Of the different laser products for Interactive Gun Range, I recommend the Dry Fire Mag for the Glock 19 as the best value for money and also delivering the best training value. As reviewing the Dry Fire Mag alone doesn’t make sense, I also review the other laser training systems I have tried. From most recommend to least recommended:
Dry Fire Mag (Glock 19)
The Dry Fire Mag for the Glock 19 is the best dry fire option for Interactive Gun Range for realistic training value and convenience. It is a combination laser cartridge and slide reset magazine. I’m not certain how it works, but I like that I don’t have to take the gun apart to use it. I simply insert the laser cartridge, slide in the magazine, and it works. When I am done training dry fire for the day, I take these two items out and put my real magazine back in. So far I haven’t had to charge the battery.
For me it’s really important to use the Dry Fire Mag to train my Glock 19, because I have had a hard time getting the red dot in my sights and it’s something I need to practice every day. If you have a Glock 19 or Glock 43X/48 and want to train using your real weapon in Interactive Gun Range I recommend this as the best option.
I do have to end on a negative note: the laser is dim, inconsistent, and of short duration. So if you are using the desktop version of Interactive Gun Range, this also requires you also buy the Logitech Brio 4K. The combination of the two becomes the most expensive option on this list. The other cameras I have tested with can’t detect the laser strike consistently. However, the mobile version uses the built-in camera on your phone, so if that is you then this is the best option without qualification.
Pros:
- No need to rerack the slide
- No need to disassemble my Glock to use
- Still get to train trigger pull
- Still get to train my red dot
Cons:
- Most difficult to detect laser, requiring the Logitech Brio 4K if on desktop
- Most expensive option if buying the Logitech Brio 4K. If not, price is comparable
Strikeman X SIRT
The Strikeman X SIRT, or alternatively the Next Level Training Sirt 110 is the second best option for me personally, although for some it may be the best option overall. The fact that it’s not a real pistol means I can just leave it on my desk without worrying about the kids, I don’t have to clear it before using it I can take it to demos or gun shows without the usual hassles. It has a realistic trigger pull, I’ve never had to change the battery despite using it for years and thousands of times. It can be used in countries where people did not protect their right to self defense. It’s a good way to mix in training fixed sights while also training with a red dot using the Dry Fire Mag with my Glock 19.
Pros:
- Not a real gun, so can be used where real guns are a disadvantage
- Realistic trigger pull
- Battery seems to last forever
- Can mix in fixed-sight training as long as I also have my real weapon to train with
- The very bright, long duration laser, makes it easy to detect in Interactive Gun Range. No worry about false negatives.
- My cat really likes it
Cons:
- Lighter than my Glock 19, reducing training value
- The version I have cannot be modified with a red dot or anything else
Strikeman Laser Training Cartridge
The Strikeman Laser Training Cartridge is the most affordable laser option by far. The laser is surprisingly bright and works well with all the cameras I have tried it with. The obvious major downside is you have to rerack the slide after every shot. This makes it unusable for modes where you have to shoot a lot, or if you want to test your split times.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Bright laser
- Can use with my Glock 19
Cons:
- Rerack the slide after every shot
Mantis Blackbeard X
The Mantis Blackbeard X is the only option I know of if you want to train Interactive Gun Range with an AR-15 and for that reason I sell it on the store. Similar to the Dry Fire Mag, the magazine doubles as a battery to reset the trigger. Unlike the Dry Fire Mag, it requires you to significantly disassemble your weapon, notably removing the bolt carrier group. Since I oil my bolt carrier group, this can be a messy affair. For daily training I can either just accept needing to do that every day, or getting a second AR-15 and just leaving the Mantis Blackbeard X in it.
I don’t know if it’s just bad luck in my case but I have had major reliability issues with the Mantis Blackbeard X. My first one stopped working just two days into using it. The company sent me a replacement, and the replacement also stopped working a few weeks in. I was able to fix it by applying white lubricant, however the laser then stopped shooting straight after a few more works. In fairness this was a year ago, and maybe the company has resolved this by now. I don’t know.
The battery also wears out quickly, essentially you need to recharge it before every use. In comparison, I’ve never had to charge or change the batteries for any other product on this list.
Pros:
- Can use with an AR-15
- Bright laser
Cons:
- Messy and time consuming to install
- Battery wears out fast
- Reliability
Cool Fire Trainer
The Cool Fire Trainer on paper should be the best option on this list. It uses a CO2 cartridge to provide recoil, includes a laser, and works with your real weapon. However, similar to the Mantis Blackbeard X it requires significant assembly of your weapon. To use it for daily training, I would need a second weapon devoted to this alone. In addition, CO2 canisters are not cheap and it needs to be refilled frequently. This is a good option if you are showing off Interactive Gun Range to a friend or at a gun show but it undoes the ammo cost benefit of dry fire.
Pros:
- Only option that provides real recoil
- Can use with my Glock 19
Cons:
- Have to frequently refill
- Have to frequently buy CO2
- Need coffee warmer to warm your CO2
