Virtual match competitors: Do you have a shot timer?

[El Rojo]

Ok, I would really like to help ROTR out and maybe plan a match. I would like to plan a match with a shot timer. So here is your poll.

1. I have a shot timer.

2. I can gain access to a shot timer.

3. I can try and use my stop watch.

4. No can do.

For those of you not knowing what a shot timer is. It is a electronic timing device that is activated by a push of a button. The timer then makes an audible beep to let you know it has started. The timer does a "lap" function everytime a very loud sound goes off in its vicinity. So I were shooting the "basic drill" with my handgun, the beep would go off, I would draw and shoot two rounds. The first round will register on the timer at say around 1.3 seconds, then the second round will register at about 1.7 or so. So the final tally on the timer would say 1.7. I could then if I want review the times and see that my first shot was at 1.3. Here is a link to my timer that I bought for that same price from Wilson Combat.

Thank you for participating in this poll.

 

[Outlander]

Sorry no timer and the 2 ranges I go to dont allow rapid fire

 

[photo_guy]

I don't have a shot timer but I have been looking for a good excuse to buy one. Go ahead...make my day

 

[El Rojo]

A range that doesn't allow "rapid fire" is like a day without sunshine.

 

[Kamicosmos]

I voted stopwatch, but I may be able get a hold of one at the range I go too.

 

[El Rojo]

If and when I get a chance at this one, I will have to find a non-timed alternative or have some people sit out one month. Would those of you that don't have a timer or the ability to use a stop watch be offended if you weren't able to compete one month?

 

[Ankeny]

El Rojo:

As you know, the difference between a shot timer and a stop watch can really be huge. Are you thinking about some type of timed fire event or straight time against the clock?

 

[El Rojo]

Either or. I know the difference could be significant and that will be taken into account come the making of classes.

 

[rwmagnus]

I have a timer because it's just a required piece of gear IMO if you shoot any timed competitions. Yes the difference between a stop watch and a timer is huge. It's not difficult practicing at the range by yourself with a shot timer. Par times, shot strings, double taps, drawing from a holster (when allowed) etc.

Basically they are a C-Note so it's not something that is super expensive. I bought mine at Dillon and they warranty it for life. Break it they replace it pretty simple and GREAT folks to deal with.

Good poll.

 

[El Rojo]

It appears we could have a timed match someday. Very nice. I will start working that one out in my head.

 

[280PLUS]

at the indoor range i go to,,,

we have an automatic timer for practice that will time either 20 seconds for "timed fire and 10 seconds for "rapid fire" with a recording of a "range official" calling the strings and buzzers at the start and stop of the timed period,,,

is this what you mean?

if so, yes i have access to a timer

 

[El Rojo]

I don't think that is what I mean. When I refer to a timer, I mean a stop watch that will tell you how many shots you fired and the time elapsed from the start of the event to each shot. So your range has a timer that tells you when your ten seconds is up, that would not suffice. The timer I have has a par time that does the same thing, but what I would be more interested in is the stopwatch time for each shot.

 

[280PLUS]

hmmm,,,

i see,,,guess i don't have one then,,,

 

[Grump]

The cumbersom hi-tech solution...

is a tape recorder. I record my strings, then input them into a sound recorder on the computer that has a graphic timeline display. Toss rocks or steel cans over my shoulder for the start signal.

It's a drag.

I'd really like to get a shot timer software package and microphone for my Palm. There's more than enough computing power in there!

I've only shot a few of these and never sent in my targets, BUT, I would take no offense at sitting one out for lack of a timer.

Or we can mulitply the match director's work and e-mail him our sound recordings!

 

[rwmagnus]

Grump

WOW that sounds pretty cool but way way more involved than you need to be. Just do a search on timers, the best price I found was $86 (I think) too bad just deleted the link the other day. I bought mine at Dillon cause they just flat out provide great service, $129. "When a salesman earns the business just give it to him".

Alot depends on the knid of shooting you'll be doing if you need a shot timer or not. If it's IDPA or IPSC stuff a timer is as important as the gun if you want to be competitive. Or I should say you need access to one.

If you're shooting and moving I wouldn't want a Palm PDA hanging around that enviroment. Also you really should have immediate access to the data rather than playing it back later.

On that note video is a great way to see what's really going on. Set up a tripod and record your shots, draw from leather, movement from one location to another, reloading of magazines etc. Sometimes what you think you do is all together different.

Have fun.

 

[Grump]

On that note video is a great way to see what's really going on. Set up a tripod and record your shots, draw from leather, movement from one location to another, reloading of magazines etc.

Yeah, that's how I stumbled across this little tape trick. Was watching the video transferred to computer and noticed the time track...and audio readout.

Every time I get $129 plus shipping available for play money, I buy powder or bullets. Just can't stand to drop that much for what I think is really a $30 software package we should be able to load into any laptop.

 

[rwmagnus]

Not sure it's a $30 software package but should be close, try Dazzle. It's avaiable in all kinds of configurations serial, PS2, USB, Firewire etc. Downs loads and edits any kind of tape to the computer hard drive.

Other packages are available as well. In fact I down loaded one for $10 that does tape and DVD copies as well but haven't had the time to try it out yet.

Still the timer is the only way to go for so many obvious reasons. First is just see what everyone else is using that's a pretty good guide. If you use the same range for most of your shooting see if the range owner will split one with you and he can use it as a rental you get to use it free. Not a bad demo to see if other shooters will rent one during their practice. Ranges should have chronos as well for rent.