Reflexes are an interest of mine as well. I know that decreased serum magnesium increases deep tendon reflexes. I have always wondered if it increases all polysynaptic efferent reflexive actions as well (such as the fast draw). I hypothesize that it should. While I wouldn’t suggest inducing hypomagnesemia, I would suggest that, all else being equal, a gun slinger with a serum magnesium level in the low end of normal (around 1.6 mEq/ml) would be quicker than a gun slinger with a serum magnesium level in the high end of normal (around 2.4 mEq/ml. Furthermore, I would speculate that reflexes occuring in the presence of a heightened sympathetic nervous state i.e. “an adrenalin rush” would be quicker than a reflexive action occuring during a period of heightened parasympathetic nervous state (such as shortly after having eaten a large meal). As such, I would further hypothesize that a degree of hunger would facilitate increased reflexes. This would be further promoted by ingestion of any chemicals that stimulate sympathetic activity (red bull, Pseudoephedrine, epinepherine, etc.).
Thank you for the info for study! During the summer to come (high altitude here), I’ll give a little more attention to diet and pre-range activities. Some younger folks will also most likely be fine with making and sharing some notes.
For all readers:
...little word of emphasis here for anyone considering single action. If you’re not playing with wax loads for speed, don’t put your thumb or anything else in front of that hammer before the piece is out of the holster and moving forward. The forefinger doesn’t need to be inside the trigger guard before the revolver is out of the holster either. Don’t follow the “quick draw” or “fast draw” artists while using real ammunition.
That said, one can pull and hit and hit targets as fast as greased owl doo-doo after a year or two of safe practice. Do start very slowly, executing each safe step very consciously, and continue working that way indefinitely. Speed will come in due time. ...takes a couple of years, maybe, and probably about 2,500 loads to see much improvement. And if handloading, do quality control obsessively! Use bright, overhead light to double-check every case against double charges before seating bullets. Use at least two manuals and at least a chronograph to develop safe loads, hearing protectors, eye protection, range rules, etc. Have fun.
Oh. And build a backdrop that will catch all of the lead to keep the cattle from eating it. ;-) ...saves money, too.
And BTW, here, reaction time study will only be done during dry fire with triple safety checks, light, fast burning powder and/or wax loads. ...too dangerous with lead.
Oops...and wax loads. ...no or.