Shot timers are small devices that can measure the time it takes you to make individual shots or a string of shots. Even though these devices are more often used in competitions, you can use them with good results to improve your shooting skills.
Did you know that the best shot timer models can produce a sound that announces the beginning of a shooting session?
In the following article, you will have a chance to read the top shot timers’ reviews and explain what each of them has to offer.
Further, in the article, we take a closer look at how these devices can help you improve your shooting skills, and how each of the devices’ features can be helpful or not.
Overview: Best Shot Timers
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| CED 7000 Shot Timer |  Top Pick |
| Check on Amazon |
| Competition Electronics Pocket Shot Timer |  |
| Check on Amazon |
| Competition Electronics Pro Timer II |  |
| Check on Amazon |
| PACt Shot Timer 3 |  |
| Check on Amazon |
| Shotmaxx-2 Shot Timer |  |
| Check on Amazon |
| MantisX Training System |  |
| Check on Amazon |
Best Shot Timers Reviews (Updated List)
1. CED 7000 Shot Timer
The CED 7000 shot timer uses a rechargeable mobile battery as a power source. This unit uses a small LCD display to show your times, splits, and the unit’s date/time as well as the mode currently in use.
One of the advantages of using this unit is that it’s lightweight and compact, and you can easily take it with you every time you go to the range. You can wear the timer around your neck, or you can wear it around one of your wrists. The device is so small and lightweight it won’t interfere with your shooting.
Another advantage is that this unit produces a soft beep that allows you to use it with great results when you’re using it for dry fire. The timer can memorize and recall up to ten shot strings and an endless number of individual shots.
Overall, this is a great shot timer that offers a good quality-price ratio.
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2. Competition Electronics Pocket Shot Timer
This is one of the highest-rated products on our list, and it’s easy to see why. This small device has an ergonomic design that will allow you to use it with either hand, and it can memorize and recall up to 50 individual shots.
A good thing about this model is that it comes with several features that can help you improve your shooting skills. The unit’s display might be on the small side, but it will show you the number of shots you’ve taken, the split times, and the shots’ review.
The shot timer comes with a shot sensor and buzzer for an increased performance. The device will automatically shut down after 10 minutes of inactivity to save power, and the battery can last for a very long time.
You can either select the random start or the instant delayed start that will test your reaction and drawing time.
All in all, this is a great shot timer that comes at a decent price.
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3. Competition Electronics Pro Timer II
This is one of the most popular shot timers currently available on the market. The Pro Timer II is usually preferred by shooters because it comes with a user-friendly control panel, an affordable price, and it’s small and compact.
One of the good things about using this device is that it’s very efficient. The timer can monitor and review your progress as it records your lowest (or best) times and compares them. Using the timer can also improve your drawing and shooting speed, and the device can memorize and recall your individual shots as well as your shot strings.
Each of the device’s buttons is clearly highlighted, so even though the unit doesn’t come with an instructions manual, you won’t have any problems using it. The LCD display, even though it’s relatively small, is easy to read and it provides all the data you require in large characters.
Overall, this is one of the best shot timers currently available, and it also comes at a decent price.
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4. PACt Shot Timer 3
Another popular option among shooters, the PACt shot timer 3 is a small and compact design that’s capable of recording and recalling up to 100 shots at once. Thanks to its design, this unit can be held easily, but you can also wear it around your neck or wrist without it interfering with your shooting.
A good thing about this model is that it has a highly sensitive microphone that will record all of your shots without any problems. The buzzer produces a loud and clear signal that will signal the start of the recordings.
The device’s rubber recessed buttons are ergonomically designed, and the chances of you pressing them accidentally are very slim. This will ensure that your shooting session will not be interrupted, so the device can gather enough data to help you improve your shooting skills.
This shot timer uses a large display that shows you all the recorded data.
All things considered, this is a good device that’s well worth its price.
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5. Shotmaxx-2 Shot Timer
The Shotmaxx-2 shot timer is designed to look like a watch, and you can wear it around your wrist without it interfering with your draw or shooting. Even though it’s small and compact, this device can provide all the data you would normally get from a shot timer, and it also produces a loud beeping sound that marks the start of the shooting session.
One of the advantages of using this unit is that it comes with a good memory. The device is capable of recording and recalling up to 9 strings of 99 shots each, and it can review each string individually.
