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MCSI – Why, What and How
Addressing the problem of dwindling numbers
In rifle associations throughout Australia, a common problem has emerged
where clubs are struggling to get sufficient numbers for team shoots. This
can be partly due to a general decline in shooter numbers, but another
likely reason is that club membership is divided between F-Class and Target
Rifle categories. This can mean that clubs have sufficient numbers of
shooters to field a team, yet cannot do so because their members are in a
mixture of equipment categories. Another common scenario is that a team
event will be restricted to Target Rifle, and there will be insufficient
numbers in F-Class for an event in that category. This is an unfortunate
situation for the excluded minorities, whether it be clubs who cannot field
sufficient numbers, or shooters whose category is excluded from an event.
Introducing the MCSI
This article describes a scoring system, which if adopted for use in team
events, will allow teams comprising a mixture of Target Rifle, F-Class
Standard, and F-Class Open shooters. It does not require fixed
representation of each category; a team can be made up of any possible
combination of the 3 categories.
| e.g. | Team A : | 3 Target Rifle members, 1 F-Class Std member |
| Team B : | 4 F-Class Std members | |
| Team C: | 2 Target Rifle Members, 2 F-Class Open members |
You are entitled to ask how can it be fair for F-Class to compete directly against Target Rifle with such differences in allowed equipment. The answer is that we can make it fair by applying handicaps to the scores according to the equipment used. Note that this is not a handicap on the individual shooter, but one which is applied to the equipment. And all shooters using the same category of equipment will have exactly the same handicap applied to their scores.
The way the equipment handicap is applied is not by adding to the raw score, but by the use of lookup tables (see below), which are used to convert the raw score to a number called the Mixed Category Score Index (MCSI). This number has a maximum possible value of 10.0 per shot, so for a 10 shot shoot, the theoretical maximum is 100.0, although in practice, this can never quite be reached. This is because there needs to be some way of comparing the merits of possibles scored with different equipment on different targets.
Using the MSCI
Below is a table showing a sample of a lookup table. This one is for a 10 shot shoot at 600 yards. Notice that TR scores are converted to F-Std for use on the table. And notice also that the highest score attainable is 97.3 out of 100.0, either with a 50.10 in TR, or 100 (on the championship target) in F-Std. A look around the table shows how different equipment categories get different MCSIs for the same raw score e.g. see how low the converted scores are for F-Open when used on the standard target.
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So let’s say a team consists of 2 TR with scores of 49.6 and 47.3, an F-Std with a 57, and an F-Open with a 95. Using the table above we get converted scores of 93.4 and 88.0 respectively for the TR shooters, 92.7 for the F-Std and 90.7 for the F-Open. This gives a total team score of 93.4 + 88.0 + 92.7 + 90.7 = 364.8.
Lookup tables are available for all common imperial and metric ranges for 10 shot shoots, using either standard fullbore or F-Class championship targets. They can be downloaded from HERE at no cost. It is intended to add others (including for 7 and 15 shot shoots) in the near future. For non-standard shoots e.g. odd number of shots, or using non-standard ranges or targets, they can be produced on request, but this may incur a charge.
While the MCSI system applies a handicap based on equipment category, there is no reason why a normal handicap system (based on shooter performance history) cannot be used as well. The MCSI must be derived first, then it a conventional handicap can be run using MCSI scores. When beginning such a system, it is not necessary to start afresh – handicaps can be derived by using old scores converted to MCSI.
How the tables are derived
The method of deriving the lookup tables is too much to attempt to explain fully here, but below is a general description of how it was done. Even this may be heavy going for most - be assured that there is no need to read any of this in order to use the tables.
Firstly, the full results of 6 Queens events (Vic, Nat, Qld, NSW, WA, SA, ACT) during 2005 were collected. The top and bottom 20% of performances from each category were excluded from the results of every range. This was done to eliminate extremely good or disastrous performances (particularly important in small F-Class fields).
Each Queens event was looked at separately. For every range, the performance of the three categories (TR, FS and FO) was assessed using a widely used statistical function called the Standard Deviation (SD). One of the key features of MCSI is the use of an “SD Calculator” (an Excel application developed by the author). What this does is for a given score on a given target, calculate the Standard Deviation (in MOA from centre) which would be expected to produce that score.
Following are some examples of SDs (of MOA from middle of target) produced by the SD calculator:
| Range | Target | Score | SD |
| 700yd | Fullbore 700yd | 50.8 (58) | 0.48 |
| 700yd | Fullbore 700yd | 49.5 (54) | 0.76 |
| 700yd | Championship 800 | 98 | 0.29 |
| 700yd | Championship 800 | 90 | 0.69 |
Next, the ratio of average SDs between the three equipment categories was deduced for every range. For example the ratio of SDs between FS and TR at 800m at the Canberra Queens was 0.782. At the same range, the FO/TR SD ratio was 0.581, and FO/FS was 0.743. These ratios (from all ranges at all 6 Queens) were then graphed, and the curves smoothed (see graphs below).
