Finding the balance between speed and accuracy is a key skill in IPSC shooting, here are a few handy ways to evaluate the cost of mistakes (yours or someone else’s…) in terms of time.
In our example we will look at a medium birdshot stage with 15 rounds which is worth 75 points. Four friends shoot at a similar level and will do this particular stage in around 27 seconds but each has a different outcome.
John shoots it clean in 27 seconds – his Hit Factor is 2.8
Fred also does it in 27 seconds but he hits a Penalty Target – his HIT Factor is 2.4
Penalty Target = (Time x 2) / (Rounds – 2)
(27×2) / (15-2) is 54 / 13 which equals 4.15 seconds
In case you need to be convinced add 4.15 to 27 seconds and work out a clean run; 75 / 31.15 = 2.4
Next up is Phil who also does it in 27 seconds but he has a Miss – his HIT Factor is 2.2
Miss = (Time x 3) / (Rounds – 3)
(27×3) / (15-3) is 81 / 12 which equals 6.75 seconds
In case you need to be convinced again add 6.75 to 27 seconds and work out a clean run; 75 / 33.75 = 2.2
Finally Larry also does it in 27 seconds but he has a Miss + Failure to Engage – his HIT Factor is 1.9
Miss + Failure to Engage = (Time x 5) / (Rounds – 5)
(27×5) / (15-5) is 135 / 10 which equals 13.5 seconds
In case you still need to be convinced add 13.5 to 27 seconds and work out a clean run; 75 / 40.5 = 1.9
Isn’t maths great! Hope this helps.
