Expansion of the BlackbeardX Line: Now for AR-10, FN SCAR Light, and FN SCAR Heavy

In 2022 Mantis won the NRA Golden Bullseye Award for Accessory of the Year with the original Blackbeard Auto-Resetting Trigger System for the AR-15.  However we knew this was just the start, we could super charge rifle dryfire training by combining our flagship product MantisX with Blackbeard.  This not only unlocked our standard MantisX analysis on trigger press but also introduced a whole new in-depth dynamic shooting analysis, creating a smart version called BlackbeardX.

The BlackbeardX has been so popular and well received that we knew we had to expand compatibility and make the training system available for more than just the AR-15.  In 2023 Mantis partnered with Sig SAUER to create a BlackbeardX for the MCX.   Our engineering team didn’t stop there though, they have continued to develop variants at the request of users, manufacturers, and militaries around the world.  

Mantis has been hard at work and is proud to announce that BlackbeardX is now available for the AR-10, FN SCAR Light, and FN SCAR Heavy platforms.

What is BlackbeardX?

BlackbeardX replaces the bolt carrier group and charging handle with a single molded unit, and uses a smart magazine powerbank.  This means that target practice occurs with the shooter's exact setup, including the same trigger press and reset, while showing point of impact by laser.  Plus it installs in seconds and removes the need to run the charging handle, giving dryfire practice a realistic feel.

While the hardware itself is doing the brilliant job of resetting the trigger, the smart magazine is connected to our MantisX Pistol/Rifle training app to analyze shooter technique and give meaningful insights and feedback.  The BlackbeardX unit unlocks the BBX Dynamics section in the app with multi-target drills.  These drills give you an in-depth dynamic shooting analysis that shows your efficiency in high-speed multi-target engagement, your economy of motion across multiple dimensions, and real-time feedback on where and how you can improve your dynamic shooting.

Multi-target engagement drills show an overall efficiency score, as well as a breakdown of 3 other scoring dimensions, transition path, over-travel, and on-target delay.

Drills and Courses

The rifle section of the app has 22 Standard Drills plus a Rifle Daily Challenge to choose from and concentrates on trigger press analysis.  With the auto resetting trigger shooters can dryfire at home or on the range and not only see the laser impact point on the target but get feedback on muzzle movement, trigger press technique, and shot timer data.  The Standard Drills include skill based drills like reloads, cadence, and position work, as well as cognitive load decision and speed based drills.

The BBX Dynamics section has 11 drills and is divided into transition and plate drills.  Each of these are multi-target engagement drills with an emphasis on speed.  The efficiency at which the course of fire is completed is scored along with the aforementioned breakdown of transition path, over-travel, and on-target delay.  Users can also replay the muzzle trace showing a color coded version of how the shooter moved through the course of fire.  From here a user can discern where in their technique they can polish for a more efficient course of fire.  Additionally the user can change the trace to a heat map, see phase times and compare shot to shot across multiple sessions.

Of course both Standard Drills and BBX Dynamics also have an open training version where users can train any way they want, using the Drill settings icon at the start of each drill to configure the training session.

Rifle also has courses that escalate in difficulty and push a shooter to test and improve their skills.  These courses are a great way to have a preset training regimen, test your skills, and master a new rifle setup.  Plus each shooter who completes a course gets an awesome free patch as a reward for their hard work.  

Keep an eye out for updates to the app, we are constantly updating it with new features, drills and courses.

Other Uses for BlackbeardX

While connecting BlackbeardX to the app and running drills in it will give you valuable feedback, it isn’t the only way the system can be used.

BlackbeardX makes the rifle completely inert and safe while also producing a laser point of impact making it perfect for non-live fire training applications.

Those who are new to the rifle platform can benefit from being able to learn how to safely operate a rifle and use the optic system through dryfire while not becoming confused or creating training scars.

Shooters can use BlackbeardX to go through shoot houses, learning how to clear rooms, work in teams and execute tactics in a safe but realistic manner.  Being able to utilize the actual firearm that will be used in live fire gives users an advantage in training since they can work through the course perfectly and smooth out the learning curve

This system is also great for force on force training, allowing real guns to be used but always showing safety red through the open dust cover and red magazine.  The realism of the scenario is upgraded and shooters get more immersed in the scene.

Get Your BlackbeardX Today