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The smoothed SD performance ratios were then applied in reverse (which is what gives the effect of an equipment handicap), to produce a factor for every combination of range and equipment category. To create a single MCSI score on the lookup tables, each actual score was firstly converted to a SD, to which the handicap factor was applied, along with a transformation applied equally to all categories, to produce the MCSI.
Because it is based on statistics of current performance, the handicapping is strictly speaking more of a "current category performance" handicap than an equipment handicap. If as I suspect the general standard in TR is higher (because of greater numbers and hence more competitiveness), then this system will not take account of that difference in general standard, which means it cannot (and was never intended to) accurately compare the relative merit of performances between categories. What it really does is give a score a rating within its own category, then directly compare that rating with those derived independently within other categories.
How fair is it?
A system such as this cannot by its nature be made perfectly fair. As mentioned above
it doesn't take into account the probable higher level of skills in the larger and
more competitive categories (currently TR). It also doesn't allow for the fact that
top TR shooters will usually strive for bullseyes rather than centres, and will usually
keep bullseye sighters. This actually works in favour of TR shooters if they
change to a centre strategy for shoots being scored using MCSI, because the statistics
are based on mid-field performances in Queens shoots, where a bullseye strategy is more
likely.
It had been intended to invite a few of the intellectual elite of the shooting
fraternity to look at the details of the MCSI system, to suggest improvements, and
hopefully give it their blessing. However the first two TR people who were asked
appeared lukewarm to the idea of even looking at it. That said, there are several
highly repected TR people who are very positive about it.
So probably the best way of assessing its fairness is to use the lookup tables to
assess old results where different categories have competed at the same ranges. Remember
the highest MCSI score will be achieved by the shooter who does best in relation to shooters in
his own category at Queens shoots.
Anyone who remains doubtful about the fairness of MCSI should spare a thought for all
those club shooters who get excluded from team shoots, or can't participate in the club
championship because of the category of equipment they use. MSCI makes it simple to
get all shooters included, and that can't be a bad thing.
Download MCSI Lookup Tables
Lookup tables MCSI (Version 05A) for all metric and imperial ranges for 7, 10 and 15 shot shoots are included below. If you have special requirements e.g. non-standard range, different number of shots, or using the wrong target for a particular range, these can be produced also, but may incur a small charge. To request non-standard tables, E-mail the author. Note that because the statistics for this system have been collected only between 300yds and 1000yds, MCSI figures for distances outside of this span will be less reliable.
Hint : To save an Adobe Acrobat document on your PC, right-click the link and select Save Target As.
N.B. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat reader installed on your PC, then you can
download and install it by clicking
HERE.
7 Shot Imperial Ranges
| Range | Shots | Download |
| 300yd | 7 | 300yd7s.pdf (11kb) |
| 400yd | 7 | 400yd7s.pdf (11kb) |
| 500yd | 7 | 500yd7s.pdf (11kb) |
| 600yd | 7 | 600yd7s.pdf (11kb) |
| 700yd | 7 | 700yd7s.pdf (11kb) |
| 800yd | 7 | 800yd7s.pdf (11kb) |
| 900yd | 7 | 900yd7s.pdf (11kb) |
| 1000yd | 7 | 1000yd7s.pdf (11kb) |
| All Ranges | 7 | allyd7s.zip (48kb) |
10 Shot Imperial Ranges
| Range | Shots | Download |
| 300yd | 10 | 300yd10s.pdf (12kb) |
| 400yd | 10 | 400yd10s.pdf (12kb) |
| 500yd | 10 | 500yd10s.pdf (12kb) |
| 600yd | 10 | 600yd10s.pdf (12kb) |
| 700yd | 10 | 700yd10s.pdf (12kb) |
| 800yd | 10 | 800yd10s.pdf (12kb) |
| 900yd | 10 | 900yd10s.pdf (12kb) |
| 1000yd | 10 | 1000yd10s.pdf (12kb) |
| All Ranges | 10 | allyd10s.zip (55kb) |
15 Shot Imperial Ranges
| Range | Shots | Download |
| 300yd | 15 | 300yd15s.pdf (15kb) |
| 400yd | 15 | 400yd15s.pdf (15kb) |
| 500yd | 15 | 500yd15s.pdf (15kb) |
| 600yd | 15 | 600yd15s.pdf (15kb) |
| 700yd | 15 | 700yd15s.pdf (15kb) |
| 800yd | 15 | 800yd15s.pdf (15kb) |
| 900yd | 15 | 900yd15s.pdf (15kb) |
| 1000yd | 15 | 1000yd15s.pdf (15kb) |
| All Ranges | 15 | allyd15s.zip (55kb) |
7 Shot Metric Ranges
| Range | Shots | Download |
