Question about Countdown Timers

[Nahiossi]

Hi Everyone,

New poster to the SC forums (see my introductory post in Clubhouse) and a new inductee into the fun that is Metallic Silhouette.

As a newbie, there is lots of gear that I really do need but some stuff that is less important. Is a countdown timer one of these "less" important items?

My biggest issue will be getting 5 accurate shots downrange in the 2.5 min time limit. Will a countdown timer help or hinder me?

[Innocent]

Nahiossi,
One of my favorite mentors in this sport many years ago told me tow things.
"4 hits out of every 5 is a 32...not a bad score."

"It is better to have four well placed shots than five rushed shots."

While I have a very good sense of time from the previous jobs that I have had where timing has been part of my job, I can assure you there is plenty of time to get five well placed shots off, when you have the rhythm of breath control, trigger squeeze, sight picture to an automatic funtion.

Work on the basics of those three to where they become automatic, then worry about the time. Yes a timer helps, but is not the most important tool.

Mary

[Dee]

The biggest advantage using a timer at first gave me was to make me realize how long 2.5 minutes is for 5 shots. It showed me that I was shooting to fast and still does. It is nice to know how much time is left but using it to find a steady pace and shot cycle had helped me the most.

As Innocent said 4/5 everytime leaves you a very nice score and will save you 20% on ammo



Dee

[Jerry G]

I still use my timer but I am not sure why. I usualy have from 45 seconds to 1 minuet left on it when I am done. I guess the only time it is important is when you are shooting in windy conditions and you are waiting out the wind gusts.

[Jetmugg]

A countdown kitchen timer only costs a few dollars at Wal Mart.

I find mine helpful not only for maintaining a pace, but also for use when training, whether mentally or physically. If you practice visualization techniques, running through the motions and actions required to shoot a match, you can see how much time you are actually using.

When I practice at the indoor range close to my home, I also use the timer, even if I am working on a "holding" drill. I just like the consistency of setting a steady pace that my mind can get used to.

If you find that you don't like the timer, you are only out a few bucks.

SteveM.

[Jason]

I usually have about 30 seconds extra at the end of a bank, but I use the timer every single time. The biggest reason is that it gives me peace of mind to know for sure how much time I have left. It does come in handy if I have any sort of mechanical issue like a case not ejecting correctly that I have to deal with and then get back in my rhythm. I have been using my $4 kitchen timer from Wal-mart for a few years now and it's done its job admirably, if not always so well in below freezing temps.

[shakes]

Go buy one. I'll have to agree with all the posters. I started with no timer and found that I was shooting way to fast. I use mine religously like Jason and find that I still have lots of time left. I'd have to agree with Jason, the timer gives you peace of mind to know that your not rushing the shot. Its made me slow down and get into a groove with my shots. Sometimes when I'm on 5 and cleared 1-4 and miss and look down at the timer to see that I still had 45 seconds I could have slowed down and relaxed, took another breath, got my mind clear to focuss on the animal. Sometimes its only one animal from winning the match, or getting first. It's probably the best peace of equipment to have and there cheap. Pretty much all of the Master level shooters at Nationals use one, that should tell you something right there.

[TXCharlie]

If you have been shooting one of the international disciplines with more time per shot, yes the timer will help you learn the shot sequencing for the 2.5 minutes we shoot silhouettes. As reported previously most folks shoot too fast and the timer will help there as well.
Other reasons....
...tough conditions,,, hold you shots until there is better conditions (then shoot quickly if nothing better occurs)
...many will use more time on the first shot preparations, then speed up for the remaining ones
...some small difficulty,,, drop a round, change sight settings, etc. Then you can be coached as to how much time and rounds are remaining by your spotter.

The spotter should be the one calling to you the time remaining, you as the shooter should not be concentrating on this. The spotter has the most difficult job, you as the shooter should be concentrating on shooting the shot.

[sobrbiker883]

I use one, but usually have 1 minute left.

Every time I consciously try to slow down, I do worse. Plus I hear that Sanchez fellow shoots pretty quickly.........


Timer etiquette note: If you use an audible time, please do not set it to go off early to warn you that you're running out of time, it really messes with others when they know they're short on time (even though my coach tells me if I'm in my zone, I won't be affected by someone else's noise).