We’re living in some trying times, many thousands of people are suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Many millions more are in lockdowns and quarantines. Now more than ever is when you want to be prepared with enough food and water for yourself and your family. If you’re reading this blog then you’re most likely also a gun owner. Well one more way to be prepared is to be a proficient shooter.
There’s no point in owning a gun for self defense if you don’t know how-to use it. Shooting is a perishable skill and if you don’t keep training you’ll eventually become rusty. Some lucky individuals may have access to private land where they can still train, but most gun owners aren’t so lucky. So how can you keep your shooting skills sharp when you’re stuck at home? We’ll be going over a few products that can help below.
Now you don’t need any of these products to get some training in. Simple dry firing, drawing from a holster, and practicing mag changes are all free. But these products may help you take your gun skills to the next level.
Laser Trainers and Apps
If you can’t get out to the range then laser trainers with apps are always a nice alternative. Most of them are rather pricey, but the savings in ammo and range cost plus the convenience of using them at home more than make up for it.
Mantis X
The Mantis X is perhaps the most popular shooter training device on the market, and for good reason. It’s chock full of features and Mantis constantly updates their app and improves their product. It’s a pricey system, but it’s made in the USA and it’s proven to help shooters improve their skills. The app uses real-time, data-driven feedback to help you become a much better shooter. It attaches to any pistol or rifle with a rail, it works during dry fire and live fire (with the Mantis X10 Elite).
The Mantis tracks the movement of your gun and sends that data to the app in real-time, the app then helps coach you to improve your shooting. The app also has various training courses, modes and a shot timer.
ELMS G Sight
The ELMS G Sight is another gun trainer device but at a much lower sub $100 price point. It uses a training cartridge with a laser that you insert into your pistol or rifle chamber. It also uses a mobile app that shows you where your shots land on target.
LaserLyte Quick Tyme
The LaserLyte Quick Tyme trainer is completely different than the others on this list. It includes a laser pistol that resembles a Glock as well as a digital target board. The laser pistol has a 5.5lb trigger that also resets similar to a real pistol. The board has a shot timer and shows your hits right on the target, no need for any apps to download.
Dry Fire Training
Nothing beats good old dry fire training. It’s something I tell anyone who asks how-to become a better shooter, especially new shooters. Dry fire training helps with improving muscle memory and trigger control. In my opinion, it’s something every gun owner should be doing.
Snap Caps
Most modern centerfire guns can be dry fired without causing any damage, the exception are rimfire guns. But a set of .22lr snap caps can solve this.
If you are worried about damaging your gun, snap caps are available for most popular calibers.
DryFire Mag
The DryFire Mag is a great option for those who want to dry fire without having to constantly rack the slide to reset the trigger. You just insert it like a regular magazine and start dry firing. The DryFire Mag also has audible and tactile simulation of a firing pin release and trigger reset so it actually feels like you’ve fired your pistol (minus the recoil obviously). They’re also made in the USA.
Glock E-Trainer
An option for Glock shooters is the Glock E-Trainer. It attaches to the rear of a Glock pistol slide and it allows you to pull the trigger without having to constantly rack the slide after each pull.
So there you have it, our list of products that can help your shooting skills stay sharp while you’re cooped up at home. Stay safe everyone.
