'TOPSCORE' is a program I wrote quite a long time ago, which does show.
It could be improved considerably but I have no time to do this. In fact, you will probably find that it is slightly biased - but maybe that is a good introduction to shooting and coaching anyway !
It does contain some bugs but is still usable and they will have to stay there. Hopefully some newer shooters will find it useful.
After watching newcomers make the usual mistakes when reading and applying wind from flags
I decided to try a faster and less costly approach using a computer simulation.
This program is far from perfect, but, used in conjunction with a human instructor, I believe it may be
a very useful tool.
A discussion of various situations explaining why an experienced shooter makes the decisions he does will
help a newcomer.
For a while, a newcomer is often under the impression that shooters are simply adjusting on each
previous shot. They are usually unaware that experienced shooters hold a mental picture of the
sight settings, the wind conditions, and are constantly maneuvering the capabilities of the rifle and
shooter to produce the best possible average central group.
This best group may be in the middle of the target - yet it may be deliberately biased to minimize the
chance of some error.
If a newcomer can grasp the essentials quickly, he is far more likely to successfully pass onto the
next level which involves being trusted as a coach by reliable shooters.
Hopefully this program may help directly, or else it may point the way to some better program.
More details follow under the other help topics.
The whole rationale has been to encourage or even FORCE the newcomer to think of wind corrections as a numerical value.
This is important if he is to discuss or transfer this correction to another shooter which is essential in developing coaching skills.
Minutes of angle is the obvious numerical basis because most targets are designed in minute values - it is also traditional and convenient for target shooters.
What is REALLY needed is another simulation relating to mirage reading ! Maybe someday !
The program extends to various imperfect shooters and rifles which are defined, as are various targets. And some rather nasty wind conditions ! For this reason, you will need to download an entire Directory of files and set it up on your machine.
Start with the download arrow at the right. Then unzip and move to an appropriate place on your computer.
It should end up as C:\TOPSCORE which will make it easier for the program to find its data files.