Whether you’re new to the world of guns or an experienced gun owner, there are a lot of terms out there. Wading through all of these terms can be remarkably confusing and leave you feeling lost.
For example, what is the difference between a 65 MOA and a 68 MOA reticle? How different are they? Is there a difference at all, and what is the differentiation between the two?
Read on to learn everything that you will need to know about the difference between 65 and 68 MOA reticles.
Primary Differences Between a 65 and 68 MOA
Ultimately, there is no difference between a 65 MOA reticle and a 58 MOA reticle. The 65 MOA and 68 are simply different standards for human-sized targets.
For example, a 68 MOA is standard for a human of average American male height, standing at roughly 5’8” tall.
On the other hand, a 65 MOA is the standard for a human who stands at around 5’5”.
If you want to break down the differences even further, they will look something like this:
- 68 MOA refers to the diameter spec of the outer ring
- 65 MOA refers to the diameter spec of the inner ring
If you’re familiar with laser sight brands, you may recognize that each has its preferred marketing terms.
For example, while Holosun and EOTech are very similar sights, the EOTech brands itself as 68MOA while the Holosun utilizes 65 MOA.
What Can The 68 MOA Reticle Do?
As a reticle, the 68 MOA is notably useful in practical situations. If engaged in close-quarters combat (also known as CQC or CQB), the 68 MOA helps its user quickly acquire a target and estimate their range with ease.
As such, the 68 MOA rangefinder reticle is an excellent choice in gear for soldiers on active duty.
The center dot of the MOA acts as a precise aiming point, while the surrounding ring acts as a reference point for height and distance. (Here’s a fun fact- the 68 in 68 MOA stands for 68 inches, also known as 5’8”!)
At 100 years, the ring on the 68 MOA reticle measures 5’8”. If you know the distance or height of the target, you can use the ring to easily estimate the measurements of the other dimension.
The ring can also serve other range finding purposes depending on how you zero the reticle.
Additionally, you can calibrate the 68 MOA reticle ring to represent a shotgun pattern, including spread, if you correctly factor in the shell and choke selection.
What Is The 65 MOA Reticle Best For?
Remember that 65 MOA and 68 MOA reticles are just different ways to measure the same thing.
However, these different methods of measurement can have significant bonuses depending on what type of firearm you are using and what you are using it for.
For example, a 65 MOA- particularly in the EOTech style- is an excellent tool for hunting large animals with a shotgun, such as a deer.
Alternatively, a 65 MOA reticle is great for lining up and executing quick shots in a home defense scenario.
When using a shotgun at close range, the 65 MOA may be your best option for a rangefinder reticle!
How Does The 68 MOA Rangefinder Reticle Work?
The 68 MOA rangefinder reticle is not a complicated device. You don’t need to put together any complex equations to find your target’s range, nor would you need a spotter like with a sniper rifle.
The center dot of a 68 MOA sight, also known as a 1 MOA dot, functions similarly to traditional red dot sights.
The purpose of this center dot is to help the user aim more precisely, though it may lose accuracy at a distance. This distance issue is where the 68 MOA ring comes into play.
The 68 MOA ring provides a second dot just under the center dot. By recognizing how your target fits within these dots, you can determine their distance.
How Can I Determine The Range To My Target With a 68 MOA Reticle?
At 100 yards, the person will be significantly larger than the two dots. If the target is the standard height of 5’8” tall, or the titular 68 inches, then their head and feet should fit snugly inside the ring from a standing position.
At 200 yards, your target will appear slightly smaller. If the central dot of your rangefinder reticle sits on the target’s head, the bottom dot should sit just above waist level while the target’s feet sit at the bottom of the ring.
At 300 yards, your target’s feet should no longer touch the bottom of the rangefinder reticle’s ring. However, if your center dot is trained on the target’s head, the bottom dot should still sit around the waist area.
Finally, at 400 yards, a target of average height should fit squarely within both dots of your 68 MOA rangefinder reticle. If you have trained the center dot on the target’s head, the lower dot should be somewhere around their feet.
Concerns With 68 MOA Rangefinder Reticles
Occasionally, a 68 MOA reticle may obscure your target in light. If this happens, try to dial down the brightness of your reticle to prevent blurring.
Additionally, if you have astigmatism, your reticle may seem blurry regardless of light levels. This issue is nothing to be concerned about.
An estimated 33% of the global population has astigmatism, a condition where your cornea has an imperfection that gives it an oval instead of a spherical shape.
This misshapen cornea means that your eye has trouble focusing, with multiple focal points rather than one.
People with astigmatism see certain wavelengths, including red light as a blur or a smear of light.
To test if you have astigmatism before investing in a red dot sight, look at the stop lights next time you’re in traffic. Is the light a crisp red, or do you see it slightly distorting and blurring?
With blurry vision, you will have issues determining the positioning of your target, even if nobody else has issues with your red dot sight.
In these cases, consider investing in a magnifier scope to best see your reticle with minimal interference.
Conclusion
Ultimately, 65 and 68 MOA reticles are the same things- it just depends on how the user specs them and how the manufacturer markets them.
When trying to decide between a 65 and 68 MOA, all you have to do is decide which setting works the best for you.