Abstract: A distribution indexing device (50, 60) is attachable to bowling pin-setting machines and replaces certain mechanical components within the distributing mechanism (10) that are prone to wear and require constant maintenance. The device (50, 60) includes a drive structure (50) and an electrical contact structure (60). The drive structure (50) is attachable to the distributing mechanism (10) such that a drive gear (54) engages an indexing gear (42). The contact structure (60) includes two contacts (64, 66), one (64) that is attachable to a stationary component (15) of the distributing mechanism (10) and one (66) that is attachable to a moving component (26) of the distributing mechanism (10). As a bowling pin (P) is lowered into a pin magazine (4) by trip arms (22), the arms (22) cause the movable contact (66) to engage the stationary contact (64), thus generating an electrical signal to the drive structure (50).