WHAT ARE THE BEST DRY FIRE TRAINING SYSTEMS?
You’ve decided that it’s time to take your training to the next level. You don’t want to keep making holes to the low left of your target. So you’re getting into dry fire practice. Without feedback on your dry fire training, it’s incredibly boring and it’s hard to know if you’re improving or just building up training scars from bad habits.
There are a lot of dry fire training systems out there, but it can be confusing to figure out which one works best for your needs. It’s with that in mind that we compare different dry fire systems here.
Why Mantis Among Competitors?
Many dry fire training aids are laser based – they fire a laser instead of real ammunition when you pull the trigger, or when the hammer/striker hits an insert. The laser marks your shot on the target, is reusable, and can be used inside your house. What’s the best laser dry fire training system? You have many options. Laser bullets made by Mantis, iTarget Pro, G-Sight, Laser Ammo, LaserLyte and others drop into your chamber and are great tools to help you use your own gun in dry fire practice.
Several companies make laser-training pistols, too. Next Level Training's SIRT pistol is meant to replicate the weight, shape, and grip of common pistols such as Glock and S&W M&P Shield. LaserLyte also makes a laser pistol, though not in the identical shape to common pistols. These are great for replicating your training in a safe, dry training environment and useful in a large set of drills.
Our Dry Fire Approach
MantisX takes a unique approach to dry fire training. The MantisX sensor does not use a laser. Instead, it mounts on the rail of your firearm and watches your movements as you press the trigger. Using powerful gyroscopes and accelerometers, it analyzes everything before, during, and after the shot. If you are flinching, slapping the trigger, or anticipating recoil, the MantisX can feel your movement and will give you instant feedback through the free app. This makes the MantisX arguably the best dry fire training system.
CHOOSING THE BEST DRY FIRE TRAINER FOR YOU
| Live Ammo | Laser training guns | Laser Bullets | MantisX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ∞ | $300+ | $80-90 | $99-$249 |
| Dry Practice |
|
|
| |
| Live Fire Training |
|
| ||
| With Your Own Gun |
|
|
| |
| Real-time Feedback |
|
|
|
|
| Tracks Progress over Time | depends |
| ||
| Easy Set-up | depends | depends |
| |
| Built-in Shot Timer |
| |||
| Works in Any Lighting |
| |||
| Works at Any Distance |
| |||
| Promotes Front Sight Focus |
| |||
| Muzzle Trace Before and After Shot |
| |||
| Train from the Holster |
|
|
|
|
| Works with CO2 Pistols |
| |||
| Built-in Coaching Tips | depends |
| ||
| Works on any Gun and Caliber |
|
When thinking about which firearms training system would be best for you, ask yourself these questions.
- Dry Practice - Does this aid improve the dry practice experience?
- Live Fire Training - Can you use this aid with real ammunition and recoil?
- With Your Own Gun - Can you use this aid to train with your own grips, sights, and trigger?
- Real-time Feedback - Does this aid give you actual analysis of your shooting or does it require you to self-analyze?
- Tracks Progress over Time - Can you use this aid to see how well you are improving, and what you need to work on still?
- Easy to Set Up - Is the aid portable and easy to set up/put away?
- Built in Shot Timer - Does this aid let you train with a built in shot timer?
- Works in Any Lighting - Do you have to worry about the lighting with this training aid?
- Works at Any Distance - Does this training aid have any special targets for you to worry about or only work at a specified distance?
- Promotes Front Sight Focus – Can I focus on my front sight or do I have to watch my target to get feedback?
- Muzzle Trace Before and After Shot – Does this aid show me a trace of how exactly I flinched the gun?
- Training from the Holster - Can you train on drawing from the holster with this aid?
- Works with CO2 Pistols - Can you use this training aid with simulated recoil and airsoft weapons?
- Built-in Coaching Tips – Does this training aid give recommendations on how I can improve my precision?
FAQs
How important is dry fire training?
Dry fire training is a highly effective way to improve your shooting skills without the cost and logistics of live ammunition. It allows you to focus on fundamentals like trigger control, grip, and sight alignment, building muscle memory and confidence over time. Many experts consider it essential for honing precision and maintaining skills between live fire sessions.
How many times should I dry fire?
The frequency of dry fire practice depends on your goals and experience level, but most shooters benefit from a few sessions per week, with each session lasting 10-15 minutes. Consistency is key, so short, regular sessions are often more beneficial than sporadic, longer sessions. Over time, this repetition helps reinforce proper technique.
How does the MantisX Trainer work?
The MantisX Trainer is a digital device that attaches to your firearm and tracks movement during dry fire training practice. It uses sensors to provide real-time feedback and analysis on factors like trigger pull and stability. Paired with a smartphone app, it delivers data-driven insights, helping you pinpoint areas for improvement and track progress over time.
