A Dry Fire Laser Training Cartridge is a tool designed for firearms training without traditional live ammunition. These cartridges are particularly useful for indoor and at-home practice, eliminating the need to visit an outdoor shooting range. They operate on small watch batteries and are activated when the firing pin strikes the back of the cartridge, producing a laser light upon firing. The Laser Training Cartridge is shaped like a real bullet and is specific to a certain caliber, so it’s important to ensure that you purchase the correct caliber for your firearm.
Benefits of Dry Fire Laser Training Cartridges
A Dry Fire Laser Training Cartridge is an excellent tool for improving shooting skills. It allows you to practice at home, helping you build overall accuracy through repeated exercises. Additionally, you can safely practice your draw from the holster or concealment without the risk of accidents.
One of the significant advantages of the Dry Fire Laser Training Cartridge is its ability to provide immediate feedback with its laser dot, helping you assess your sight alignment. Furthermore, it can assist in developing better trigger control by indicating issues such as finger jerk, improper finger placement, or flinching if the laser dot jumps off target.
There are many more benefits to using a Dry Fire Laser Training Cartridge.
Cost-Effective Training
- It is a money saver. You won’t have to pay for ammunition, range fees, or travel expenses. Additionally, there is no wear on the barrel or recoil spring, and you’ll have reduced cleaning needs since there is no live fire action taking place.
Safe At-Home Practice
- This is an excellent option for new shooters and families looking to practice and train in controlled environments. There is no risk of misfires or accidental discharges, and the property remains undamaged. You can practice in any room as long as there is a safe backdrop. It’s a quiet alternative for those living near neighbors or in apartment buildings, as no one will know what you are doing in the privacy of your home. Without the loud noise of live fire, it is much less intimidating for beginners compared to going to a shooting range.
How Dry Fire Laser Training Cartridges Work
The Dry Fire Laser Training Cartridge is a caliber-specific dummy round designed to resemble a real cartridge. It contains a laser module powered by small watch-style batteries. This cartridge is meant to be inserted into your firearm’s chamber just like a traditional cartridge.
When you pull the trigger, the firing pin strikes the back of the cartridge, activating the laser briefly. This laser emits a short burst of light, indicating where the shot would have hit the target.
Since there is no gunpowder or projectiles, the cartridge is safe and quiet to use. However, it does not automatically eject from the firearm, so you will need to manually reset the action or eject and reload the cartridge into the chamber. This is not necessary if you are using a double-action trigger or a CO2 assist system.
If you are concerned about potential damage to the firing pin from dry firing, many laser training cartridges feature a rubberized back to offer protection.
Laser Activation
Although I briefly mentioned the laser action earlier, I would like to provide more details about it. As we know, traditional ammunition contains gunpowder, which propels the bullet from the barrel of the gun. In contrast, the Dry Fire Laser Training Cartridge does not use gunpowder. Instead, it utilizes a brief emission of laser light to indicate shot placement on the target.
This is made possible by a pressure-activated laser module contained within the cartridge. When the trigger of the firearm is pulled, the firing pin strikes the back of the cartridge, generating pressure that activates the laser. This laser module is powered by small batteries similar to those found in watches, making it quiet and safe since there is no projectile propelled by an explosion from the firearm.
Compatibility with Firearms
The laser training cartridges are compatible with most centerfire cartridges, including various semi-automatic firearms, rifles, revolvers, and shotguns. However, they are not compatible with rimfire firearms, such as the .22LR. To ensure proper fit and function, it is essential to purchase a Dry Fire Laser Training Cartridge that is specific to the caliber of the firearm you intend to use.
Please note that the cartridge cannot be used in a magazine or clip, it must be manually inserted into the chamber. Automatic ejection will not occur, as there is no recoil action to cycle the slide. With single-action pistols, you will likely need to pull the slide to reset the trigger action. In contrast, with double-action pistols, you can typically continue pulling the trigger without any additional action.
Laser training cartridges are designed to withstand repeated firing pin strikes, making them safe for dry firing your firearm.
