AR's, why 1/2 MOA over 1/4 MOA

[Lovesbeer99]

I see that all the main stream companies offer A2 sights in 1/2 MOA or 1/4 MOA. Why bother with the 1/2 MOA when you can get more precise with the 1/4 moa sights? Is there some advantage over 1/2moa sights?

 

[taliv]

mostly because when you shoot the 600 yrd line with 15 minutes up from your 100 yrd zero, that's 60 clicks. AR NM sights aren't numbered, though most people put a little dot of paint on it. otherwise, you sit there and spin and spin and spin counting clicks and it takes a while.

most of the sights are actually both. if you look at the knob, you'll see the detents on the top and bottom like the bumps on a golf ball. there will be twice as many on one side as the other. flip the knob over if you want to switch.

 

[taliv]

in case that wasn't really clear, it's easy to get lost in the clicks. if you get distracted and miss a bump or lose count, and have to go all the way back to the bottom and start over, it can get annoying. it's not like a scope turret that is marked

 

[Lovesbeer99]

Taliv - so you're saying that the 1/2 moa clicks are just easier to count? So instead of counting (for example) 12 clicks for 3 MOA I could just count 6 clicks for 3 MOA with my 1/2 minutes sights?

I've got to tell you, with an optic I can see how the 1/4 minute clicks make a difference, but with Iron sights the human Eye can't see the difference at 300, 400 or 600 yards. 1/2 MOA clicks is starting to sound like the way to go actually.

 

[NRA-Highmaster]

I would recommend the 1/4 minute sights. Taliv has a valid point, but in my opinion they are worth the trouble of having to move them more. In my experience, being able to have a finer adjustment has a distinct advantage at any distance, especially at 600 where you can put on a smaller amount of adjustment (insurance if you will) to guard against being blown out of the 10 ring in gusty conditions. Some may argue that a person that has just started may not be able to take advantage of the finer adjustment because of their holding ability, but that`s not the sights fault Besides, with a comittment to improving they soon will. Then they have the sight they need and won`t have to pay to convert it. My 2 cents

 

[o Unforgiven o]

taliv nailed it, less clicks mean quicker adjustments for the shooter.

 

[taliv]

fwiw, i use 1/4 on my NM AR and think it's the right way to go. I was just explaining why some people use and recommend 1/2.

again, you can mitigate the getting lost problem with a little paint

 

[Lovesbeer99]

Thanks. I ordered the 1/4 MOA sights on my upper today.

 

[W.E.G.]

Its because old habits tend to become religion.

I mean, for heaven's sake man, don't you know that the windage clicks on an M14 are half minute?!!!
That PROVES that its the correct value for real shooters.

Don't come near me with that Glock now.
A real man wouldn't consider such a thing.

 

[NRA-Highmaster]

An m14 what`s that ? Was that before or after the trapdoor ? I`m a real shooter with 1/4 minute sights, but don`t take my word for it. Just ask the guys in the shoot off in the President`s Hundred. I`d bet if you surveyed them, you`ed find pretty much all of them don`t use 1/2 minute sights. I know a few of them and they have 1/4 sights on theirs. If it works for you though, stick with it. I just offered my opinion when asked, based on my experiences.

 

[Winston_Smith]

I have 1/2 x 1/2 on mine. I have never felt the need for 1/4 MOA adjustments. Once I think my rifle system and skills are up to 1/4 MOA precision, I may upgrade. Then again, I also use a USGI sling...

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

My rifle has 1/4 x 1/4 and I find them easy to use. I ALWAYS go back to zero on my elevation when ever I change firing lines. My rifle has 25 1/4 minute clicks per revolution on elevation. now when I move from 300 to 600 I just go back to zero and then come up 2 full revolutions and add 2 clicks more and I am at my 600 yard setting for perry. How much easier can that be?

AS far as 1/2 verses 1/4 get what ever you wish but the only 1/2 ones I have are on my rattle battle rifle and thats on windage with the standard 3/8 marked come ups. less clicking for yardage change and simpler for fast windage calls if needed.

At 600 I like the 1/4 as it gives me a better chance to keep it in the X ring.

 

[clutch]

I think NRA-Highmaster nailed it. 1/4 click is .25 @ 100, 1.5" at 600.

1/2 click is 3.0" at 600.

Sounds like a no brainer to me.

Clutch