Dry fire might be necessary to become a better shot, but good lord, is it boring…
Targeting a light switch for even 15 minutes daily seems impossibly boring and mentally brutal. So, what can we do to spice it up?
How about some freakin’ lasers?
A laser is great, but we also need targets to use these trainers. That’s what we’ve gathered today. I ran through various laser systems with laser-firing guns and aimed to find you the best option for your needs.
There are more than five systems out there, but these represent five diverse options in terms of equipment, price, ease of use, and purpose.
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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Best Value
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Most Comprehensive
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Simplest to Use
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Most Versatile
Table of Contents
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WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
I’ve spent a lifetime shooting that started in a family that hunted every season they legally could. From there, I joined the United States Marine Corps and spent five years as an infantryman.
In the middle of my Marine Corps career, I began writing and have never stopped. I soon earned my NRA instructor certification and use my knowledge to help guide students.
I love shooting, and I love guns — weird guns, old guns, new guns, tactical guns, and especially shotguns. I’m a continual student of firearms, and I strive to educate myself to provide the best information possible to the readers of Pew Pew Tactical.
Additionally, I write most of the drill-based and laser training articles you see here on Pew Pew Tactical.
Best Laser Training Apps
1. Editor’s Pick – Mantis Laser Academy
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Easy setup
- Less sensitive to angles and lighting
- Verbal score feedback and shot sound
- Flexible pricing with free and pro options; kit available with everything needed
Cons
- Primarily created for handguns
Of all the laser-based dry fire systems, the Mantis Laser Academy is the one I use the most.
Laser Academy is a phone-based app with an all-in-one system consisting of targets, a tripod for your phone, target stands, and a laser cartridge. It fits conveniently in a nice little box and provides users an awesome, easy-to-use training kit.
This is the easiest one to set up of all the apps on this list. Point your phone at the custom targets, and that’s it. It seems less sensitive to angles and lighting conditions than other apps.
The UI is very simple and easy to understand. It’s responsive and can be set up in about two minutes total.
The custom targets are fairly unique and provide everything from hostage targets to basic bull’s eyes and more. Mantis also expands on targets, adding a Die Hard-themed option as well as the Konami code. The phone can read the targets individually and provides different scores depending on where you hit each target.
The app itself packs in a ton of drills, including basic dry fire training, as well as training from the draw, reloads, holster draw, and even a two-player dual to chase high scores. The app has a ton, including a Pistol Marksmanship Course and Test. If you pass 100%, then you’ll get a patch.
The course and test can be fired in a day, but getting up to 100% will take patience and time.
You’re likely to slip away with plenty of 99%, but if you’re like me, this means you’ll keep coming back for more training.
Timers are used, and with the laser app, combining the two gives you objective data on your performance. Objective data is what you can build on and develop.
Setup and use are super simple, and the targets and app are very reactive. They verbally give you a score, and you get a shot sound. It’s easy to use and understand. Best yet, it’s fun to practice with.
Laser Academy is more or less based on handguns rather than other platforms. However, it’s not tough to integrate different platforms into the mix.
It works pretty well with the Mantis Blackbeard system. The system is set up perfectly to add content, and hopefully, they continue to add drills and targets to keep it alive.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Price-wise, it’s entirely up to you how much you want to invest. You can print the targets for free, and there is a lot of free content on the app.
If you go pro, it’s a one-time purchase, and you unlock everything. You can also purchase the kit, which comes with a pro code and everything you need to get started.
2. Best Value – Clip-N-Shoot
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Customizable audible feedback
- Extremely simple setup; phone used as target
- Options for timed drills and various shooting scenarios
- Affordable ($59 for filters and stand)
- Not sensitive to lighting conditions
Cons
- Limited functionality compared to more complex systems
If you want the simplest laser training system, Clip-N-Shoot has you covered.
With Clip-N-Shoot, you still use your phone, but your phone isn’t scanning the target and detecting hits. Your phone is the target.
More specifically, the front-facing camera on your phone is the target. The Clip part of Clip-N-Shoot is a clip-on filter, for lack of a better term. It clips over your front camera. The filters come in two sizes to adjust for difficulty, range, etc.
You need to download their app and then set your phone up against the handy little stand they provide. Once set up, clip the device over your phone and align it with your camera. The app will provide you with a front-facing camera view and will allow you to guide the filter over the camera.
You know you are on the money when you see nothing but orange or green. Now, you aim at the colored portion of the filter and pull the trigger. The front-facing camera will pick up the shot and deliver excellent feedback. In fact, you can edit the audible feedback.