Product Features and Specifications
Strikeman Laser Training Cartridge
The Strikeman Laser Training Cartridge offers a variety of caliber options, including .40 S&W, 9mm, .380 ACP, 12 gauge, and several others. It features a red laser (635 nm) that activates when the firearm’s firing pin strikes the rubber button pad. The cartridge is powered by three LR626 button batteries, which are included with your purchase from Strikeman. When paired with the Strikeman App, users receive real-time feedback. The cartridge is competitively priced at $59.99 and sometimes comes with promotional discounts.
Laser Specifications
Laser training cartridges come in two colors: red and green. Red lasers typically have a wavelength of 635-650 nm and are widely available, making them popular for training purposes. However, their main disadvantage is that they are less visible in bright light conditions. On the other hand, green lasers have a wavelength of 520-532 nm, making them brighter and usually more visible in well-lit environments than their red counterparts.
Both types of lasers are classified as Class IIIa lasers and emit a quick flash lasting between 50-100 milliseconds. They are typically powered by small batteries, including models like LR41, 377, and others. Red lasers generally have better battery life, with both colors offering around 2,000 to 5,000 shots per battery set. Red lasers are ideal for indoor and low-light practice, while green lasers perform better in bright outdoor settings. It is also worth noting that green lasers are typically more expensive than red lasers.
Battery Requirements
Typically, these Laser Training Cartridges use button battery cells, usually in sets of three. Each set of batteries can provide between 2,000 and over 3,0001 activations. Changing the batteries is generally straightforward when needed. It is always advisable to use fresh, quality batteries and to avoid storing your cartridges with the batteries still inside them.
Extraction Compatibility
The Dry Fire Laser Training Cartridge, regardless of the brand, remains in the chamber when activated. This occurs for a couple of reasons. First, most models of firearms do not have a recoil action that would cause the cartridge to be ejected. Additionally, the rimless design of the cartridge means it typically stays in the chamber after the trigger is pulled. You can remove the cartridge by using a cleaning rod or extraction tool; simply run it down the barrel to push the cartridge out.
As previously mentioned, because there is no recoil, in a single-action firearm, you will need to manually reset the trigger action. This is usually accomplished by sliding the bolt or lever as if you were chambering another cartridge. In double-action firearms and CO2-assisted firearms, you won’t need to reset the trigger; each squeeze of the trigger will activate the laser repeatedly.
Maintenance
To get the best performance from your Laser Training Cartridge, it’s important to perform some basic maintenance. If your model has O-rings, make sure to oil them with the appropriate lubricant2. Keeping the laser lens clean and free of dust and debris is essential for maintaining accuracy and visibility. Pay attention to the condition of the rubber firing pad and replace it when it shows signs of wear; some brands offer replacement pads.
Avoid storing your cartridge long-term with batteries inside, as they can leak and cause corrosion and other damage. Always store your cartridge in a cool, dry place, away from potential hazards.
Integration with Training Systems
Many manufacturers of Laser Training Cartridges offer downloadable smartphone apps that provide real-time feedback. Some companies also provide digital training systems and electronic targets for immediate, interactive feedback.
A popular app for dry-fire laser training systems is the interactive gun range app. This app works seamlessly with various Laser Training Cartridges and offers a range of excellent features, including interactive drills, real-time feedback, performance tracking, dynamic targets, and more. It is commonly available for both iOS and Android devices.
All in All
The Dry Fire Laser Training Cartridge offers numerous benefits to enhance shooter accuracy while providing safe opportunities for both indoor and outdoor practice. It is an excellent alternative to visiting a shooting range where you have to wait for a lane and deal with the noise of live firing.
These training cartridges are designed to be caliber-specific and are available in two different laser colors. It is essential to select the correct caliber for the firearm you plan to use, as well as to choose the laser color that best suits your needs and circumstances.
Laser training cartridges are a safer and more cost-effective alternative to live ammunition, as they can be used safely in any room of your home or apartment. Training professionals recommend dry-fire laser training cartridges for both new and experienced shooters. These cartridges allow for longer practice sessions and help build the comfort and confidence that new shooters may need. Most major retail sporting goods stores carry at least one brand, if not more, of dry-fire laser training cartridges. Consider purchasing yours soon.
