Three months ago, I had two students at my defensive pistol course – father and son, nearly identical Glocks, one with a 3 MOA dot, the other with 6 MOA. By day’s end, the father with the 6 MOA was consistently faster on close targets, while his son with the 3 MOA was drilling the 25-yard steel. Neither could hit what the other excelled at. That’s when I realized most people choose their dot size based on internet opinions rather than understanding what MOA actually means for their shooting.
After fifteen years teaching carbine and pistol courses, mounting red dots on everything from competition guns to ranch rifles, I’ve learned that dot size selection is simpler than the internet makes it seem. The difference between 3 MOA and 6 MOA isn’t about “better” – it’s about matching the dot to your actual use, not your imagined tactical scenarios.
Your best survival tool is the six inches between your ears. Use it to understand this simple concept: MOA is just a measurement of how much target your dot covers. Once you grasp that, choosing becomes obvious.
Understanding MOA in Plain English
What MOA Actually Means
Forget the trigonometry. Here’s what matters: MOA (Minute of Angle) roughly equals 1 inch at 100 yards. So:
- 3 MOA = 3-inch circle at 100 yards
- 6 MOA = 6-inch circle at 100 yards
But most defensive shooting happens way closer. At 25 yards (typical defensive distance):
- 3 MOA = 0.75-inch circle
- 6 MOA = 1.5-inch circle
At 7 yards (home defense distance):
- 3 MOA = 0.21-inch circle (pencil eraser)
- 6 MOA = 0.42-inch circle (pen width)
See the issue? At realistic distances, even a “big” 6 MOA dot is tiny.
The Coverage Problem
Here’s what nobody explains properly: your dot covers part of your target. On a standard IPSC silhouette at 25 yards:
- 3 MOA covers the X-ring nicely
- 6 MOA covers most of the 10-ring
On a coyote at 100 yards:
- 3 MOA shows the vital zone around the dot
- 6 MOA covers most of the vital zone
This coverage isn’t good or bad – it’s just physics. Understanding it helps you choose correctly.
3 MOA Red Dots – The Precision Option
Where 3 MOA Excels
After running 3 MOA dots on competition pistols and precision rifles for years, here’s where they shine:
Competition Shooting: At our local USPSA matches, targets regularly appear at 25-35 yards. A 3 MOA dot lets me aim for specific scoring zones, not just “somewhere on target.” The difference between A-zone and C-zone hits wins matches.
Rifle Applications: On my coyote rifle, 3 MOA is perfect. At 200 yards, it covers 6 inches – smaller than a coyote’s vital zone. I can place shots precisely without the dot obscuring what I’m shooting at.
Target Shooting: Paper doesn’t forgive. When shooting groups, a smaller dot means more precise aiming point. My best 25-yard groups improved by 30% switching from 6 MOA to 3 MOA.
Real-World 3 MOA Performance
Last month, testing with students:
- 25-yard precision: 2-inch groups average
- First shot speed (7 yards): 1.2 seconds from holster
- Target transitions: Slightly slower than 6 MOA
- Low light visibility: Required higher brightness setting
The precision advantage is real, but so is the speed penalty at close range.
Who Should Choose 3 MOA
Based on training thousands of shooters:
- Competition shooters pushing distance
- Hunters needing precision shot placement
- Target shooters focused on groups
- Younger shooters with good eyesight
- Anyone primarily shooting beyond 15 yards
My competition Glock 34 runs a 3 MOA. The precision at 25+ yards matters more than fraction-of-second speed gains up close.
6 MOA Red Dots – The Speed Option
Where 6 MOA Dominates
Six years ago, I switched my carry gun to 6 MOA after timing hundreds of draws. The results were clear:
Defensive Shooting: In force-on-force training, that bigger dot is impossible to miss under stress. When your heart rate hits 180 and fine motor skills vanish, finding a 6 MOA dot happens instinctively.
Speed Shooting: Steel challenge times dropped consistently with 6 MOA. Not by much – maybe 0.1 seconds per target – but over a stage, that adds up.
