Hello all!

     As was discussed in "Slings being fased out" on the general thread, I think it was training time, and I'm not alone in this.

    I propose we come up with some basic standards which can be applied to almost any ranged weapon system and applied as a test of this thesis.  This will be accuracy only, of course, at a set range, based on the experience of the shooter.

      I propose using a 2nd Class Elementary Target from the First World War, at 20 meters, for this test. It is a 4 ft square with a 12, 24, and 36 inch ring, giving a good scoring figure of 4, 3, 2, and 1 points, from center out.

     On a 10 shot string, attaining a score of 30+ would be passing the standard. So, all in the 24 inch ring, essentially, or at least most of them.

    Data to include would be initial score of a 10 round string with each weapon (if passing, mark as qualified and progress without further work on this weapon) and the final (or best?) 10 round string at the end of a day of practice.

       Record the hours spent training in between, until a passing score is reached. Easy as pie.

    Also record experience with each type of weapon before this test, to get some sort of control data.

Would work best for novice or brand new shooters, and with slings, bows, crossbows, atlatls, spear-throwing, and musketry up to the early 19th century.

     Once I have something other than my phone to work with, so early next month, I'll put together a google form for all this, but I want your input first.

     Thanks!

Interesting... 15 paces isn't very far, and the group size would be rather large when projected to 100 yards. Plus, the training time required would be far more than, say, an average person with a crossbow, who could likely get a 30 within two strings of fire.

I'll keep everyone informed about how this progresses when I try it out.

Well, quite possibly.

Anyone who can't get a score of 35 with a musket on a 10 round string at 20m shouldn't ever handle a projectile weapon.

But, people also refuse to believe the obvious a lot of the time, so a study would be useful there.

Also, it would show more clearly where changes were made for lethality and where for training, which with some weapon changes might be an interesting development.