IPSC targets have different shaped scoring areas than USPSA targets, but the target scoring principles are still the same as on USPSA targets. Let’s look at the scoring question and results from the November Question of the Month and see how many people got it right.
This was actually a target from the last nationals. In the picture, the top edge of the no-shoot is at 9.85 inches from the top of the A-zone. Comstock scoring, best two hits score. How do you score this target?
Before we get to the correct answer, let’s talk about the target setup. The left corner of the no-shoot is aligned to the left perf of the A-zone right where the A-zone bends inward (hence the 9.85 inches measurement). And you will also notice that it was purposely setup so the outside edge of the no-shoot, not the corner of the non-scoring border perf of the no-shoot was aligned with the A-zone perf. This is to make it easier to reproduce the array when the scoring target is replaced.
Okay, now let’s get down to the correct answer. If you voted for alpha, charlie, no-shoot, you are correct! For those of you who selected the wrong answer, let’s look at why that is not the case. The hit in question is the one that is on the no-shoot, so we will focus there.
Since we are talking about perfs that change directions behind the no-shoot, I have made up some images where the no-shoot is a bit transparent. In the below picture, the target from the picture is on the left. You will see that the hit in the no-shoot is not anywhere near the A-zone perf, so it is clearly a charlie. And remember that the scoring target which is under the no-shoot, inside the no-shoot non-scoring border, does not exist (see this post for more info).
But what if that no-shoot was up higher where the A-zone perf is straight? Then it would be an alpha, right? Nope. Check out the right target in the picture above. Since the scoring target doesn’t exist under the no shoot, that hit is still not touching any A-zone and it still can only be a charlie.
Okay, let’s look at some other hits on those same two target set ups. Go ahead and score the hits on the picture below.
The correct answers for each hit on the left target, from left to right, are: alpha + no-shoot, alpha + no-shoot, and charlie + no-shoot (this one doesn’t touch A-zone). For the right target they are all alpha + no-shoot. All these hits get the scoring hit plus the penalty hit.
When scoring targets, take your time and remember that the scoring target that is underneath the no-shoot, inside the non-scoring border, doesn’t exist! And remember to visit the blog homepage and vote in the current Question of the Month.