Par Times Explained: The Right Way to Train Faster at Home

Published on April 9, 2026
Duration: 12:25

This video explains how to effectively use par times in dry fire training to build speed and efficiency. The instructor demonstrates finding an optimal par time by incrementally reducing the duration for a multi-target engagement sequence. The key is to find a time that creates a sense of urgency without sacrificing accuracy or ingraining bad habits, emphasizing honesty in self-assessment.

Quick Summary

Par times are crucial for adding urgency to firearm training, especially dry fire. By incrementally reducing the time for drills, you can build speed and efficiency. The key is to find a duration that creates pressure without sacrificing accuracy or ingraining bad habits, requiring honest self-assessment of your performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Par Times
  2. 00:17Setting Initial Par Time (6 Seconds)
  3. 00:52Assessing Initial Par Time
  4. 01:05Reducing Par Time (5.5 Seconds)
  5. 01:28Reducing Par Time (5 Seconds)
  6. 01:46Reducing Par Time (4 Seconds)
  7. 02:21Reducing Par Time (3.7 Seconds)
  8. 02:39Reducing Par Time (3.5 Seconds)
  9. 03:11Reducing Par Time (3.2 Seconds)
  10. 03:34Finding Urgency with Par Times
  11. 04:14Benefits of Par Times
  12. 05:29Reducing Par Time (3 Seconds)
  13. 05:53Feeling Pressure with Par Times
  14. 06:31Adding Complexity (Magazine Change)
  15. 06:39Drawing Drill Par Times (1.5 Seconds)
  16. 07:15Drawing Drill Par Times (1.2 Seconds)
  17. 07:31Drawing Drill Par Times (1 Second)
  18. 07:43Risks of Too Low Par Times (0.6 Seconds)
  19. 08:36Honest Assessment (0.9 Seconds)
  20. 09:27Par Times: Good and Bad
  21. 09:43Multi-Target Drill (3 Seconds)
  22. 10:05Multi-Target Drill (2 Seconds)
  23. 10:38Multi-Target Drill (1.5 Seconds)
  24. 11:07Honesty in Par Time Training
  25. 11:40Value of Par Times
  26. 12:10Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of using par times in firearm training?

Par times are used in firearm training, especially dry fire, to introduce a sense of urgency and pressure. This helps shooters become more efficient, build speed, and avoid complacency, encouraging them to move with purpose rather than lingering on tasks.

How do you find the right par time for a drill?

To find the right par time, start with a longer duration and incrementally decrease it. Adjust the time until you feel a slight pressure to perform efficiently, but not so much that your accuracy or fundamental techniques are compromised. It's a balance between speed and precision.

What are the risks of using par times incorrectly?

Incorrectly using par times, especially by setting them too low, can lead to ingraining bad habits. This includes rushing, compromising sight alignment, poor grip, and inefficient movements, which can be detrimental to developing true shooting proficiency.

Can par times be used for drawing drills?

Yes, par times are effective for drawing drills. The focus is on drawing the firearm to a proper sight picture within the allotted time, ensuring the draw stroke itself is efficient and accurate, without necessarily pressing the trigger.

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