Just to clarify Rickenbacker's question , "if the shot is really close to the pip but the whole pip remains is it a nine?"
The answer is possiby, it depends on whether the shot hole (4.5mm) has touched the pip, it does not have to cut it, if it has touched its a ten, if not its a nine. As they are so small its difficult to be sure by eye which is where a guage comes in.
As already said the targets are inward scoring but also in the rules they are technically inward guaging as well, but Brian was unsure as to whether the NSRA still had .177/4.5mm guages ( I thought the shop still had them) but as the rings sizes are compatible the NSRA rules also define the air rifle outward guage (which is 5.5 flange size) as the one to use on Air 7's.
If you don't know how to use an outward guage and inward score there is an illustration in the NSRA rules (I think in Appendix A, but if its not I'm sure some one will correct me!) Either guage is a bit fiddly to use and a good magnifying glass helps.
For those unsure, the NSRA does run scoring courses.
The answer is of course is the hit the pip clean, have fun which is the key thing and well done Zooma for organising this competition and may it bring many more into the target fold.
Good Shooting
Robin
Walther KK500 Alutec expert special - Barnard .223 "wilde" in a Walther KK500 Alutec stock, mmm...tasty!! - Keppeler 6 mmBR with Walther grip and wood! I may be a Walther-phile?