The use of a shot timer is an essential element in **effective** training with a firearm. Simply put, if you are not using a shot timer you are not really training, you are just having fun at the range.


Discuss.

No discussion needed.

While a timer is needed for certain task, not everything has to be done with one. You can certainly have effective training without one being present

huh.

wish I had know that before I went to Iraq....

always wondered how the bad guys knew to attack...they heard the beep before I did....  If I had know that I could have been so much more "tactical" than them....

It's a handicap to never use one.

There are certain areas of skill-building in which a timer is absolutely essential.

I lol'd.

So what timer should I get?

Pocket Pro 1 or 2

For experienced shooters? Sure. Someone who can execute the fundamentals can start to add some time pressure, and have measurable results.

On on the other hand, almost everyone tries to shoot faster under any amount of real or perceived stress (adrenaline is a hell of a drug). The first thing that goes out the window with inexperienced shooters are the fundamentals that they really need to be practicing, and the difference in results on target are obvious. I think you would be doing a disservice to a shooter who is still working towards basic proficiency (say, keeping all rounds within an 8" circle at any distance), to introduce a timer into their training that early on.

The original Pocket Pro is a great training tool once they've surpassed that hurdle.