How to Use Mil-Dot Rifle Scopes

Mil-Dot rifle scopes are designed to allow the shooter to estimate range. The mil-dots (ranging marks positioned along the scope's cross-hairs) can be used to determine the distance to target in meters. To determine the distance in another unit of measure, such as feet or yards, the difference must be converted from meters (using a calculator and distance conversion table is recommended). Estimating range requires entering certain known variables into a simple algebraic equation to determine the unknown variable of distance.

Instructions

1. Aim your rifle scope at a target with a known height in meters (one meter is just over three feet) at the distance you are trying to estimate.

2. Align the scope’s horizontal crosshair with the bottom of your target and count the number of mil-dots to the top of your target. If the top of your target falls between mil-dots, estimate the percentage of interval (between mil-dots) used. For example, if the top of your target is halfway between two mil-dots the percentage would be .5.

3. Divide the target height (in meters) by the mil-dot count and multiply your answer by 1,000, giving you the range to target in meters. For instance, if your target is three meters high and the mil-dot count is 2.5, then your equation would be: 3 ÷ 2.5 = 1.2 followed by 1.2 x 1000 = 1,200. The range to target is 1,200 meters.

References

• Armystudyguide: Range Estimation Equation
• Mil-dot: Range Estimation Techniques

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish