Timer for stage management

JasonC · May 15, 2012

Does any one know of a small stop watch/timer that would be suitable for mounting to the side of a rifle for time mgmt. during a stage?
Or am I better off buying a temex watch?

jtischauser · May 15, 2012

What are you trying to manage time wise?

JasonC · May 15, 2012

Majority of the matches I shoot are becoming more and more shoot-move-shoot-move and so on. It's becoming more important to manage the clock and I know you three gunners have been managing time for many years. I used a walmart special at the last match and it helped a lot. Unfortunately due to it's size I had to carry it in my pocket. So I'm looking for something I can mount on my rifle

mike cyrwus · May 15, 2012

manage the clock?
Shoot as fast as you can without missing.

jtischauser · May 15, 2012

I'm with Mike. I'm not sure you really need to manage your time during a stage. If you aren't hitting targets and your costing yourself a bunch of time in a stage you should practice the stuff you struggle with. Spend time during your practice sessions with a timer so you know your splits between shots and transitions so you can break down the fastest way of shooting stages based on how fast you do various things in practice.

Wall · May 15, 2012

If your spending time looking at a clock when you should be putting hits on paper/steel you're not managing time at all.

JasonC · May 15, 2012

Well, the problems I've run into is where I will have a set amount of time to engage x amount of targets and either rush the last shot or two or lose track of time and not get the shot off. The scoring in long range tactical is primarily a set amount of time to engage a certain number of targets.

jtischauser · May 15, 2012

JasonC said:
Well, the problems I've run into is where I will have a set amount of time to engage x amount of targets and either rush the last shot or two or lose track of time and not get the shot off. The scoring in long range tactical is primarily a set amount of time to engage a certain number of targets.

That is a problem we all have. The majority of my misses come on the first target or last target of an array. My mistake is that I'm rushing to start shooting not being patient and letting the sights settle and then rushing again on the last target trying to get out of the position. The only timer or speedometer you need us your front sight. If it isn't telling you "good sight picture" then you shouldn't be doing anything else but thinking align the sights squeeze the trigger.

technetium-99m · May 15, 2012

I think JasonC is shooting a different game than regular old 3 gun. I've seen pictures of guys with kitchen timers on their hats etc. but I confess to having no idea of the game's rules or scoring.

dennishoddy · May 15, 2012

Yup, tactical long range is a different game.
If you have an IPhone, there is a stopwatch and countdown feature built into it for one suggestion.
I have downloaded the surefire shot timer app, but can't get it to work very well.

jtischauser · May 15, 2012

technetium-99m said:
I think JasonC is shooting a different game than regular old 3 gun. I've seen pictures of guys with kitchen timers on their hats etc. but I confess to having no idea of the game's rules or scoring.

That makes a lot more sense! Whatcha Shooting Jason?

JasonC · May 15, 2012

Sorry should have clarified that the timer question was for bolt gun comps.
Currently shooting a LA. precision .260 in a rock solid stock with vortex glass.

But on a different note I have a vortex 1-4 razor hd that I was thinking about putting on my LWRC for three gun stuff. Any thoughts?

drmitchgibson · May 15, 2012

Why not use a shot timer with a par time function, and use that? You can set a start delay before you get a start beep, the timer will count down to whatever you set it for, and then get a finish beep. Eh? Eh?

JasonC · May 15, 2012

The issue is having something small enough to mount on my rifle that I can hit the start button when the stage begins and hopefully not get knocked off when climbing through rat traps culverts or vehicles.

dennishoddy · May 15, 2012

Thats gonna be a tough one. Do you have to actually see the time or would a countdown, or elapsed time timer that has a beep work?

JasonC · May 15, 2012

The majority of the time being able to set the timer to go off 10 or 15 seconds before par time is sufficient. Occasionally the ability to see it will help depending in stage. But the biggest issue is to be able to have your finger on the button when starting a stage which can be tough.

dennishoddy · May 15, 2012

Do the other shooters have a preference?

JasonC · May 15, 2012

Don't know, the long range game has changed so drastically over the past year with the inception of the PRS that it's just now becoming a discussion. I only asked the question here because you guys are always using timers.