Aging Eyes: At 42, I notice the difference. My 60-year-old students? Night and day. That bigger dot appears faster, stays visible longer, and doesn’t disappear in bright sunlight as easily.
Real-World 6 MOA Results
Same testing protocol:
- 25-yard precision: 3-inch groups average
- First shot speed (7 yards): 0.9 seconds from holster
- Target transitions: Noticeably faster
- Low light visibility: Visible at lower brightness
The speed advantage is undeniable, especially under stress or time pressure.
Who Should Choose 6 MOA
From my teaching experience:
- Defensive shooters prioritizing speed
- Anyone over 45 (presbyopia is real)
- Home defense firearms
- Officers needing quick acquisition
- New shooters building confidence
- Anyone with astigmatism (bigger dot “starbursts” less)
My bedside Glock 19 wears a 6 MOA. At 3 AM, I want to find that dot immediately.
Distance Reality Check
What “Long Range” Really Means
Internet commandos argue about 100-yard pistol shots. Reality check from my courses:
- 90% of defensive shootings: under 7 yards
- 95% of competition stages: under 25 yards
- 99% of hunting pistol shots: under 50 yards
I’ve made 100-yard pistol hits with both 3 MOA and 6 MOA. The target doesn’t care which you used if you do your part.
The Coverage Math
At realistic distances, coverage differences shrink:
7 yards (home defense):
- 3 MOA covers 0.21 inches
- 6 MOA covers 0.42 inches
- Difference: Less than a dime’s width
15 yards (typical competition):
- 3 MOA covers 0.45 inches
- 6 MOA covers 0.90 inches
- Difference: Still under an inch
25 yards (long for pistol):
- 3 MOA covers 0.75 inches
- 6 MOA covers 1.50 inches
- Difference: Finally noticeable
Only at 50+ yards does dot size significantly impact precision. How often do you shoot pistols at 50+ yards?
Special Considerations
Astigmatism Effects
My astigmatism makes dots look like comets. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Smaller dots starburst more noticeably
- 6 MOA dots appear more “solid” despite distortion
- Green dots often look cleaner than red
- Lower brightness reduces starburst
- Polarized shooting glasses help some people
If you have astigmatism, try before buying. What works for my eyes might not work for yours.
Co-Witnessing Iron Sights
With backup irons:
- 3 MOA dots nest nicely in front sight posts
- 6 MOA dots can obscure front sights
- Lower 1/3 co-witness works with both
- Absolute co-witness favors smaller dots
On defensive pistols, I run suppressor-height sights with lower 1/3 co-witness. Works with any dot size.
Environmental Factors
Bright Sunlight: Bigger dots stay visible at lower brightness settings. My 3 MOA needs maximum brightness on sunny days, draining batteries faster.
Snow/Sand: Reflection washes out smaller dots quicker. Learned this during a February course – students with 6 MOA dots had fewer issues.
Rain: Water droplets on the lens affect smaller dots more. A 3 MOA dot can disappear behind a single droplet.
Application-Specific Recommendations
Concealed Carry Pistols
Recommended: 6 MOA
Speed beats precision in defensive scenarios. You’re aiming for center mass, not X-rings. That fraction of a second finding your dot could matter.
Sarah carries a 6 MOA on her Sig P365. She shoots it well to 25 yards and finds the dot instantly under stress.
Competition Pistols
Recommended: 3 MOA (usually)
Depends on division and typical stages:
- USPSA: 3 MOA for precision
- Steel Challenge: 6 MOA for speed
- Bullseye: 3 MOA or smaller
- IDPA: Either works
My Open gun runs 3 MOA. Carry Optics pistol has 6 MOA. Match the dot to the game.
Home Defense Rifles
Recommended: 3-4 MOA
Rifles shoot farther, even defensively. Inside my house, 6 MOA works. But identifying targets across the property? I want precision. My bedside AR wears a 3.5 MOA dot.
