Dry Fire Par Time Timer

A par time timer signals the start of each repetition with a beep, then signals the end of the allowed time window with a second beep — you must complete the prescribed movement (draw, presentation, trigger press) before the second tone. This timer defaults to a 3-second par time with 7 seconds rest for reholstering and resetting — a standard beginner-to-intermediate dry fire draw drill. Par time should be set to slightly exceed your current best time, then compressed incrementally as speed improves.

Par time training is one of the most effective methods for developing draw speed and presentation consistency. Unlike open-ended practice, working to a fixed time window creates productive urgency and exposes the specific phase (holster grip, clearing the garment, establishing the firing grip) that is limiting overall speed. Research on skill acquisition shows that time-pressured practice accelerates motor learning faster than unpressured repetition.

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USPSA Par Time Timer

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Custom Interval Timer

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is a par time in shooting?

A par time is a fixed time window within which you must complete a prescribed shooting task — typically a draw and first shot, or a draw and two shots. The timer signals the start and end of the window.

What par time should I start with for draw practice?

Beginners typically start at 3–4 seconds for a draw to first shot from concealment, or 2–2.5 seconds from an open holster. Work at a par time that is slightly challenging — you should succeed about 70% of the time at your current par.

How do I change the par time?

Use the Custom Interval Timer to set any work interval. Set the work time to your desired par (e.g., 2 seconds), rest to your reset time (e.g., 8 seconds), and rounds to your desired repetition count.

What is dry fire practice?

Dry fire is practicing shooting techniques with an unloaded firearm (or snap caps). It builds trigger control, draw speed, and presentation consistency without ammunition cost. Always verify the firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.

How many dry fire reps should I do per session?

Quality matters more than quantity. Most instructors recommend 15–25 deliberate repetitions per session (about 10–15 minutes). Mental focus degrades after this point and bad habits can be reinforced by tired, sloppy reps.

Can I use this timer for live fire practice?

Yes — par time timers are used for both dry fire and live fire. For live fire, ensure you are at a range with appropriate rules for timed drawing and rapid fire before using a par time format.

What skills benefit most from par time training?

Draw to first shot, draw to two shots (split time), strong-hand only draw, reload speed, and target transition times all respond well to par time training.

How often should I do dry fire practice?

Most competitive shooters dry fire daily, even for just 10–15 minutes. Frequency of correct repetition is more important than session length. Daily short sessions outperform weekly long sessions for building motor programs.