H3: How do I improve AR-15 shooting?

Dry fire laser training with Blackbeard is an effective and safe way to improve your accuracy, aim, speed, and overall marksmanship skills whether shooting an AR-15 or other gun.

Is dry fire training effective?

Yes. Dry fire training is an extremely effective method of improving your shooting skills. Specifically, it can enhance muscle memory, improve accuracy, increase confidence, and more.

What comes with dry fire training systems?

The Mantis Blackbeard dry fire training system comes with the Blackbeard Bolt Carrier Group (for DI and Piston driven AR-15) and the Blackbeard AR15 Magazine Powerbank. These are a drop-in Bolt Carrier Group + magazines that works with your existing trigger, NOT a drop-in trigger kit that you can swap with your trigger.

How do I make the most out of dry fire training?

There are a number of ways to get more out of every dry fire training system. Some tips include: • Set clear goals • Create a routine • Use realistic targets • Incorporate movement • Track progress • Always follow gun safety best-practices

How do I get better out shooting a rifle?

The Blackbeard laser dry fire training system is designed for use with AR-15 guns. The MantisX is designed for use with all guns. If you’re looking to improve your rifle-shooting performance, we recommend the MantisX.

Mantis Laser Academy vs Strikeman vs iTarget vs G-Sight vs LaserHIT

Laser-based smartphone training apps have become a popular way for shooters to get their dry fire training reps in, thanks in no small part to their versatility, convenience, and, let’s be honest: the entertainment factor. Dry fire training doesn’t need to be dry work, and with the aid of these systems you can sharpen a variety of your shooting skills in a more engaging way; here, we’re going to look at what separates the top contenders in the segment.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

	Laser Academy	iTarget	G-Sight	LaserHIT	Strikeman
MSRP Range	$99.00 - $159.00	$99.95	$110.00 - $150.00	$87.00 - $159.00	$99.00
Additional Laser Cartridge	$39.97	$59.95	$85.00	$59.99	$59.99

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Though similar in price, there are variances, and in regards to what we’ll call “modes”, all offer the ability to fire at a target, so no surprises there. If you’re looking for more than leisurely popping shots during commercial breaks though, then value will be found in the additional modes and updates for each.

APP FEATURES

	Laser Academy	iTarget	G-Sight	LaserHIT	Strikeman
Modes with Purchase of Kit	12	1	1	1	1
Additional Paid Modes/Drills	Future modes complimentary with purchase	1	2	1	0
Additional Cost per Modes/Drill	$4.99	$4.99	$4.99	$9.99	N/A
Store History/Track Progress	Yes	No	No	No	Yes

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Laser Academy

When you purchase a Laser Academy kit (either Standard or Portable) you unlock not only all available modes but also future releases.

The four modes that come with a free download though are:

Open Training: Basic target shooting with scoring and the ability to store sessions to track your progress.
Shot From Guard/Low Ready: Starting from a prompt, this mode times your shot and tracks accuracy.
Duel - Single Shot: You versus your training partner. Who’s the fastest draw that can also land a shot on-target?
Bullseye 5-shot: Five shots, scored for accuracy and time. Compete against yourself, working for increased scoring as you progress.

As mentioned, Laser Academy will continue to add modes, so kit owners will automatically have them. added, while free app users can purchase modes à la carte.

iTarget Pro

The iTargetPro app comes with a basic target shooting mode that tracks your shots and provides a score for your session. You can download your sessions yourself if you’re interested in tracking your progress, but the app itself does not do this for you.

G-Sight

As with iTarget, G-Sight comes with a singular mode that allows you to practice target shooting with visual feedback, showing where shots landed.

LaserHIT

Two modes are available with your purchase:

Black Steel: This is the basic target practice mode, using silhouettes. Progress tracking requires manually taking screenshots.
Free Target: Create your own physical target, set it up through the app, and it’ll track where your shots land.

Strikeman

Strikeman offers a single, open training mode, similar to iTarget and G-Sight, unlike those two apps though, Strikeman offers a built-in history section where you can track progress.

Customer Support for Each System

	Laser Academy	iTarget	G-Sight	LaserHIT	Strikeman
Contact	Phone + Email	Email	Email	Email	Email
Company Location	U.S.	U.S.	U.S./China	U.S./China	U.S./Canada

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The question of ongoing support will likely only affect those who view their purchase as something more than useful entertainment, but even should you fall into that group, it can still be comforting to know that help is only a phone call away. Whether you’re having an issue or simply a question regarding functionality, it’s preferable to go directly to the source for an answer.

CONCLUSION

All the above systems will help you improve your shooting ability, provided you put in the work. Through repetition and the feedback that each delivers, you’ll see improved control and proficiency with your weapon. As far as which one is right for you, from initial bang for your buck to ongoing support and future updates that allow it to stay fresh and grow with you, Mantis’ Laser Academy looks to be the smart buy.

Don’t just take our word for it though, the opinions of those who have already made their purchase tells more of the story.

*Updated 12/10/2020	Laser Academy	iTarget	G-Sight	LaserHIT	Strikeman
Android	4.6	3.6	3.9	3.3	2.8
iOS	4.5	3.4	3.4	3.9	3.0

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