Your shot can sound like various guns and also a laser, which is cute. The sound of “shots” hitting the target can be swapped from various steel noises. It’s customizable and fun.
Outside of fun, you can also set a par time, the number of shots per session, and number of sessions you want to conduct. This allows you to practice timed draws down to the first shot, as well as reloading drills, malfunctions drills, and more.
Not only is this the easiest laser system to set up, but it’s also one of the most affordable. It’s $59 for the filters and stand with two clips. Setting the system up was very easy, and shooting and practicing was a ton of fun.
Clip-N-Shoot also offers a reactive laser target that doesn’t use your phone. It’s just a small target that makes noises and flashes lights when shot. When you get to 99 and shoot the 100th shot, it gives you celebratory noises before reverting to 00 on the counter.
Both systems work, offering you a low-priced, very simple option. Neither are sensitive to lighting conditions, and both work super well.
3. Most Comprehensive – Dry Fire Online
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Highly involved and comprehensive training program
- Browser-based; usable with various display options
- Wide range of preset and customizable stages
- Ideal for creative users who like designing stages
Cons
- Steep learning curve; requires time for setup and calibration
- Monthly membership required
- Relies on additional hardware like a projector for optimal experience
Dry Fire Online provided a code for readers to try Dry Fire Online for a free month with code PEWPEWTAC.
If you want to take your dry fire to the next level, then Dry Fire Online will be your best friend.
This massive system is the most involved and complicated but delivers massive training. The Dry Fire Online program uses an app for your phone and a browser-based website.
The browser-based website is what you’ll aim at, and your phone will be pointed at whatever screen you use for a display. You can use your laptop or run an HDMI to a bigger screen. I used a projector on my living room wall to have a nice massive target.
In fact, it was nearly to scale for an actual range. I cleared my couch and my wife’s artwork off the wall, but it was worth it. Having a huge range in my living room was a blast…until my phone started to die.
With Dry Fire Online, you can shoot one of what seems like hundreds of stages. There are tons of quick-stage options that include Bianchi falling plates, Steel Challenges matches, IDPA, USPSA, and more. I couldn’t possibly list all of the preset stages included with the program. It’s got everything from beer bottles to moving targets in a car.
Preset stages are neat, but you can also build your own stage. You can place targets at different ranges and make them move backward, forward, left, and right. Users can replicate real matches or use the system to design a stage to some degree.
Dry Fire Online really benefits from a creative mind. Someone who wants to set up various stages and challenges has a lot of room to play, and they can dive into designing their stage. This is easily the most expansive Dry Fire training program out there.
I used a simple laser cartridge in my Sig P365, but this system would benefit from a different laser training system. You’ll benefit most from this system if you have a Cool Fire Dry Fire Trainer, a Mantis Blackbeard, a SIRT, or something similar.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
That said, it has a fairly steep learning curve compared to other systems. You have to be willing to take some time to set it up properly, calibrate screens, zero your laser, and, of course, hook your laptop up to a TV or projector.
It also takes some time to learn how to build good stages. It’s still fairly fun to do, though. The UI is mostly great. When you zero your laser, a screen tells you how to do it; great, but I couldn’t scroll down to hit Go.
The only solution I could find was to zoom out to 80% on my screen. After doing so, the zeroing started, and I realized if I restored the screen to 100%, the laser wouldn’t zero correctly, which forced me to leave it at 80% to train. That’s my only real complaint.
Dry Fire Online has a monthly membership. I wrote and asked for a temporary account to test the system, and Dry Fire Online happily provided one.
Dry Fire Online is likely the best option for competition shooters. Anyone can use it to train, but being able to build and rehearse stages is pretty flipping sweet!
4. Simplest to Use – G-Sight
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Free app; simple design
- Basic functionality
- Compatible with various laser trainers
- Not overly sensitive to lighting conditions
Cons
- Limited modes in free version; additional modes cost $5 each
- App doesn’t read the target; manual scoring required
- Basic function requires reset after every 10 shots
G-Sight is a free app you can download to your phone. It’s a very simple design that allows you to use your own target.
The app suggests using the G-Sight laser, but it worked fine with the Pink Rhino from Mantis. You’ll need a way to mount your target and to hold the phone.
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A tripod makes the most sense, but you can improvise and hold targets up with anything from tacks to tape. The UI is simple, and there are only four modes, with a trigger pull analysis promising to be coming soon. The only mode available for free is laser training.
The three additional modes, including unlimited laser training, a shot timer, and grouping modes, cost $5 each. Its standard free mode allows you to shoot 10 shots before closing off and forcing you to restart.
