Rifle Scope Reticle Types Explained: Duplex, Mil-Dot, MOA, and BDC (2026)
You are configuring a new scope and the reticle menu reads like alphabet soup — duplex, mil-dot, MOA, BDC — each with a different pattern of lines and dots. The reticle is the part you actually aim with, so the choice matters more than it looks. A reticle is your aiming reference inside the scope, and the main types split into the plain duplex, the measurement-based mil and MOA reticles, and the cartridge-calibrated BDC — you pick based on how you range targets and hold for drop and wind.
Key takeaways
- A duplex is the simplest reticle: a thin crosshair with bold outer posts that pull your eye to the center, with no holdover marks.
- Mil and MOA reticles add measured marks for holdover, wind, and ranging — a mil mark equals 3.6 inches at 100 yards, an MOA mark about 1.047 inches.
- A BDC reticle places holdover dots calibrated to a specific cartridge's bullet drop, so you hold on a marked point instead of doing math.
- Whatever you choose, match the reticle's units to your turret's units — and the Accufire EVRO-12 pairs a mil-based ranging reticle with 0.1-mil turrets.
Duplex reticles
The duplex is the reticle most shooters picture first: a simple crosshair where the four outer posts are noticeably thicker than the fine lines at the center. That contrast is the whole point — the bold posts guide your eye quickly to the thin aiming point, which is fast to find in low light or against busy brush. A duplex carries no holdover or ranging marks, so it rewards simplicity over calculation. For hunting at moderate distances where you hold center and squeeze, it is hard to beat.
Mil-dot and mil-based reticles
A milliradian, or mil, is an angular unit, and a mil-based reticle places dots or hash marks one mil apart down and across the crosshair. One mil subtends 3.6 inches at 100 yards — and because it is angular, that grows proportionally with distance. Those evenly spaced marks let you hold over for bullet drop, hold into the wind, and even estimate range, all in a single base-10 system that is quick to communicate with other shooters. Mil reticles are the backbone of precision and tactical shooting.
MOA reticles
MOA reticles do the same job as mil reticles but in a different unit. A minute of angle subtends about 1.047 inches at 100 yards — commonly rounded to one inch — and the reticle's marks are spaced in MOA increments. The appeal is familiarity: shooters who grew up thinking in inches and yards often find MOA holds more intuitive than metric mils. The math is finer-grained but involves more numbers, which is the trade for that inch-based comfort.
BDC reticles
A bullet drop compensator (BDC) reticle takes a different approach. Instead of generic angular marks, it places holdover points calibrated to the trajectory of a particular cartridge and velocity. Hold the marked point that matches your target's range and the drop is already accounted for — no dialing, no formulas, just speed. The catch is that a BDC is only truly accurate for the load it was designed around; change your ammunition meaningfully and the holds drift. For fast shots at known distances with a consistent load, it is a genuine advantage.
| Reticle type | How it works | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Duplex | Plain crosshair with bold outer posts; no holdover marks | Hunting, brush, simplicity and speed |
| Mil-dot / mil | Marks 1 mil apart (3.6 in at 100 yd) for holdover, wind, and ranging | Precision and tactical, dialing in mils |
| MOA | Marks in MOA (~1.047 in at 100 yd), inch-based math | Shooters who think in inches and yards |
| BDC | Holdover points calibrated to one cartridge's drop | Fast holds at known ranges, consistent load |
Match your reticle to your turrets — and your focal plane
One rule ties it together: your reticle's units should match your turret's units. A mil reticle belongs on a scope with mil (0.1-mil) clicks, an MOA reticle with MOA clicks — so a correction you read in the reticle dials cleanly on the turret without converting. The reticle's focal plane matters too, because a first-focal-plane reticle keeps those holdover values true at every magnification while a second-focal-plane one only does so at one power; our guide to the first vs second focal plane explains why.
Want a reticle built for holding and ranging? Accufire's variable scopes pair an illuminated mil-based ranging reticle with matching 0.1-mil turrets — explore Accufire rifle scopes.
Accufire EVRO-12 Essential Variable Rifle Scope — $479.00. A first focal plane 2.5–20x50 optic with a proprietary illuminated mil-comp reticle and ranging subtensions, matched to 0.1-mil locking turrets. View the EVRO-12.
Frequently asked questions
What is a rifle scope reticle?
A reticle is the aiming reference inside the scope — the crosshair or pattern you place on the target. The types differ mainly by whether they add marks for holdover, wind, and ranging on top of the basic aiming point.
What is the difference between mil and MOA reticles?
Both are angular measurement systems. A mil mark equals 3.6 inches at 100 yards and uses base-10 math, while an MOA mark equals about 1.047 inches at 100 yards and uses inch-friendly increments. Neither is more accurate; they are different units.
What is a BDC reticle?
A BDC, or bullet drop compensator, reticle has holdover points calibrated to a specific cartridge's trajectory. You hold on the marked point for a given range instead of calculating drop, but it is only accurate for the load it was designed around.
Which reticle is best for hunting?
A simple duplex is popular for hunting because the bold outer posts draw your eye quickly to the center, which helps in low light and brush. A BDC reticle is useful if you take known-distance shots and want fast holds without dialing.
What reticle does the Accufire EVRO-12 use?
The Accufire EVRO-12 uses a proprietary illuminated mil-based reticle with ranging subtensions, matched to its 0.1-mil turrets so reticle holds and turret clicks share the same unit.
Your reticle works hand in hand with the rest of the scope's controls. If you are deciding which measurement system to commit to, our breakdown of MOA vs MRAD and our guide to reading rifle scope numbers cover the decisions that pair with reticle choice.