"You don't need a timer for defensive training..."

I whole heartedly, 1000% DISAGREE with this statement. It is normally followed by "There are no timers in a gunfight..." So let me break this down for you. Time, like gravity, is a constant in shooting, both combative and competitive. The timer in the shooting sports is at least audible. In a gunfight, the timer has usually started before you even knew you were in a gunfight. Generally speaking, the best hits in the shortest amount of time wins the game, which you may be betting your life on. It's not "the best hits win." It's also not "the shortest time wins." It MUST be the best hits in the shortest amount of time. Bullseye shooters are without a doubt the most accurate handgun shooters out there, but they're absolutely NOT going to be my first choice to take to a gunfight with me. And I think anyone who is being realistic would agree. You MUST bring balance to the Force, young Jedi...

Let's say this: You just bet your life on a one on one basketball game, where the first basket wins the game. You don't know who your opponent is, but you can pick one person to play for you: your next door neighbor or Michael Jordan. Who do you choose? Well, my neighbor isn't one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and my life depends on the outcome of this game, so I'm going with Michael Jordan! I'd expect most people would do the same. There's no such thing as "too good" when your life is on the line. So let's change the basketball game to a gunfight, and you don't get to sub someone in for you. Getting the picture? Why is it "ok" amongst a majority of the "tactical" shooting community to be slow as long as they make a hit? Hitting the target should be a given. As you’ve heard before, if you want to be fast you need to go fast! The only way to know if you are really going fast is with a shot timer. In todays world where firearms training is more available than anytime in history, and shooters are putting more rounds down range per year than ever before, don't you think you should be trying to be the next Michael Jordan of shooting? “You can’t train too much for a job that’s trying to kill you.” - Old Proverb