This app itself doesn’t read the target. It just marks where you hit on your screen. You can use any target you want, but you’ll have to score it independently.
The G-Sight doesn’t offer much, and I’d rather pay for a full pro version than ala carte the system. I think $5 for each feature is a bit much.
However, the laser aiming mode works pretty easily, and you can reset it after every 10 shots and use the basic function for free.
It’s not super sensitive to lighting conditions, but if it’s too bright, it’s tough for the app to read the laser. That’s somewhat universal with these systems, though.
5. Most Versatile – LaserHIT
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Free app with a $10 pro-option
- Supports a wide range of calibers, including rare ones
- Targets for both close-range pistol and long-range rifle training
Cons
- Picky about lighting conditions and target positioning
- Requires careful scanning and positioning of targets and phone
LaserHIT is a free app with an additional $10 pro-option.
This app also sells numerous bundles, including targets and target stands, and even wireless and wired setups to mirror your phone screen onto larger screens.
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While finding a laser cartridge in 9mm is easy, finding one in .45 Colt might not be, but LaserHIT has you covered. The same goes for 6.5 CM, .300 Win Mag, and many more. This includes special lever action laser cartridges, too. Sadly, there is no .32 ACP option.
The LaserHIT system is the first I’ve seen that takes rifles into account, as well as longer-range engagements. You can use your own targets, but the LaserHIT works best with its proprietary target. The LaserHIT system can read, and score hits on its own targets.
Targets include close-range pistol and scaled targets to help replicate shooting targets at long ranges. These scaled targets help you turn a 10-yard dry fire range into a 300, 600, or longer range.
LaserHIT sells scope focus adapters that help make the view through your long-range scope slightly clearer at shorter ranges.
Currently, the free version of the app allows you to practice with any at-home target you have or any standard LaserHIT targets. You can purchase or even freely print these targets. The free modes do not score your hits on the LaserHIT targets.
The two premium modes cost $10 each, including a Top Score and Quick Hit mode. The Top Score scores your target, and the Quick Hit mode allows a timer. You can practice drawing for speed, ready-up drills, and similar timed exercises.
It looks like LaserHIT will soon aim to add a long-range ballistic mode, and it’s currently in the testing phase.
My main complaint comes with how picky the app and targets are. When you scan the targets with your phone, you want to have the right lighting; it’s quite sensitive. Additionally, you have to scan the target, position the phone right, make sure the target is centered, and then scan it! Easy.
However, you then have to scan the “reload” spot, and you’ll find that you included that in your original scan and now have to restart. A better idea is to position the target to the far right of the box, so the reload portion will be in the right box to be scanned.
FAQs
Is laser training worth it?
Laser based apps and training can be really beneficial for those looking to make dryfire more interesting.
What is dryfire training?
Dry fire is the act of simulating shooting without the actual use of live ammunition. It's a great way to train for free at home.
Can you dry fire at home?
Yes! It's a very convenient way to practice gun handling techniqyes without going to the range. You can absolutely do it at home.
Final Thoughts
Laser dry fire systems give the end user a better option for your dry fire training. They allow you to observe your shots and obtain objective data. Plus, they make dry firing a ton more fun.
Do you have any apps or laser systems you prefer? What about dry fire methods? If so, share below. For more tips on laser training, check out our guide to Safe & Effective Dry Fire Training at Home and the Best Laser Targets & Ammo for Dry Fire Training.
6 Leave a Reply
I would appreciate more information on projector based systems; such as Dry Fire Online, ShootOFF, Laser Range, Laser Ammo, and Yankee Thunder. They look like great training options. However, it seems they are very light sensitive. Laser Ammo states that "If you turn off all man-made lights, including the projector, in a room and you can still see" there may be too much sunlight infiltrating the room. I tried Dry Fire Online and could not get it calibrate due to light in the room (even with blinds pulled and lights turned off). Do you have any thoughts?
The Itarget pro system is both cheaper and easier to use, and they have cubes that you can connect via wifi and run clearing drills in your house. Not sure why they weren't mentioned on this list, but by far the best training system out there.
Glad you finally updated the laser trainers. Sirt for the win!
Why the Laser Academy Training System over the X10 Elite? I've been looking at the Mantis X10 system for a while now, just haven't wanted to pull the trigger (no pun intended) on the price point
The X10 elite isn't a laser based trainer. This article was just covering the laser apps and trainers. The X10 is a great piece of gear!
That makes perfect sense. Thanks for the clarification!