer a more straightforward calculation when working with metric measurements.

On the flip side, MOA primarily uses imperial units and is essentially an angular measurement (just like degrees) but much smaller, making it more accurate for aiming purposes. 

In the world of shooting, one MOA equates to 1.047 inches at 100 yards. As for one mil, it equals to 3.6 inches at 100 yards.

Diagram showing the equivalent inches of MOA at different yards
Diagram showing the equivalent inches of MIL at different yards

MRAD (Milliradians) shares its roots with mil and is often used interchangeably. So, one MRAD equals 0.0573 degrees, with 10 centimeters being the distance at 100 meters. And as mentioned, MRAD is usually divided into tenths for easier and more precise scope adjustments.

Now, conversion between these units may require a conversion table or a dedicated website. But keep in mind the context – at shooting ranges, wind deflection, impact, and group size all come into the picture when determining which measurement unit to use.

Fun Fact

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One key factor when choosing between mil/MRAD or MOA is the intended target size. In a metric-based environment, mil/MRAD could be more practical for quick calculations. Meanwhile, in an imperial environment, MOA is the go-to choice.

Regardless of the unit, click values vary based on scope designs. Abbreviations and unit conversions can get confusing, so double-check, especially when it involves vertical and horizontal adjustments.

To sum it up, mil, MOA, and MRAD are all useful in their own ways. Just remember to weigh all factors and stay comfortable with your choice.

For more reading on how to adjust your rifle scope see our write up on how to bore sight a rifle at 25 yards.

FAQs

How far is 1 mil?

How far 1 mil represents depends on the distance you’re looking at. Mil is a unit of measurement called a milliradian, which covers 1/1000th of the distance it travels. So, in practical terms, 1 mil is 1 meter (1.09 yards) at 1000 meters (1093 yards) or 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) at 100 meters (109.3 yards).

How many cm is 1 MRAD at 100 yards?

1 MRAD at 100 yards (91.4 meters) is approximately 9.144 cm (3.6 inches).

How many inches is 1 mil at 100 yards?

1 mil at 100 yards (91.4 meters) is 3.6 inches (9.14 centimeters).

How much is 1 MRAD at 100 meters?

1 MRAD (milliradian) at 100 meters (109.3 yards) is 10 centimeters (3.9 inches).


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