DescentBB

How would I setup my Sidewinder Precision Pro's r-axis (twist) to make my ship turn left and right in D3?

go to pilots -> controller setup -> joystick/mouse -> click the turn button where it says "x-axis" per dafault, turn the r-axis.
instead of x-axis it should say now r-axis.

well that changed my heading. is there anyway to use both the x-axis and also use the r-axis for turning. it is annoying that i can only be used for banking or heading, or so it seems

i'm afraid i don't understand what you actually want to turn, since everything that's rotating is referred to as turning.
but you can assign two axes to one control, just use both slots (the 2nd button next to it). it should say "x-axis" and "r-axis" then, for instance.

i can send you a pic if necessary.

Please don't use this config. Fatal made this one famous back at the 50K tourney, but believe me, it's a fast track to Occupational Over-use Syndrome (OOS, RSI, whatever you call it over there).

If you wish to ruin your wrists, and suffer major tendonitis in double-quick time, then by all means, please go ahead.