FREE GUN FRIDAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Target, Caldwell Target and a Viktos gift certificate! Close You can have the most advanced gear in the world, but it won’t make up for the lack of proficiency you have if your don’t practice. Regular training is the only way to achieve this. It’s not easy to train as often as you’d like. There are many factors to consider: time to get away from the computer and get to the range, availability of range facilities, range fees, and rising ammo prices. Dry fire training is the best alternative. RELATED STORY MantisX: The Smartest Personal Pistol Training Systems on the Market The Mantis dry fire training solution The folks at Mantis have been helping out with that for quite some time. Their MantisX training system was what I first encountered at SHOT Show several years ago. This device bolts onto a Picatinny rail. It works with your smartphone to provide feedback on your grip, trigger pull, as well as other aspects of good marksmanship. It can be used as a dry fire trainer, or with live ammunition on the range. It is a great tool for learning. The Mantis Laser Academy is the latest product from Mantis. Mantis Laser Academy: The Mantis Laser Academy allows you to turn any area into a practice area. You don’t have to use a static range, but you can create an interactive one that you can compete with your friends. Let’s take an overview of the contents: Standard Kit Contents: Full access code to Mantis Laser Academy AppPink Rhino lasers in.380,.357 SIG and.40 S&W. or.223/5.56mmComplete Set of 5’x7″‘ Laser Academy smart TargetsComplete Set of 8’x11’’ Laser Academy Smart TargetsMini tripod, smartphone holderLaser cartridge extract stickPortable carrying bag A set of target stand holders My 9mm kit was what I needed for my primary duty and most of my recreational handguns. You can purchase additional Pink Rhino laser inserts for other calibers once you have your dry fire training kit. To supplement the kit, you can also purchase spare targets and target stands. Set up and use It can also be run from an Android Tablet or iPad. The Mantis app will guide you through setup and calibration. Even if you aren’t very tech-savvy, you will be up and running in no matter how long it takes. After ensuring that the weapon’s chamber is empty and that the magazine is removed, the Pink Rhino laser can be press-fitted into the weapon’s barrel. Mantis points out that the Rhino isn’t compatible with the Ruger SR-series or Hi Point pistols. It should work with most models. My 9mm version was used with my Glock 45 and 43X, Beretta M9A1, Walther P1, Scorpion EVO SBR, and Beretta M9A1. It was even compatible with my Ruger Blackhawk’s 9mm cylinder. To take the laser out for storage or to swap between pistols, simply use the wooden dowel provided and slide it down the barrel. The laser will then pop free. You will need a longer dowel, or a cleaning rod for the Scorpion or other Pistol Caliber Carbines. For popping the laser, the single-action Ruger’s Ejector Rod worked perfectly. You can either cock the hammer, or cycle the action between shots with a single-action or striker-fired pistol. Double-action pistols like the Walther or Beretta can be shot double-action. This is what I did most of my time. It’s a good way to practice for the first longer, more difficult pull. It was tedious to cycle the action each time you wanted to reach the loaded chamber with the revolver. You can find a lot of training options in the Laser Academy App and Training Options Mantis. There are basic bullseye programs, ones that time you either from low ready or from your holster, as well as a variety of dueling programs that you can do with a friend, if you have the equipment. There are four options: The free version of Mantis has four training modes: Open Shooting – Single Target: This is basic bullseye shooting. You can also time yourself from low ready or from the holster. Duel – Single Shot: You and your training partner will compete to see who draws the fastest and has the best eye. Bullseye – Five-shot: No prompts, untimed, scores and splits from five-shot rounds. The app will guide you through the process. The app will open when you attach your phone to the tripod or tabletop tripod. Your tablet can be used, but you will need a heavier tripod than the one included in the kit. The calibration screen ensures that your camera can see the target. After you have installed the laser in your pistol you can choose a shooting program from this app. It will guide you through the process. The app will display your hits and score you points for time and points. This setup is extremely portable and easy to set up. My “range” was initially set up in my basement. However, it gets very cold in winter. I moved it to my den, where it is more comfortable to use and warmer. Even though my den isn’t very large, it was big enough to set up everything. I could also use the smaller targets (5×7 inches) to offset the shorter range. If I need more space, I can always back out into the hall. The Striker Fired Handicap Timed drills can be a little difficult with a striker-fired pistol because you have to manually cycle each slide between shots. While you can still improve your time, it will still be slower than firing live ammunition on the range. This isn’t an issue if your primary concern is hitting the targets and trigger control. However, if you are competing against a friend, make sure that you have the same handicap. To cycle the double-action auto, you don’t need to break your firing grip. However, you will need to use the long, heavy DA pull for each shot. Revolver Range Tips Revolvers are great for this system because they index by either cocking or stroking double-action pulls. To make realistic training, you will need to purchase five to six Pink Rhino cartridges. This can add to the cost of your dry fire training system at $39.95 per cartridge. It should still be affordable when compared to the cost of ammo. It is worth noting in the Mantis FAQ that the Laser Academy can also be used with other brands of green or red lasers. You may be able to save money by having other laser units in your arsenal. Is the Mantis Laser Academy worth it? Only you can justify the money you spend on training. The Academy is a great deal at only $149.00, depending on the starter caliber you choose. When you add in ammo and range fees, you’ll find that live-fire training takes a few sessions. The only cost you will have to pay for the Laser Academy is the occasional LR626 replacement. A Pink Rhino cartridge requires 3 batteries. A ten-pack costs around $5 online. The Mantis system allows you to practice with your guns and holsters as well as your sights at any time. It’s easy to get a quick 15 minute session in before, during, or after work. This indoor system can be placed anywhere and used whenever you want. You could even put it in an office or spare room if you work for a security agency or police department. This would allow people to train with it during breaks or training days. It’s a low-cost training system that provides better feedback than dry fire practice. You can not only get the trigger time in, but also build muscle memory. Training is always beneficial, and Mantis Laser Academy makes it easy and affordable. Instead of spending your money on the latest tacticool accessory you can use it to help you use your guns more effectively. Visit MantisX.com for more information. Sign up for the Personal Defense World newsletter today to stay in the loop! Sign up for our newsletter I have read and understood the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy and I hereby accept them. Athlon may collect, store, process, and transfer my Personal Data and Non-Personal Data for the purpose of signing me up for the email newsletter. The Next Ukraine Government grants citizens the right to carry in the face of war. Russia was enthralled by its borders and passed an emergency law. by Joshua Swanagon, February 24, 2022. TrendingThe Bond Arms Stinger has a more concealable lighter, slimmer frameThe Nighthawk Custom Treasurer is the stuff that dreams are made of. Real Talk: Democrats blame 3D printed guns for increased gun violence. Taurus G3XL Compact Combines full-size accuracy with concealed carry. Taurus builds on the G3X compact pistol. The result is a pistol that can carry like a compact, but shoots like it’s full-size. This is yet another hybrid offering by the company, which combines accuracy and conceal carry. 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