Mantis Blog

Learn how courses in the MantisX Pistol/Rifle app help shooters build skills through progressive challenge-based training. From pistol and rifle marksmanship to concealed carry and BlackbeardX courses, this guide explains how courses work, what skills they develop, and how you can earn collectible patches while improving your shooting performance.

What if you could see exactly how your training is improving? Checkout the latest MantisX Pistol/Rifle app update!  It adds a new Basic BlackbeardX course and powerful course summaries to help you train smarter.

Most shooters train at the range with optimized gear, but real-world self-defense happens from concealed carry. This article explains why practicing from concealment—clearing garments, drawing efficiently, and building repeatable skills—is critical to performance when it matters most. Learn how to align your range training with everyday carry, develop reliable “on-demand” skills, and measure your progress to ensure you’re truly prepared beyond the range.

Curious what the Recoilmeter drill on the Mantis X10 Elite actually does? This article breaks down its four key recoil metrics and explains how to use that data in decision making. From comparing firearms and ammunition to refining grip and fundamentals, Recoilmeter provides objective insights that go beyond what you can see or feel, helping you make smarter, data-driven decisions in both training and gear selection.

Let's review key differences between strong side and appendix carry, including holster types, draw techniques, and safety considerations. This guide breaks down the “where, why, and how” of concealed carry to help you choose the best pistol placement for your body type, comfort, and performance—whether for competition or self-defense.

A holster does much more than simply “hold a gun.” The right holster keeps the firearm secure, protects the trigger from unintended contact, and allows the user to safely access the pistol when it matters most. From concealed inside-the-waistband options to open carry setups, the design, material, retention system, and placement all play a role in how effectively a holster performs its job. Understanding the core qualities of a safe, reliable holster—such as full trigger guard coverage, secure mounting, proper retention, and the ability to establish a full firing grip—can help narrow down the overwhelming number of options on the market and ensure the holster you choose is truly fit for its purpose.

Discover how the Groups feature in the MantisX Pistol/Rifle app boosts motivation through accountability, competition, and weekly goals. From following shooters to running group challenges, it’s a powerful tool for friends, instructors, and ranges to turn good intentions into consistent training.

Well thought out dry fire practice will incorporate elements from both static and dynamic shooting.  A training regime should reinforce existing strong skills and refine weak ones, bringing them up to par with the strong ones.

Progress in training doesn’t come from staying comfortable—it comes from embracing the struggle. This article explores how mindset shapes learning, why failure is a part of skill development, and how concepts like spacing, interleaving, and self-testing accelerate improvement. By shifting focus from scores and outcomes to process, benchmarks, and deliberate practice, shooters can break through plateaus, train more effectively, and turn “bad reps” into meaningful progress.