| 300m | 7 | 300m7s.pdf (11kb) |
| 400m | 7 | 400m7s.pdf (11kb) |
| 500m | 7 | 500m7s.pdf (11kb) |
| 600m | 7 | 600m7s.pdf (11kb) |
| 700m | 7 | 700m7s.pdf (11kb) |
| 800m | 7 | 800m7s.pdf (11kb) |
| 900m | 7 | 900m7s.pdf (11kb) |
| All Ranges | 7 | allm7s.zip (42kb) |
10 Shot Metric Ranges
| Range | Shots | Download |
| 300m | 10 | 300m10s.pdf (12kb) |
| 400m | 10 | 400m10s.pdf (12kb) |
| 500m | 10 | 500m10s.pdf (12kb) |
| 600m | 10 | 600m10s.pdf (12kb) |
| 700m | 10 | 700m10s.pdf (12kb) |
| 800m | 10 | 800m10s.pdf (12kb) |
| 900m | 10 | 900m10s.pdf (12kb) |
| All Ranges | 10 | allm10s.zip (48kb) |
15 Shot Metric Ranges
| Range | Shots | Download |
| 300m | 15 | 300m15s.pdf (15kb) |
| 400m | 15 | 400m15s.pdf (15kb) |
| 500m | 15 | 500m15s.pdf (15kb) |
| 600m | 15 | 600m15s.pdf (15kb) |
| 700m | 15 | 700m15s.pdf (157kb) |
| 800m | 15 | 800m15s.pdf (15kb) |
| 900m | 15 | 900m15s.pdf (15kb) |
| All Ranges | 15 | allm15s.zip (62kb) |
MCSI–2 and ICFRA Targets
A New MCSI System
MCSI-2 is the successor to the MCSI system. It has been derived from new 2009 statistical data to reflect changes in performance levels which have occurred since 2005, the year which provided the data for the original MCSI system. The most noticeable change has been an improvement in performance of F-Class Std in comparision with F-Class Open, and to a lesser extent in comparison with Target Rifle. This appears to be due in part to the significant growth in F-Std numbers, and also to the technical advances such as the adoption of the HBC projectile.
There is a major change in the way performances are scored under MCSI-2. Longer distances are assigned higher MSCI-2 ratings. For example, 59.3 (from a possible 60.10) for a F-Std shooter on the 300yd ICFRA target is rated at 80.5, whereas the same 59.3 score at 1000yd is rated 88.6. The weighting used has been based on the same statistical data used as the general basis for the tables.
The new MCSI-2 lookup tables include figures for the ICFRA targets - at this stage, it is not intended to add ICFRA target lookups to the older MCSI tables.
Changing from the Original MCSI System
If you are currently using the older MSCI (Version 05A) lookup tables, then you may wish to change to the new MCSI-2 (Version 09A), particularly if you need tables for the ICFRA targets. The 2002 standard targets, and 2007 open targets are also included in the MCSI-2 tables, so there is no compulsion to change to ICFRA targets in order to use MCSI-2.
If you have developed a handicap system based on MCSI scores, be aware that a move to MCSI-2 will require handicaps to be recalculated. This is done by taking the raw scores used to calculate the current handicap, and looking up their MCSI-2 scores, then recalculating the handicap based on MCSI-2 scores.
Download MCSI-2 Lookup Tables
MCSI-2 (Version 09A) lookup tables for all metric and imperial ranges for 10 shot shoots are included below. If you have special requirements e.g. non-standard range, different number of shots, or using the wrong target for a particular range, these can be produced also, but may incur a small charge. To request non-standard tables, E-mail the author. Note that because the statistics for this system have been collected only between 300yds and 1000yds, MCSI figures for distances outside of this span will be less reliable.
Hint : To save an Adobe Acrobat document on your PC, right-click the link and select Save Target As.
N.B. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat reader installed on your PC, then you can
download and install it by clicking
HERE.
10 Shot Imperial Ranges
| Range | Shots | Download |
| 300yd | 10 | 300yd10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
| 400yd | 10 | 400yd10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
| 500yd | 10 | 500yd10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
| 600yd | 10 | 600yd10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
| 700yd | 10 | 700yd10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
| 800yd | 10 | 800yd10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
| 900yd | 10 | 900yd10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
| 1000yd | 10 | 1000yd10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
10 Shot Metric Ranges
| Range | Shots | Download |
| 300m | 10 | 300m10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
| 400m | 10 | 400m10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
| 500m | 10 | 500m10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
| 600m | 10 | 600m10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
| 700m | 10 | 700m10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
| 800m | 10 | 800m10sv2.pdf (16kb) |
| 900m | 10 | 900m10sv2.pdf (16kb) |