Another good thing about this model is that it uses a sensitive microphone or an accelerometer to track your shots. When you’re alone at the range, you can track your shots using the microphone. The microphone is so sensitive, it will catch the shots of an airsoft rifle.
When you’re shooting with your buddies, the microphone might get confused and track their shots as your own. This is where the accelerometer comes in handy. When you’re using the accelerometer, the device doesn’t keep track of what the microphone registers, so you can be sure it only records yours.
All in all, this is a good shot timer that comes at a decent price.
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6. MantisX Training System
The MantisX training system is an integral shooting solution that can improve your shooting skills. While this system is not exactly a shot timer, it can keep track of your shots and it can measure the pauses you make between each shot.
This training system offers real-time information about your shooting, and it offers data-driven advice for every area you are not mastering. The system can also keep track of your performance over time, and it will show your progress relying on the memorized data.
One of the advantages of using this training system is that it offers personalized advice that can improve your shooting skills over multiple areas. In many ways, this system is an alternative to having a shooting coach next to you on every shooting session.
The MantisX can be mounted on any handgun or rifle using the rail or a rail adapter. You can download the system’s app for free, and the app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. The sensor mounted on your firearm connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and it collects data from both live fire and dry fire shooting.
Even though this isn’t precisely a shot timer, the MantisX training system keeps track of your shots and it can provide most of the data a shot timer can among other useful data.
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7. Competition Electronics Pro Timer 4
The Competition Electronics Pro 4 shot timer is the latest product of the series, and it offers some advantages over the previous models. This unit can connect wirelessly to a printer and you can print the unit’s stored data.
A good thing about this model is that it offers you the possibility to select between an instant start, a random start, and a fixed delay one. These features will test and improve your reaction times, and they can also improve your draw time.
Another advantage of using this model is that it’s very sensitive. The device won’t miss any of the shots you make, and it will memorize up to 100 individual shots.
Unlike the previous versions, this shot timer can automatically calculate your HIT factor. To do this, you need to enter the maximum stage points before you start shooting, and then you only need to enter your points and the timer will calculate your HIT factor, so you can compare it with that of your shooting partner.
The Pro Timer 4 offers 3 operating modes. You can use the simplified mode that will display the time, shot numbers, start delay and par time. You can also choose the standard mode that will display the time, shot number, split time, review time, and review the split time for individual practice. The third mode is known as the extended mode, and besides all that the standard mode offers, it also offers multiple par times that can be very helpful for cadence practice.
Overall, this is a great shot timer that offers a good value for your investment.
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Buying Guide To Find The Best Competition Shooting Timer
Finding the best shot timer for your needs is not very difficult if you know what to look for. However, given the fact that most devices have similar designs and offer the same amount of data, differentiating them might be troublesome at times.
In the following section, we explain how each of the shot timer’s functions and features can influence your shooting experience, and how you can get the most out of using such a device.
- Sensitivity
The shot timer’s sensitivity is one of the most important features. Since you will rarely be the single person practicing at the range, and you will most likely use the shot times with your buddies at one point or another, the device has to be sensitive enough to recognize the shots you took but ignore the ones shot by other people.
To eliminate the risk of detecting other people’s shots, some models, like the Shotmaxx-2 Shot Timer measure the time between shots using an accelerometer instead of using the microphone when you want them to. This will allow the device to accurately measure how long it takes you to make a shot without sensing any interference from the other shooters.
- Ease Of Use
All the shot timers we presented are small enough to fit comfortably in your hand, but that doesn’t mean they’re all very easy to use. Some models come with detailed instructions manuals, while others let you figure things out on your own. And while this might not seem like a problem, you might need to experiment with them for a while before finding out which button does what.
The shot timer’s design also influences how user-friendly it is. Some models are designed as a watch, so you can wear them around your wrist while you’re taking the shots. Other models come with nylon bands you can use to wear them around your throat or around your wrist where you can access them with ease.
Models like the PACt Shot Timer 3 use recessed buttons so you won’t accidentally press them while you shoot. This is a great feature, especially if one of your shooting partners is holding the shot timer, as opposed to carrying it around your wrist or neck.
