iTarget, LaserHIT , MantisX, Strikeman....Which laser dry fire training system is good?

[Target]

I've searched but have not found much info here on dry fire laser training systems.
I see that some of you have an iTarget, someone had a MantisX system....

What is a decent system for training in my basement?
What distance does the target need to be from the firing line?

I seem to recall that the MantisX was not very good.

Looks like they run $55 ( Aviators Tactical on Ebay) $99 for the iTarget , and up.
Many of the cartridges look to be identical.

$100 is about the cost of two boxes of ammo nowdays, so seems to be worth it.

Which ones should I avoid? Which ones do you guys have and like?

 

[Edwardteach72]

Mantis X is supposed to be awesome

 

[fnfalguy]

I like my Mantis X setup. I've also used free software called shootoff and it was a fun setup. PITA to get working, but offers alot.

 

[alistair]

I have the Targetize.

 

[tlj000]

I think the MantisX is great. If you move the gun the slightest bit as you pull the trigger it will show it.
I think the lasers could introduce a bad habit. If your looking to see where the laser hits, your not focusing on your front site

 

[Jem45472]

I haven't looked at options in quite a few years and because of this thread I found this. Seems to be brand new, and looks like alot of fun. Keep in mind, I already have a projector home theater setup. Pair this with the mantisx, and you'd have a really useful, fun set up. I think I'm going to give it a try.

 

[Edwardteach72]

350 bucks

CoolFireTrainer | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Drop-in recoiling barrel engineered for YOUR handgun. The Future of Dry Fire.

linktr.ee

 

[Jem45472]

I like my Mantis X setup. I've also used free software called shootoff and it was a fun setup. PITA to get working, but offers alot.

How long since you have used shootoff? I was thinking of trying it, but after searching, it's been out of development for a while. Appears to have issues with the latest operating systems and updates. What PC specs did you have it running on? If it's going to be a big pain in the ass I might save myself the frustration.

 

[fnfalguy]

@Jem45472
It’s probably been a year and a half since I updated the software, so it’s an older version. Was using a serious laptop (Alienware) for it, but that was more driven by the fact that it was the laptop I had. Never tried installing it on other machines. The calibration is what drove me nuts initially.

I haven’t used it in quite a while, but was planning on it this winter.

 

[Jem45472]

Well thanks to this post I went and bought a handful of new toys. I bought both versions of the crackshot app, two 9mm laser cartridges, a 12 gauge cartridge for the Mossberg, and a sirt ar15 bolt. Might as well have some fun while ammo prices are through the roof.

 

[fnfalguy]

Let me know how that sirt bolt is. Been curious.

 

[Jem45472]

Let me know how that sirt bolt is. Been curious.

I will, website says they are backed up so I might not have it for a while. This is the creator of the the crackshot apps I bought doing a review on it. This video is why I decided to go for it instead of the mantisx Blackbeard bolt.

Also, the crackshot apps are brand new, so you won't find any reviews yet. I managed to find one buried at arfcom from a user who has it and also shootoff. He stated it's hands down better in every way than shootoff.

 

[fnfalguy]

@Jem45472 thanks for posting that. I may order crackshot later today and give it a try

 

[Jem45472]

@Jem45472 thanks for posting that. I may order crackshot later today and give it a try

There are two versions. One for shooting at targets on wall, the other is for projector only.

 

[fnfalguy]

There are two versions. One for shooting at targets on wall, the other is for projector only.

saw that and it created a small dilemma. It appears the lower priced one does shot timer type stuff as an option, which I am more interested in for training, however, I do want to use my projector setup which appears to be the other version, which doesn’t seem like it offers the shot timer options.

if you can find it, can you send me the link to the ar15 review?

 

[Jem45472]

saw that and it created a small dilemma. It appears the lower priced one does shot timer type stuff as an option, which I am more interested in for training, however, I do want to use my projector setup which appears to be the other version, which doesn’t seem like it offers the shot timer options.

if you can find it, can you send me the link to the ar15 review?

Look up the "laserHit" app. It's free and will do what you want. Also gsight Laser training pro.

 

[Jem45472]

@Jem45472 thanks for posting that. I may order crackshot later today and give it a try

I don't have a webcam, but when I get one, I believe you can use use an Android emulator on PC called "BlueStacks" to run the crackshot app for a more permanent type install instead of using the phone all the time. I tested it today and the app works on the PC, I just don't have a camera right now.

 

[Jem45472]

saw that and it created a small dilemma. It appears the lower priced one does shot timer type stuff as an option, which I am more interested in for training, however, I do want to use my projector setup which appears to be the other version, which doesn’t seem like it offers the shot timer options.

if you can find it, can you send me the link to the ar15 review?

