How to Calculate Distances With a Mil Dot Rifle Scope

Mil dot rifle scopes are accurate tools for measuring distance without the need for lasers, multiple measurements or complicated math. To calculate distance using mil dot rifle scopes, you just need to know how to interpret the reticle view and make a simple calculation. If you're sharp, you can just do the calculation in your head; otherwise, a table or small calculator is sufficient.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Locate in the reticle the object whose distance you want to calculate. You need to have at least a good estimate of the size of the object (width or height, in meters or yards) to get an accurate distance result.
2. Focus the image in the scope if necessary. The sharper the view, the easier it'll be to get a good distance measurement.
3. Measure the object using the mil dots in the reticle. You can easily measure to half or quarter mils and, with experience, measure to tenth mils.
4. Divide the width or height in meters or yards of the object by the number of mils. This is the most difficult part of the process, and you can use a table or small calculator if you can't do the calculation in your head.
5. Multiply the result from Step 4 by 1,000. This result is the range of the object in yards.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using an adjustable-magnification scope, you must take the magnification into account in Step 4. If the magnification is synchronized to the mil dots in the reticle, you don't need to do anything. Otherwise, you need to multiply or divide the distance result by the magnification factor (that is, the magnification relative to the synchronized magnification).
• More accurate measurements and calculations yield more accurate distance measurements when using mil dot rifle scopes.
• You can use other units besides yards and meters, but these two are perhaps the simplest to use.
• If you have your scope mounted on a rifle, then follow the usual rules of firearm safety, which you can summarize in the saying, "Don't point your firearm at anything you don't intend to destroy."

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