Having a delayed start feature is also an advantage. Besides being very useful when training, the delayed start feature will allow you to use a handheld shot timer even if you place it on a counter or a bench.
- Features
The number of features and functions the shot timer uses can also be very important. Most of the features can be helpful for your training, and not having one can influence your shooting experience. We will talk more about how to use these features for training later.
The shot timer’s display is a factor you should take into account. If the timer is capable of producing a lot of data, but it will cramp all of it on a small display, you might have some problems interpreting them.
Models such as the Competition Electronics Pro Timer 4 are able to connect wirelessly to a printer and arrange all the data they record neatly on a sheet of paper. This will allow you to keep track of your progress easily.
Why Should You Use A Shot Timer?
You might be wondering if you should use a shot timer or not. Sure, competition shooting timers can really be useful for people who take part in shooting competitions, but can they be really useful for the average shooter?
Well, you might be surprised, but the answer is yes.
Shot timers can be used with great results as training tools, and they can help you train in multiple ways. Here are some examples of how a shot timer can be helpful when you’re training.
- Start Delay – The start delay feature allows a few seconds to pass before ringing the start signal. Since you have a few seconds to prepare, you can improve your draw time. This exercise is also good for improving your target acquisition time, and it might improve your reaction time as well.
Using this feature will allow you to see how much time has passed between the sound signal and your first shot. This is a base milestone, one you can build upon and improve.
- Random Start – Constantly using the random start feature is the best way to improve your reaction time. When you select this feature, the shot timer will produce the start sound after a random period of time passes. Try to draw and shoot as quickly as you can after the sound signal. Keeping track of your reaction times and practicing to improve them will, over time, improve your shooting skills.
- Review Function – The review function is one of the best things a shot timer brings to the table. This function will allow you to check your data, and check your split times. The split times are very important because they can reveal valuable data on how you shoot. Can you shoot a regular cadence of fire? Are you slowing down or speeding up at certain points during the shot string? Do you pause for a long time between shots?
Using the review function can provide answers to all of these questions and more. Constant practice will allow you to better yourself, to improve your shooting speed and decrease your split times.
- Dry Fire Feature – Most shooters prefer going to the range when they can practice live fire, but there are times when you might not be able to go to the range but still wish to practice your shooting. This is where the dry fire feature comes in handy.
If you want to practice with dry fire, you should always make sure your firearm is unloaded, especially if you’re practicing indoors. Start off by setting the timer at an easy to achieve time, such as 3 or 5 seconds, depending on your normal times. Draw the handgun from the holster, making sure you maintain the proper form and make smooth movements.
Slowly decrease your time, trying to increase your drawing speed. Once you’re confident you can draw and pull the trigger in less time, decrease the timer with another increment, and so on.
- Par Time Feature – You can use the par time feature with good results to improve your reloading skills. To do this, you have to use 2 empty magazines. You should have one magazine in the handgun, and the other in your magazine pouch or in your tactical pants. When the shot timer produces the first sound, you should drop the empty magazine from your pistol, take the empty magazine from your magazine pouch, and perform a reload. Try to reload your pistol and acquire your target before the second beep.
How To Use A Shot Timer Correctly
When you’re using a shot timer, you should always set goals. Every time you’re practicing, there are a lot of variables you have to take into account. If you want to make sure you always practice using the same variables, it might be better to write them down because each of them can influence your shooting experience.
You should at least keep track of the following variables if you want to keep track of your progress.
- Target size
- Distance to target
- Type of holster you’re using (related posts: ankle holsters, shoulder holsters or Glock holsters)
- Start times
However, some people try to improve their times and only manage to do it by sacrificing their form for speed. You should avoid doing this. Try to improve your time only while maintaining your proper form and making accurate hits.
To accurately keep track of your progress, you should use a notebook. Note the starting speed of each session, and try to improve it, no matter how small the improvement, each session.
Wrap Up
As you can see, using a shot timer can be beneficial for every shooter, not only professionals (even you have an air pistol). In fact, shot timers are some of the most efficient devices you can use if you want to improve your shooting skills, and using them can drastically reduce your draw and target acquisition times.
We hope that this article provided the necessary information to help you decide on which is the best shot timer for your needs. Keep in mind that no matter how expensive and impressive the shot timer is, buying it won’t amount to anything if you don’t use it constantly.
