Use an xbox controller with MAME for light gun games

I'm still interested in the real answer to this question, but in the end, I just found a controller that works.

For anyone else who really wants to do this, keep trying different controllers until you find one that works. I recommend quality console controllers (gamecube, PS2, xbox) if you already have them, connected using USB adapters, or cheap USB gamepads from eBay.

The one that worked for me cost about $7 (bought from wholesaler xinga.com years ago but try ebay etc). It's a semi-transparent (purple) chinese knock-off of the standard PlayStation 2 dualshock controller. Windows recognises it as "PS converter", so the electronics are probably identical to USB PlayStation 2 controller adapters sold by the same company (and many/most other companies, probably).

One of the things I liked most about some of the Gran Turismo games is that they let you use both Playstation analog sticks (the left to steer, and the right for forward and reverse acceleration). I'm not sure if the games you're playing have an option for that, but I'd try it and practice that way for a bit. I find that it not only centers your hands better on the controller (i.e. your right hand isn't moving the left stick when you hit the accelerate button a bit too hard), but that acceleration and braking are much, much smoother.

It might not be the same problem, but most of my turning problems were solved by smoother acceleration and braking into the turns, not by the actual steering itself. Give it a shot if you have the option.

Other than that suggestion, try to practice not tapping the sticks so much, but keeping pressure on them at all times. When you start to initiate a turn, give yourself enough time to decelerate and gradually and smoothly steer toward the straightest exit through the curve rather than hammering the stick at the last second. Knowing the course really helps here, since your hands will start to remember what they're supposed to do at any given point.

I suppose that's pretty general, but I hope there's something useful in there for ya.