It was a 90 point stage (8 paper requiring 2 hits, 1 paper requiring 1 hit, and 1 steel).
If you were to attempt the partial and shoot 18 Alphas in 17 seconds, you'd end up with a HF of 5.29
If you just threw a shot towards the partial and shot 17 Alphas and 1 Mike in 14 seconds, you'd end up with a HF of 5.35
So, if you could save 3 seconds by not having to stop, set up squarely, and take a very careful aimed shot the math worked out. The opportunity to tag a no-shoot also factors into the risk/reward equation. The top 2 pistol shooters on the stage shot it in a little over 11 seconds and took the Mike. Third place went to a pistol shooter that made the shot and did it in 17.39