Hunting Applications
Handguns: 6 MOA (usually under 50 yards)
Rifles: 2-3 MOA (precision matters more)
My .44 Magnum wears 6 MOA for deer hunting inside 75 yards. The .223 coyote rifle has 2 MOA for 200+ yard precision.
Making Your Decision
Try Before You Buy
Most gun stores have display models. Look through both sizes at varying distances. Better yet, shoot both if possible. Your eyes are unique – what works for me might not for you.
Consider Your Primary Use
Be honest about how you’ll actually use the firearm:
- Weekly competition? Lean toward 3 MOA
- Daily carry? Lean toward 6 MOA
- Just range fun? Either works
Age and Eyesight Matter
Hard truth: eyes deteriorate. What works at 30 won’t at 50. If you’re over 40, strongly consider 6 MOA. If you’re under 30 with eagle eyes, 3 MOA maximizes your capability.
The Cost Factor
Dot size doesn’t affect price. Buy quality regardless:
- Good 3 MOA: Trijicon RMR, Holosun 507C
- Good 6 MOA: Same models, different dot
- Budget either size: Holosun 407C
- HOLOSUN RED DOT SIGHT – The HS407C X2 is an open reflex sight designed for full-sized pistol applications; It provides a large field of view that will help you increase accuracy and quickly acquire targets; This handgun sight features Lock Mode that locks the buttons preventing inadvertent setting changes
Don’t let price drive dot size selection.
- Coyote Brown RMR Sight / Magnification: 1x
- NOTICE: Astigmatism can cause a red dot reticle to look blurry/fuzzy/have a tail/duplicate dots/etc. This is a VERY common eye condition many have but are unaware of. A quick at home check is to take a picture of the reticle with your phone’s camera as your phone cannot have an astigmatism.
Common Misconceptions
“Smaller Dots Are More Accurate”
No. Mechanical accuracy is identical. Smaller dots allow more precise aiming, but the gun shoots the same. I’ve seen plenty of shooters with 3 MOA dots who can’t shoot 3 MOA groups.
“6 MOA Is Only for Beginners”
Tell that to SWAT officers running 6 MOA on entry guns. Or competitive shooters winning Steel Challenge with 8 MOA dots. Speed has value.
“You Can’t Shoot Distance with 6 MOA”
Shot a coyote at 217 yards with 6 MOA red dot last month. Held high on the shoulder, dot covered the vital zone, one shot dropped it. Marksmanship matters more than MOA.
“3 MOA Is Too Small to See”
If you can’t see a 3 MOA dot, you need brighter settings, different color, or eye exam. It’s not invisible – just smaller.
The Bottom Line
After 15 years teaching and competing, here’s my advice:
Choose 3 MOA if:
- You’re under 40 with good eyes
- Precision matters more than speed
- You shoot beyond 25 yards regularly
- You compete in precision games
Choose 6 MOA if:
- You’re over 40 or have eye issues
- Speed matters more than precision
- You rarely shoot beyond 25 yards
- It’s a defensive firearm
Can’t Decide? Buy 6 MOA. It’s more versatile for most shooters. You can always get a 3 MOA later for specific applications.
Practice makes permanent, so practice it right. Either dot size works if you understand its limitations and train accordingly. The wilderness – or the threat – doesn’t care about your MOA. It cares whether you can hit your target when it matters.
Final Wisdom
Dot size is one variable among many. Reliability, battery life, durability, and mounting system matter more than 3 vs 6 MOA. Get quality glass in either size over cheap glass in the “perfect” MOA.
Your shooting will improve more from 1,000 rounds of practice than from optimizing dot size. Buy what you can afford, train with what you have, upgrade when you understand what you actually need.
Want to maximize your red dot performance? Check out my guides on zeroing distances for red dots, managing astigmatism with optics, and choosing between red and green dots.
About Flint: After 8 years as an Army Ranger and 15+ years teaching defensive shooting, I’ve helped thousands of students choose and master red dot sights. When not teaching or competing, you’ll find me testing optics with Scout and River, always seeking practical solutions for real shooters.