Simple Shot Timer Recommendations?

[1SOW]

I'd appreciate some experienced advice about which shot timer gives the best 'bang' for the buck. Will be used for Handgun/USPSA/Steel practice sessions.

I'm really only interested in "time to first shot", "split times", "Starting signal when button is depressed"and a "delayed starting signal" for one-shooter use: only these 4 functions are necessary in my case.

Cost IS a factor.

Thanks in advance for your experiences.

 

[smithmax]

If you happen to have a smart phone, there are several shot timer apps out there. There is a great free one for iPhone.

 

[1SOW]

No phone. I saw one at the range today--'almost' wish I had a phone. Never saw a free one though.

 

[JoeSlomo]

CE pocket pro.

Compared to a lot of timers out there today, it's as big as a house. However, the price is right, and it has all the features you need.

 

[frankt]

I don't know what you want to spend but I use the CED 7000 which is a small timer with all the features you want and more. It runs about $119.

Hard to spend less than that unless you find something used.

 

[Hk Dan]

I'd second Frank's recommendation. The only thing I don't like about mine is the internal rechargeable battery. They do have battery packs that use AAA cells available (and I have one), but that's always been an irritation.

I do like the adjustable volume on the beeper and the adjustable sensitivity. The varying scoring types are good too, and the multiple string memory is fantastic. Great lil timer.

I also have, or more frequently use a Pact Club Timer IV. You're talking simple, rugged, long battery life, AND it uses a 9 volt. It does not have the bells and whistles of the CED 7000, but it's a good lil timer. Mine has gone 5 years, been dropped, kicked, plunged into mud puddles--it's a tank.

 

[jmorris]

I have several and like the pact the best. Its loud and everything is displayed on the screen without having to hit any buttons. The RU ready is simple and works the best with rimfires and/or echos and you can have a big board display. The CED 8000 is really adjustable, you can recall past shooters/strings and can be used with a big board display. All of the above use 9V batts. I don't like the CED 7000 because of the battery, small display that doesn't work well with polarized. glasses and the tone is not good for folks with high frequency hearing loss.

 

[Hk Dan]

You know JM--you make a good point. The Pact Club Timer has a loud beep, and it's high pitched. The 8000 has kind of a "Bwaaaaap" low pitched sound that some older folks can't hear very well.

I don't like the 8000 for several reasons, but the beeper...or buzzer, I guess...is the prime offense. That thing is a little blue junk pile with a "go" button.

 

[1SOW]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the respnses.

I'm only a C+ shooter on a good day. My biggest concern right now is improving my draw and mag changes. My split times are okay.

The Pact sounds good , but I expect it's pricey. I'll do some searching.

P.S. I'm a 'Senior' ( soon to be super senior) and hearing high freqs are a thing of the past. With amped muffs I always hear the match beepers though.

 

[Hk Dan]

No, buddy, actually the Pact Club Timer is right in there with the rest of them. About $119 or so, and cheap at twice the price.

Tip for ya? For dry fire, roll up a foam ear plug and push it into the ennuciator hole. Now wifey won't complain NEARLY as much.

Set the par time for your draw--what you think you can do, reasonably. Put a 1/3 scale target on the wall at eye level. Draw, and have the sights in the A zone when you dry fire. If you do that 5 times in a row, drop the time .1 and do it again.

Now, economize the motion. Only hits count. If you call a "C", the count starts over. Only by putting that consequence on yourself will you NOT rush the draw in order to beat the beep--it's critical.

Reloads--set the par time for what you think you can do. Start with a mag in the gun, aimed at the target. On the beep, drop the mag and reload, trying to dry fire into the A zone before the par time beep.

You'll drop your times 40% the first night, straight up.

 

[1SOW]

Hk Dan: Thank you much. I needed a method for my madness, and that sounds very workable.

I shot the CM06-03, "Can You Count" (With two 4yd(?) targets draw and shoot the first with 5, reload and shoot the second with 5) qualifier last weekend and lost time on both the draw and one of the mag changes. 10.17 secs.

The mag change problem led me to two 'C' hits. I want to do it under 9secs consistently with all 'A' hits. I can do the hits if I'm smooth on mag changes.

I'll give your technique a try. I hadn't thought of using par time for dry fire. I've got the 1/3 size targets already, I just need the timer.

Thanks again.

 

[David E]

"Can You Count" has an incredibly high Hit Factor, something like 18. That translates into all "A" zone hits in 5 seconds or so, total time for both strings.

It's a tough one to improve your classification with.

 

[Hk Dan]

LOL--I ran that stage and beat a GM the last time I shot it. I MAY have set it up and practiced it..errrr--checked it for safety angles--a few times before the match.

1 SOW--check out a book called "Refinement & Repetition", also Saul Kirsch's book "Perfect Practice". The first time you experience trache-psyche (time slowing down) check out Brian Enos' book "Beyond Fundamentals". (You won't be ready for it before then, it won't make sense).

Anything by Ben Stoeger is good, and he has some REALLY good dryfire routines on his website.

Honestly? 90% of my practice IS dry fire. 15-30 minutes a day keeps me tuned up, but you need to stay honest with the hits on the simulated target. If you don't, you're actually doing harm (rushing). If you do, your range time will be incredibly enhanced, and so will your scores on match day.

Dan

Ps--Remember--great boxers are made in the gym and recognized in the ring. Great shooters are made in practice and noticed at the range. Don't practice for the match, make the match the validation for your practice!

 

[1SOW]

David: We had a couple of 'B' shooters ( ready to move up) who shot it in 6.xx all A's.
My son's HF was around 9.9/all A's so he needs work too.

HK Dan: I just ordered the Pact III from Midway. I've been practicing your method today (without the timer) and already found one small improvement for my mag changes--still grinning. Thanks for the dry fire practice sources. I printed Ben Stoeger's.

My son and I compete against each other (he usually wins in USPSA but steel is closer to even) so the timer will be well used. "He wanted a copy of my scale USPSA target" to try your suggested practice technique.-- We shoot in a steel 'fun shoot' tomorrow, so I'll get to work on the mag change improvement.

Thanks again, Don

 

[esheato]

I realize I'm coming late to this thread, but I like the PACT for the simple reason the display is on the top...I can clip it to my belt and with only a quick glance down, read everything I need.

I've always been interested in the CEDs, but can't get myself to buy one when the PACT I have won't die.