He has another projector simulator in the works. This is the one you want when it's finished.

 

[fnfalguy]

Thx again. I believe that is the one I’ll wait to purchase to try.

 

[Jem45472]

saw that and it created a small dilemma. It appears the lower priced one does shot timer type stuff as an option, which I am more interested in for training, however, I do want to use my projector setup which appears to be the other version, which doesn’t seem like it offers the shot timer options.

if you can find it, can you send me the link to the ar15 review?

Found it.
Laser Training dryfire app for phones - AR15.COM

 

[Jem45472]

Ok, a quick test of using the crackshot app on PC. I'm using BlueStacks Android emulator, and a webcam instead of the phone and camera like the app was designed to be used. Have some more playing around to do, but it's working.

Running it this way allows for a permanent set up, instead of using a phone on a tripod.

These targets on screen are about 6", and I'm 20' away. Using my sig p229 in double action.

 

[Jem45472]

Let me know how that sirt bolt is. Been curious.

Sirt bolt came in today and doesn't work.

Gonna have to send it back and get a replacement.

 

[Jem45472]

My mistake. Talked to cs, I wasn't pressing the activation button hard enough. The bolt works fine. Now I have to see if it will work with my timney trigger or not.

 

[Jem45472]

So as not to derail, all of my posts from here on can be found here.

My dryfire set up.

 

[MikeyCNY]

After perusing threads all weekend I decided to ask for this for Christmas -

Amazon.com : LaserLyte trainer target Steel Tyme with PLINKING STEEL sound Laser Trainer Compact Size GLOCK 43 familiar size weight and feel RESETTING TRIGGER training with this system will make you better : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : LaserLyte trainer target Steel Tyme with PLINKING STEEL sound Laser Trainer Compact Size GLOCK 43 familiar size weight and feel RESETTING TRIGGER training with this system will make you better : Sports & Outdoors

smile.amazon.com

(doesn't ship until Jan.. oh well)

I'll still grab a laser cartridge to practice with my real guns, but since I don't have any DA-only guns I'd have to rack the slide each time. That would be a bad habit to pick up.

I considered the MantisX, but I don't like asking for expensive things.. I'd rather just get them myself. My wife is the same way.

I already have a DryFireMag that I don't use often enough, and just stumbled upon this - DryFireMag with MantisX for Smith&Wesson* M&P® Stock and Apex trigger compatible - DryFireMag

That looks really cool.. almost tempted to change my Christmas "want" - however I have more 9mm guns than just M&Ps (M&P Shield and SIG 365XL for starters) so I wanted to be able to practice with the gun of my choice (with the laser cartridge anyway). Especially with the 365XL as it has an optic mounted and I need more practice with that. I wonder if it is worth getting a cheap TRS-25 and gluing it to the blue laser gun...

 

[MikeyCNY]

I swear I'm getting adult ADHD.. I changed my "want" to a SIRT pistol, even if it is more expensive than that above - it looks to be a higher quality and more realistic acting (magazines drop, sights can be changed, even trigger is adjustable - even a fake RMR to put on). They make an M&P one but it almost costs as much as a real M&P.

Think I'll be getting a Glock SIRT pistol - there are several free and pay-for apps listed above I can use in place of the cheap-looking laser-reactive targets. And I'll still get a laser bullet cartridge for working with my carry guns.

I might look into the projector route - could set up a system in the basement.

 

[fnfalguy]

I have the sirt and prefer it to the mantis I have, fwiw.

 

[Saltwater60]

I’ve seen these dry fire mags and I have some one that could make me one how does it reset the trigger without racking the slide. I really like this concept of a resettable trigger on my actual carry gun.

 

[MikeyCNY]

I’ve seen these dry fire mags and I have some one that could make me one how does it reset the trigger without racking the slide. I really like this concept of a resettable trigger on my actual carry gun.

It has a spring built in. I have one for my M&Ps (the one I have doesn't work with Apex internals, it seems the new version DOES) - the trigger feels a little different than factory but it's still very good for dry fire. It's great not having to rack the slide. If they could come up with one with a built in laser it be awesome. (not the MantisX one, but one to work with all of these different dry fire apps)

 

[Dietcoke1953]

Ok, a quick test of using the crackshot app on PC. I'm using BlueStacks Android emulator, and a webcam instead of the phone and camera like the app was designed to be used. Have some more playing around to do, but it's working.

Running it this way allows for a permanent set up, instead of using a phone on a tripod.

These targets on screen are about 6", and I'm 20' away. Using my sig p229 in double action.

How did you get the app off of your phone and onto your computer? I have a laptop, projector, and high speed camera that I use with my Laser-Ammo Smokeless Range and want to do what you are doing.