Dry-fire Practice with LaserLyte
By Matt Lindler
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With the high cost of ammunition -- if you can even find it in your area -- practicing with our firearms has become so expensive and difficult that many of us are just leaving our guns in the safe.
LaserLyte has come to the rescue with a new, laser-activated target system that allows shooters and hunters to practice ammo-free and even in the comfort of their own homes.
I asked LaserLyte to send me a set of the Reaction Tyme targets, which consists of two 2.5-inch square laser-sensitive targets, and a set of training cartridges to test. Not only does it work great but also as a firearms instructor, I see a great benefit of using these targets in my classes as well as in my own practice.
The targets are smaller than what I expected, but having a small target makes the shooter focus on the shooting fundamentals so hits on the targets are consistent. This teaches the importance of stance, grip, aiming, breath control, trigger control and follow through, the basic elements to shooting accurately.
This is how they work.
First, you make sure the firearm is completely unloaded and the ammunition is removed from the area. If you’re using the targets indoors, store your ammunition is a different room.
You can set the targets in one of two modes, reaction and training. Acting independently, the targets can be placed at different distances or angles depending on your training scenario. Always place the targets in the safest direction possible.
Insert a laser-training cartridge (specific for the caliber you’re shooting) into the chamber of the empty firearm and close the action. The cartridges are battery powered and even come with an extra set of batteries.
Now, you’re ready to shoot. Depending on the mode you’re using, you have two options. With the targets in reaction mode, a random LED signal lights up in intervals of three to seven seconds to tell you when to shoot that particular target. You must hit the target while the light is on to be considered good. When a hit is made, the target awards you with two beeps and an LED flash. In training mode, the targets let you practice the fundamentals with an always-on target. When a hit is made, the target sounds two beeps and the LED flashes.
While any of the LaserLyte Trainers will work with the Reaction Tyme targets, the training cartridges fit snugly in the chamber, and because they’re rimless, they won’t be ejected each time you cycle the action to recock a semi-automatic. This is helpful when working on speed tests, tap-rack drills or shooting in reaction mode. When you squeeze the trigger, the firing pin strikes the activator on the back of the cartridge and it emits a short laser burst that is visible on the target. The LT-Pro and LT-1 trainers work best for revolvers with a barrel of at least 2 inches, and it is activated by the sound of the hammer falling. When using an LT-1 or LT-Pro, it’s recommended that you use snap caps to prevent damage to the firing pin or striker on certain firearms during repeated dry firing.
If you’re looking for a little bigger target, LaserLyte’s LTS Target provides a 5-inch target that’s easier to hit and actually keeps tracks of your hits and displays them to show trends. It’s also compatible with all of the LaserLyte Trainers.
For dry-fire and money-saving practice in the comfort of your own home, LaserLyte’s Laser Training System products are hard to beat and are a great addition to any shooter’s practice tools.
