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 practice (aka 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, so we thought we’d compare them for you.  

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.  Laser bullets made by 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.  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.

MantisX is 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.

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?