Best Shot Timers [Tested]: BEEEEP!

Obviously, we all look like we could be in John Wick when we shoot -- slinging rounds as fast as our finger can pull the trigger, each round in the 10-ring.

But how fast are you really?

The easy way to find out is with a shot timer.

No, not your buddy using a stopwatch. Even though your buddy has undoubtedly incredible reflexes, he/she can’t compete with the accuracy of a shot timer.

Shot timers are a must-have range tool to develop speed. They provide a quantifiable metric (time) to measure your progress.

Want to learn more about shot timers? You’re in luck!

We’ll give you some insight into when to use them, types of timers, and a drill to try at the range.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of shot timers and how to use them when you train.

Let’s get down to business.

How We Chose the Best Shot Timers

The entire team at Pew Pew Tactical had a hand in contributing to this post. We come from a variety of backgrounds, including competition shooting, with decades worth of cumulative experience. All of the models listed have been hands-on tested by someone on the PPT team.

We constantly test gear and regularly update articles as new models become available, so if you’re favorite isn’t here, check back soon!

Best Shot Timers

1. Editor's Pick - Shooters Global SG Timer

Editor's Pick

SG Shot Timer

$300

at Shooters Global

Prices accurate at time of writing

$300 at Shooters Global

Amazon (see price)

The SG Timer from Shooters Global is compact and fits well on a gun belt but also takes advantage of the side for its display. This results in a much bigger display using a high-resolution backlit screen.

With a crisp display, the unit is easy to read and navigate. Shooters can use one hand to operate the timer, which has intuitive controls and buttons.

There are an incredible amount of options for programming the SG Timer. Users can select their firearm types through a range starting at Airsoft and working up to rifles (there are even suppressed settings).

This way, the SG Timer doesn't miss anything when running your splits.

Another great feature is the clip that goes on your belt. This sturdy unit includes a strong magnet that allows you to simply stick the SG Timer to it -- the connection is sturdy and won't come off accidentally.

One of the best features of the timer is the phone app. There are too many features to cover here, but you can even record video of your performance with an overlay of your times!

Finally, the SG Timer is practically future-proofed with the ability to update its firmware through the app. While this unit is fairly expensive, it offers an incredible amount of options.

2. Editor's Pick - Competition Electronics Pocket Pro

Best Minimalistic Shot Timer

Pocket Pro Timer

$135

at OpticsPlanet

Prices accurate at time of writing

$135 at OpticsPlanet

The Pocket Pro is the timer I personally own. Physically, it’s just slightly smaller than the PACT but a bit more box-like.

The Pocket Pro uses four buttons to control the features -- Set/On (Down), Set (Up), Menu (Down), Menu (Up), and the GO button. The Go button is unlabeled and on the side of the device, away from the other four buttons.

The Pocket Pro offers a separate shot sensor and buzzer and displays time to 199.99 seconds. It operates on a single 9-volt battery and allows you to review up to 50 shots -- forward or reverse.

What do you think of the Pocket Pro Timer? Rate it below!

3. Best Compact Shot Timer - PACT Club Shot Timer III

Best Compact Shot Timer

PACT Club Shot Timer 3

$130

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$130 at Amazon

OpticsPlanet (see price)

The Pact Club Shot Timer III comes in a nice, ergonomic form with rounded edges. It comfortably fits in your hand.

Using it is very intuitive and consists of a “go” button, “review” button, and scrolling arrows.

It stores your last 100 shots and features instant and random delayed timer functions -- the buzzer is delayed between 2 and 3.5 seconds, which is incredibly handy if using it without a buddy to time you.

It’s worth noting that the sensitivity adjustment is not easily accessible or intuitive. Adjustments are made via a screw located under the battery and without indication if you’re increasing or decreasing the sensitivity.

Full disclosure, the PACT Timer I used for this article was borrowed from a friend who had purchased it from a friend. It had a few issues – namely, a small slip of paper had to be inserted under the battery to turn it on, and the buttons wouldn’t always work.

Luckily for me, a nice Air Force JTAC who happened to be at the range let me borrow his PACT.
It functioned flawlessly! And it was easy to use.

My new range friend mentioned he used the PACT heavily. Despite that, it still had the original battery from when he purchased it around 2016 -- pretty darn impressive!

Depending on your requirements, this timer covers about 90% of what you may need and does so very simply. The instructions are easily found online.

Smartphone Apps

There is another option out there, and you already own the hardware for it…quite a few shot timers exist for smartphones.

But, to be straight with you, I don’t like them. It’s not convenient to put my phone on a table or in my pocket after hitting go.

I think it’s much easier for a timer to hang off my belt or a pocket via belt clips. This makes it a lot simpler move.

I also like the actual tactile go button on the timers…I don’t have to look down to find it. I can get in my ready stance and reach down to find the button instead of fumbling with my phone.

The apps tend to work OK but remember you’re using a phone, not a shot timer.

Having the phone on you during a drill also opens you up to distraction if your phone starts ringing or you get a text.

I’d rather have a purpose-built timer, but some prefer to use what they already have on hand. If that’s you, then a smartphone app can work.

Should I Get a Shot Timer?

First, shot timers are a tool for those already proficient in the safe operation of their weapons.

That doesn’t mean you know how to load and shoot the thing; it means you’re comfortable with immediate action and remedial actions in the case of malfunctions.

It means you have a smooth draw from the holster and have practiced your transition from rifle to pistol to the point that the mechanics of the movements are instinctual.

If you’re not there, that’s okay. That’s great that you recognize it. If you’re still fumbling with the draw, trying to do it faster is not the safe option.

Keep working on the basics until you are comfortable, and then add the timer.

The timer, for whatever reason in our brain, immediately adds an element of stress and the idea that you must go faster, faster, faster.

That’s not the way to learn how to draw from a holster, and accidents happen if you add speed before the basics are mastered.

Now, if you feel comfortable with weapon manipulation, engaging multiple targets, or whatever drill you want to time, then yes, it’s time to buy.

Add the stress, get data points, and continue to progress through your journey to John Wick status.

How to Train with a Shot Timer

Ok, you’ve got your shot timer; what do you do with it? I recommend starting with the basic drills.

• Beep
• Draw
• One well-aimed shot.

Comfortable?

• Beep
• Draw
• Two well-aimed shots.

You get the idea…

Once you’re used to drawing and firing while on the clock, you can move on to other drills. One of my favorites to work on starts with an unloaded rifle at the low ready, a holstered pistol with one round in the chamber, an empty mag in the mag well, and a second mag with two rounds either on your belt in a pouch, pocket, etc.

At the beep, attempt to fire the rifle -- which should be a dry fire for this specific drill if you prepared your rifle correctly.

Transition to your pistol and fire one well-aimed shot. Slide-lock-reload and fire your remaining two rounds.

There are many moving parts there, but you get to practice transition/drawing, slide-lock-reloads, and staying in the fight despite multiple systems not firing when you expect them to.

Final Thoughts

Shot timers are a great way to add a little stress to your training and shake up range days. Make sure you’re good on the fundamentals first before adding this to your training regimen.

While you can opt for a smartphone app, a dedicated shot timer improves the experience, in my opinion.

What model shot timer do you use? Let me know in the comments below. Ready to add some more drills to range day but short on ammo? Check out our recommendations on the best Low Round Count Range Drills.