Par time for each stage is an estimate of the time it will take for high level shooters to complete that stage. There is a formula that assigns a time value to each element of the stage design. Par time is the total of those values.
The Draw of a stage is 1.0 (seconds), which includes either a draw or picking the gun up from a designated starting location, such as a table or a barrel.
The Reload is for EACH required reload in the stage design. Unless otherwise stated, 1 reload per stage is required BUT even if you reside or participate in New Jersey or the like, and 10 round magazines requirements may cause 2 reloads to be needed based on round count for the stage, we still use 1 reload per stage, as the software has divisions that account for the extra reload – LCI (Limited Capacity Iron sights) and LCO (Limited Capacity Optics).
Shots this is the required number of shots to be taken on targets. 12 targets X 2 shots each = 24 SHOTS
Total Target, this is the total targets on the stage, including steel. This considers transitions between targets. You will notice, if you enter 15 targets, it only calculates 14 of them. The reason being you aren’t transitioning from the final target.
Position Changes (PC) is how many times movement is needed to get to a position that allows you to engage targets. If, for example, you start centered on a wall and must move 2 feet to P1, the value of 2 is entered into the calculator. Moving from P1 to engage a target in the open would be a second position change and this distance is entered for the 2nd PC, etc.
Style factors are always applied per required shot. The Style Factor adds time for each required shot: head shots, Moving Targets, Strong Hand (SHO) or Weak Hand Only (WHO), and other factors.
The Complexity Factor (CF) is anything required that might cause the engagement to slow down. This will vary from stage to stage and there may be multiple complexity factors applied to each stage. Each complexity factor will be checked in the appropriate box for the appropriate CF. Examples might include unloaded start, seated start requiring a movement to another position, opening a door, etc.