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STUDENT PROJECT

Target Rifle SimulatorA computer-based simulator for sight setting and scoring when

learning to shoot a target rifle with telescopic or iron sights

ProjectThe two most difficult skills to acquire when learning to shot a target rifle at distances of 300-1000 yards is firstly adjusting the sights for elevation (drop of bullet) and windage (windeffects) and secondly keeping a record of the scores and related adjustments made to thesights as you shoot.

The project is to produce a computer-based simulator that displays the target, wind flags(used to gauge the wind), rifle sights and score card, plus an ‘intelligent system’ for simulatingthe shoots on the target, taking into account the distance, windage, sights settings, andprevious shots.

Possible Screen layout

Range 600 600 Calibre .308 .308 Sights Iron Iron Zeroed 300 300

Target Score card

Windage Wind Calculator Sights Elevation Table

Press

OperationThe user firstly selects the range (300, 500, 600, 1000 yards), the calibre (22lr, .308, .223,6.5) and the type of sights (iron, telescopic). The system then configures the screen with theappropriate target, scorecard, sights and generates a random Windage shown by the flags.Using the onscreen information, the user adjusts the Vertical Elevation dial on the sights by

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clicking clockwise to increase the elevation (one click per minute) and clicking anticlockwiseto decrease the elevation. Using the Windage flags and the wind calculator, the user thenclicks the right-hand dial to set the Windage. The user then makes the scorecard with theElevation and Windage settings and clicks the shoot button.

The program then uses the system settings, user settings and an element of randomness (toaccount for changes in wind and cartridge imperfections) to place a shot on the target. Thesystem will also make a minor (random) change to the Windage. Based on the shot, the userupdates the scorecard, re-adjusts the Elevation and Windage if required and shoots again.

Student Expertise

This project would suit a student interested in shooting and with good programming skills. Wesuggest the program is written in Visual JAVA or Visual C++.

System Design

The idea is to issue the software to probationary target rifle shooters, so the software shouldbe mounted on a CD ROM and be ‘run-able’ on any Windows PC.

When designing the system it is suggested that the student, provide facilities for ease ofextension such as introducing new calibres and ranges (and associated ballistic tables).

The student might also provide an additional front end (menu) that is extendable and includesa video introduction to:

Different classes of rifle shooting (e.g. target, full-bore, small-bore, F-class,gallery, black powder etc.)

Safety procedures on Ranges

The NRA and Bisley

These can be provided as simple MPEG video files.