Shot Timers

[WI-Guy]

Sorry for the double post, but I just realized this may be a better forum for my question:

I am looking to improve my smoothness along with my cycle time for different tactical tasks - mag changes, shoot-n-scoot, draws, etc.

I have been told that one of the best ways to do this on your own is with a shot timer in three stages - 1) Execute perfectly at relaxed, methodical pace; 2) Set a PAR time to meet or beat and execute effectively; 3) Time yourself as fast as you can execute effectively. Repeat this process at each training session decreasing the PAR time.

So, given that this is the program I am going to try, any thoughts on shot timers that can do this? I have heard of two: CED8000 and Pact Mk IV. What are your opinions?

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

[elsolo]

I have a PACT club timer 3. It displays splits without needing to scroll through the shots fired, and it has par time, it also has delay beep that can be used with par time when you want to run yourself for practice.

I like the functionality if the mk4, but it's huge and it has a lot of buttons. I like being able to hand my timer to anybody at a match and tell them "It's the big green button that says GO"

The buzzer is super loud, for dryfire or other indoor drills, I muffle it with an earplug and some tape.

[Steve Koski]

I have the Pact CT 2. I love it. The CT 3 that Elsolo owns has cosmetic changes compared to the 2. I'm sure it's a great unit also. I highly recommend them.

[Clay1]

I use the MK IV and wouldn't consider anything less if it ever needs to be replaced. If you reload you need a chrony to make sure that you make your targeted power factor. It has a chrony and a timer that good for matches but where it really shines is as a training aid. The club timers a nice to run a match with, but for training the MK IV just has so many more options.

Visit this site for more info on dry firing drills: http://www.andersonshooting.com/index.html

Steve Anderson sells one nice training book that I can also recomend.

This is a great timer thread and if you are seriously in the buying mode that you should read: http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14608

Good luck in your selection for your perfect timer.

[WI-Guy]

Clay - thanks for the insights.

Hey, I notice that you are in Wisconsin as well. Anywhere near Walworth County?

[Clay1]

I'm in Rock County, not far from you. I shot an IDPA match on Sat. in Racine and a USPSA match on Sunday in Rockford. If you are interested in shooting some matches this is a must have link: http://www.wisconsinshooters.com/

Click on Calendar for the shoot dates.

Rick

[Duck of Death]

DELETED

[OnePaladin]

I have a CED8000 that I use for training and matches. It is an outstanding timer and a critical component of my training regimen. It can do par times, comstock and multi-string comstock among other tricks. It also keeps the last 10 strings in memory.

[cmzneb]

I have an OLD CED timer and it works great! Using the timer in practice has helped me quite a bit as well.

[Andrew Colglazier]

Our local IDPA club uses CED8000 timers. They are great, except for the fact that they go through 9volt batteries like you cannot believe!

Andy C.

[Steve Koski]

Originally posted by Andrew Colglazier
Our local IDPA club uses CED8000 timers. They are great, except for the fact that they go through 9volt batteries like you cannot believe!

Andy C.

Andy,

Our club uses the CED timers too. After each match, we take all of the batteries out of the timers and throw the batteries and covers in a bag. Reassemble at the start of the next match.

Batteries last forever this way. I guess these timers drain the battery a little bit even if the timer is off.

Koski

[Andrew Colglazier]

Steve, thanks! Good idea..... We'll start doing that.....

Andy C.

[splashdown]

I've got a CE pocket pro. I set the par times as you described for dry fire practice.

[Navy87Guy]

So now the inevitable question...who has the best prices on the CED800 and PACT timers? Sounds like I need to add one to my Christmas wish list!

Jim

[Clay1]

Pact MKIV is what I use and am very happy with it. I like the idea of having a chrono available. If you reload and need to make major or even minor power factors a chrono is essential. The MKIV has it all. If you already have a chrono I'm sure that the 8000 is a nice unit.

I bought my MKIV from Midway. Here is a link: http://www.midwayusa.com/esearch.exe/search?TabID=0&category_selector=all_products&search_keywords=timer

I like them because they support the NRA with their "Round Up" program. If prices are close I go with companies that not only take money from shooters but actually support the shooting sports.

Brian Enos' forum has a nice store and they are taking pre-orders for the new MKIV XP, you might want to hold out for the newest product: http://www.brianenos.com/pages/pact.html#MKIVrumor

Good luck with whatever you decide. One more big tip: get a good book on how to train with your timer like Steve Anderson's Refinement and Repetition. I own this wonderful book and it can be found here: http://www.andersonshooting.com/index.html
Check out the videos on his site, cool stuff.

Rick
Shoot "Down zero" or "shoot all A's"

[Navy87Guy]

Well, I went ahead and ordered a PACT Club Timer 3 from MidwayUSA. They had them on sale for $115 - so even with ordering the case and paying shipping, it still turned out to be a good deal. I decided that simplicity and reliability were enough for me for now -- I need a dependable timer that's easy to use and hear. The price difference between it and the PACT MK IV was more than I was willing to pay for now (that money will go into the gun!)

I think it will probably do the trick for me.

Jim

[Clay1]

Take that savings and get the Anderson book and train with your timer to see good improvements. Just make up your mind now to do the work that it takes to get better. You can do it!

Rick

[Navy87Guy]

Originally posted by Clay1
Take that savings and get the Anderson book and train with your timer to see good improvements. Just make up your mind now to do the work that it takes to get better. You can do it!

Rick

Done! Thanks for the suggestion, Rick.

Jim