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Not actually Erin. Used with permission. |
David has talked about the importance of dry fire for marksmanship, and I agree with that position. If you carry a firearm as a self-defense prep, then you must ensure that all of your shots go where you need them to go if you ever shoot in defense of yourself or another. Unless you're law enforcement, you aren't protected under qualified immunity if you miss your target and hit an innocent person; regular folks like you and I are legally responsible for every bullet that leaves our gun.
David also reviewed the Mantis X3 dry fire system, which has the benefit of enabling the user to practice with their own firearm. However, as he observed, any gun which uses a striker rather than an external hammer will require either working the slide between shots or the purchase of specialty dry fire magazines, which are both expensive and only fit a limited selection of firearm models (Glock seems to be universal, followed by Sig Sauer and S&W M&P).
Another solution to this dilemma is to purchase a recoil-enabled training pistol from Laser Ammo. I have the Gen 5 Glock 19 version with infrared laser, so my review will focus on that, although I assume that the other Laser Ammo guns (Glock 17, 1911 and Sig Sauer M17, M18, P320) function similarly.
Comparisons With Reality
Built on the chassis of an Umarex airsoft Glock 19, these training pistols function exactly like a Glock 19 with the sole exception of being unable to fire bullets: the trigger safety functions the same way, the slide reciprocates and can be locked back, magazines are loaded and ejected identically, and it can even be field-stripped in exactly the same manner as its real counterpart.
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It's also worth noting that a proper Glock magazine will not seat inside this trainer. I have several, and they all encounter friction resistance about halfway in. It's possible to force the magazine in further, but it stops well before the slide can engage the ammunition. Only airsoft magazines will fully seat inside this trainer.
As a point of curiosity, an unfilled Umarex magazine for the airsoft Glock 19 weighs about as much as a real and loaded Glock 17 magazine, and more than a real and loaded Glock 19 magazine. I'm not sure why this is, but it does mean that magazines on this laser trainer drop free cleanly.
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| https://amzn.to/4gEtEpF |
Speaking of weight, the Laser Ammo G19 weighs less than an unloaded Glock 26. This will become somewhat relevant later.
Operation
Because this laser trainer is so similar to the Glock 19, the manual of arms is almost exactly the same. The two exceptions are that the slide doesn't need to be racked for it to function (although I find myself doing that anyway), and the magazine is filled with green gas from a pressurized can.
I specifically chose a green gas (essentially propane without the smell and with silicone oil added for lubrication) trainer over CO2 because of price. According to this source, green gas is more cost-efficient and is easier on the gun because it has reduced recoil. This allows the user to practice more often without worrying about hand fatigue from recoil, although there's enough recoil that it's easy to lose your sight picture without sufficient control and practice.
As an indication of its recoil and the amount of noise it makes -- best described as a sharp snapping sound, akin to a stapler gun -- I asked my 85-year-old mother to give it a try. Despite the arthritis in her hands, the recoil wasn't too much for her, nor was the noise harmful to her ears.
To my mind that makes this product ideal for teaching firearm safety to children and hesitant adults:
- The light weight makes it easier to lift and use.
- The similar manual of arms makes it possible to teach safe firearm handling without using a real gun, and with more function than a dummy gun.
- The mild noise means it can be used indoors. (I would suggest a well-ventilated area, as after a magazine's worth of shots are fired the smell of the green gas is noticeable. I don't find it objectionable, although some might.)
- The gentle recoil means that children, the elderly, and anyone with an injury can use this product without discomfort.
In fact, using this as an instruction tool is the main reason I bought it. The fact that it helps me with my shooting is a welcome secondary benefit.
Red vs. Infrared
Laser Ammo offers two types of lasers on its trainers: visible red lasers and invisible infrared. They both have benefits and drawbacks. The red laser is less expensive, and you get immediate feedback about where you hit. On the other hand, many shooters end up "chasing the dot" rather than focusing on their technique. The infrared is the reverse, being more expensive (but only by about $20) and lacking the immediate feedback, but allowing the user to concentrate on sight picture rather than "I saw the dot go down and left, so I need to aim up and right to fix that."
Pick whichever one best suits your needs. I went with infrared because I already have a visible red laser trainer from LaserLyte (reviewed here, available from Amazon for $141).
Targets
Regardless of which you choose, you'll need some kind of target to register your shots. I use the LaserLyte Score Tyme ($214 from Amazon, reviewed here) which I acquired 10 years ago; it still works great, and I'm happy to report that it registers hits from infrared lasers just as well as from red.
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Another option is the LaserPET (Personal Electronic Target), also from Laser Ammo. At $70 it's much less expensive than the Score Tyme, and it's also a lot more portable (2.25" x 5.25" x 0.75", takes 2 AAA batteries).
In terms of functionality, the LaserPET is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it doesn't show you where you hit like the Score Tyme does, only if you hit or not. If you're like me and you get validation from seeing tight groups, that's a drawback. On the other hand, the LaserPET has more modes (hit counter, shot timer, timed burst shooting, and double tap) and also comes with inserts which restrict the shot window. For example, you can shoot a 1" or 1/2" aperture if you like punishing yourself want a challenge.
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| The 1/2" aperture insert |
I contacted Laser Ammo to ask about the size ratio of this target and was told that 1 foot away from the PET equals 3 feet away from a full size target. This is likely only of use when shooting at the B-27 silhouette target, but I thought it was an interesting fact.
My feeling is that the Score Tyme is better for new shooters and the LaserPET is better for experienced shooters, especially those who want to dry fire while away from home.
The Price: $$$
Unfortunately, there's just no getting around the biggest drawback, which is its price. At over $400, these laser trainers cost as much as a good used gun and are approaching new gun prices, and that's before you add the cost of a laser-sensing target. Some people may balk at these prices, and I can't blame them. I bought mine specifically for my work with Operation Blazing Sword, and as a combination instruction tool and dry fire trainer it's fantastic. This is a good tool for anyone who teaches people how to handle firearms; for everyone else, it's likely too expensive and you should get a Mantis X3 instead. (Although, fun fact: the Laser Ammo G19 has an accessory rail on it just like a proper Glock 19, so you could also mount a Mantis on it for maximum training efficiency.)
There's also the drawback that, much like the dry fire magazines, Laser Ammo only has a small amount of brands available. If you don't shoot a 1911, a Glock 17 or 19, or a Sig P320, you aren't practicing with your carry pistol. I chose a Glock because it's still the most popular and prevalent pistol in the world, and because I have familiarity with the platform because I own a G26.
My Rating: Well, It Depends
Are you someone who dry fires a lot, either because you need to shoot professionally or because you want to shoot really well? If you shoot one of the guns that Laser Ammo makes trainers for, then this product is definitely for you because of the feedback and the identical manual of arms. 10/10
Do you want more realism in your dry fire practice? This will give you that, but perhaps it's not the best use of your funds, especially if you don't have a lot of money to throw around. On the other hand, it's cheaper than ammunition, range fees, and gas to the shooting range and back. I'll say 8/10, because it's not for everyone, mainly due to the initial cost. That said, once you get it set up you're liable to really like it, so I don't think there will be much buyer's remorse.
Are you just really annoyed by having to rack the side while dry firing and want a better way to do it? Don't get this. Instead, get a LaserLyte emitter and the LaserPET target. This will give you all the benefits of dry fire practice for half the price (about $211 total).
Do you teach people how to safely operate firearms? 10/10 due to its functionality and its ability to teach at someone's home rather than going to a range.
Dear FTC: I bought these products. Go away.
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