What is the difference between MOA and MARD?

In summary, MOA and MARD are both useful measurements for evaluating rifle and scope accuracy, but they differ in what they quantify. MOA measures the size of a group of shots fired at a target, while MARD measures the deviation between the intended point of impact and the actual point of impact for a given set of shots.

MOA (Minute of Angle) is a unit of angular measurement used to describe the accuracy of a rifle or scope. It represents 1/60th of one degree or approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards. In shooting, MOA is used to describe the size of a group of shots fired at a target. For example, if a rifle is capable of shooting groups that are within 1 MOA, it means that the center of all the shots fired will be within 1 inch of each other at 100 yards.

MARD (Mean Absolute Range Deviation), on the other hand, is a measure of the deviation between the point of aim and the point of impact for a given set of shots. It is calculated by taking the absolute difference between the intended point of impact and the actual point of impact for each shot and then averaging these differences across multiple shots. MARD is usually expressed in inches or millimeters and provides a more comprehensive measure of accuracy than MOA.

While MOA is a useful metric for comparing the precision of different rifles or scopes, MARD provides a more complete picture of accuracy by taking into account the dispersion of shots fired at various distances. In other words, MOA measures how tightly grouped the shots are, while MARD measures how closely they hit the intended target. MARD can be influenced by various factors, such as wind, temperature, and shooter error, making it a more realistic measure of a rifle or scope's accuracy in real-world conditions.

In summary, MOA and MARD are both useful measurements for evaluating rifle and scope accuracy, but they differ in what they quantify. MOA measures the size of a group of shots fired at a target, while MARD measures the deviation between the intended point of impact and the actual point of impact for a given set of shots.