Benefits of Training with a Shot Timer

If you're new to the competitive shooting world, you might not be very familiar with a shot timer. But if you want to improve your shooting skills and take things to the next level where you can compete against some really top talent one day, you should definitely consider getting and using one. Here are some tips to think about and recommendations for shot timers.

But first, here's a quick disclaimer. A shot timer isn’t exactly a newbie shooting tool. Before you need to think about getting one, you should be very capable with your firearm, knowing how to draw, aim, and fire smoothly at a target (and actually hit the target). You should master these basics until they become second nature to you before you try to speed up your shooting. When you try to shoot faster without the basics under your belt, it could obviously have more risks than benefits. You might develop bad habits in your haste or even risk an accidental discharge. So focus on the basics before you move on to getting a shot timer.

Purpose of a Shot Timer

If you’re not sure what exactly we're talking about here, a shot timer basically helps record a shooter’s timing at the shooting range so you can keep track of how fast you can accurately get shots off. It puts a little pressure on you as a shooter to do better each time and compete against yourself, which helps you to grow in the sport. For example, when you know you can get 5 shots off in 10 seconds, you can work on your speed to bring the time down to 5 seconds over time (making you twice as fast). If you don't have those accurate metrics to judge from, though, it makes it difficult to improve on your time.

Old school approaches involved people using stopwatches, but there’s a lot of room for user error with that method (e.g., the reflex time delay between hearing the shot and pushing the stopwatch button). New shot timers often let you know when to start shooting by emitting an audible signal/beep. Then they also record the time between shots by detecting the sound from each shot all on its own. You can then go back and review how long it took you to make each shot, which can point out some important weaknesses in your shooting form.

Kestrel Ballistics Shot Timer

There are a lot of great Kestrel meters and tools available, but the KST1000 Shot Timer from Kestrel Ballistics has a lot going for it. First, it is designed and built in the U.S.A. and backed by a 5-year warranty. Hard to argue with that. The shot timer is waterproof and dustproof, which will allow you to train in different weather conditions. It features an extra loud buzzer to alert you when to start shooting and can be used by a shooting partner holding it in their hand or while attached to your hip.

This shot timer is also extremely durable, and its rugged design is drop-tested to MIL-STD-810G standards. That way, if you drop it at the range (which happens), you don't need to fret that your new tool will be made into a paperweight. The KST1000 is also Bluetooth enabled, so you can easily see the timing results on your mobile device.

The KST1000 Shot Timer product webpage has a lot of great video tutorials walking you through how to use the different features of the KST1000. Within a few minutes of watching the videos, you will be able to understand the basic features of the device and be prepared to take it to the shooting range.

Training with a Shot Timer

Once you buy a shot timer, its time to start using it. If you're wondering how to train with a shot timer, there are all kinds of shooting drills you can and should try, but here are some quick pointers to start out with. This should go without saying, but when you first get one, take some time to really understand the features well. What do the different settings mean, and how can you operate it? The videos mentioned above will really help with this step. You don't want to be that person at the range fiddling with the shot timer, trying to figure out what's happening.

When it's time to move to the shooting range, take things easy at first. Get used to the general sequence or cadence of shooting with a shot timer. Keep your gun holstered and your hands-free. When you hear the beep/buzzer, draw your weapon, and take one quality shot at the target (really focus on hitting it accurately). That's it. If you can't master taking one quick and accurate shot (arguably the most important for self-defense, military, law enforcement, etc.), you need to spend time at that step for a while. Once you get comfortable taking that one quality shot repeatedly (and improving your shooting time, as well), you can start taking two shots in succession. Continue this pattern until you wish to move on to more advanced drills.

Once you're happy with taking multiple shots under time (and still hitting your target), you can consider moving on to other drills. For example, you might try adding reloading or shooting multiple weapons into your rotation. Keep an additional magazine on you and see how long it takes you to shoot a few rounds, load a new magazine, and continue firing a few more shots. Or try mixing things up by shooting multiple guns. Once you get to this stage, there are lots of variations you can try.

By simply adding the element of time to your shooting, it can really push your limits and expose some weaknesses as a shooter. Whether you're into competitive shooting, are a law enforcement/military individual, or just want to be able to protect yourself from an assailant, knowing your weaknesses and improving them is of the utmost importance. While a little old shot timer doesn't add the same stress as being shot at, it can be a powerful way to remind you why you're doing this. Again, if you can't take a few highly accurate shots in a very short amount of time, you need to think about how you can fix that problem. Using a shot timer at the shooting range can help you master those steps so you're proficient under less-than-ideal conditions and at different ranges.