Bullet tones: Your MP3 Shot Clock!

Understanding and Using Bullet Tones What are Bullet Tones? Tips for Using Bullet Tones Try Bullet Tones for Free! Download the Complete Bullet Tone Library

What are Bullet Tones?

Bullet Tones are MP3 files you load onto your iPod™ or MP3 player. At the range, they help you place the required number of shots within the time allotted by the drill.

For an example of what a Bullet Tone file sounds like and how it is used, click the Start button on the video to the right.

What you are hearing is a Bullet Tone file designed for a three-target, two-shots/target drill that must be completed in 10 seconds. Sounds easy, right? Next time you are at the range, try it! Without the Bullet Tones file, you may find that your concentration prevents you from accurately tracking time. Some shooters find they'll shoot too fast (poor accuracy), or not shoot fast enough (overrun the drill, so disqualified results).

With Bullet Tones, you complete the drill on time and with the best-possible accuracy.

Master that exercise? Then decrease the time and try again! Just choose the correct Bullet Tones file and practice until you achieve the same score in a shorter time.

With practice, you'll find you are placing more shots on the targets, in less time, and with better accuracy! These are all skills you will need in a personal defense situation.

Tips for Use

There are a few tips and tricks that can greatly help you use Bullet Tones to improve your shooting skill.
• Start Slow. Start with a single target Bullet Tone with 5 shots in 20 seconds. That allows plenty of time to line up your shot and recover from recoil for your next shot. Gradually decrease the time or increase the number of targets as your skill improves.
• Only Speed Up When You Regain Accuracy. Don't move on the next faster drill until you've achieved the same accuracy you had running at the slower pace. Your goal is to maintain your slow-fire accuracy when shooting much faster. This takes practice!
• Slow Down When Changing Calibers. If you normally practice with a .22, don't expect to immediately have the same speed and accuracy with a larger caliber gun. Recoil recovery takes more time with the larger caliber weapons...especially if they are lightweight or 'carry' style guns with shorter barrels.
• Don't Panic! If you find that you are panicking trying to keep up with the drill, choose a slower drill. You may find that as you tire during the shooting day, you will not be able to keep up like you did early in the day. Using Bullet Tones is challenging! Don't be afraid to slow down or just call it quits for the day.
• Change Up Your Starting Conditions. There are two types of Bullet Tone files. One set starts the timing sequence from a "first shot" condition. This allows you to line up your first shot before the clock starts. The other type of Bullet Tone is a "Start from Ready" condition. Here, you have your weapon lowered in a ' low ready' position at the beginning of the drill. When the first tone sounds, you raise your gun and acquire a site picture. This is a more realistic and challenging scenario.
• Use Playlists. Plan out your training strategy. Then choose the Bullet Tone that you will use as you improve throughout the day. Before you leave for the range, create a playlist of these files and save the playlist on your MP3 player. That makes choosing the next Bullet Tone quick and easy between shooting drills. See Shooting Skills for examples of these playlists.
• Remember to Break Tunnel Vision. Once you've completed a drill, take the time to look left, then right (keeping your muzzle down range). This gets you in the habit of looking for the next 'bad guy' once you've complete your first series of shots in a real-life situation.
• Always Shoot Safe and Under Control!