Looking for the best way to dry-fire train at home using your own gun?
Training with laser cartridges that fit in your real firearm might be the key.
You get to use your actual trigger and also immediately see where you hit…without having to go to the range or spend money on ammo.
It’s a no-brainer if you’re serious about your trigger pull.
We’ll help you choose the best laser cartridge plus the best targets since…we’ve used them all. Now with video!
If that helped, please subscribe to our YouTube channel since we’re adding new videos every week!
Table of Contents
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Best Laser Training Ammo
Laserlyte
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
The best known laser cartridge comes from Laserlyte. My 9mm cartridge has been chugging past 5,000 dry-fires.
And when the back end rubber “primer” finally wore out from being hit by my striker/firing-pin…Laserlyte sent me a replacement for free.
It fits well in all my handguns and the o-rings are solid.
A little pricey at first glance…but think of all the ammo you will save. Say 20 cents a pop for 9mm…I would have spent $1000 already!
G-Sight Laser Cartridge Gen 2
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
G-Sight makes decent laser cartridges. Make sure you get one that says Gen 2 since…Gen 1 was terrible.
I have Gen 2 for my lesser used calibers and there’s definitely a difference. It has a “cheaper” looking brass color for starters.
It also doesn’t fit as well in all my chambers (sometimes I have to close the slide several times) and one o-ring is already lost.
But…after 1,000 fires it is still going strong.
Laser Ammo
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Laser Ammo makes quality stuff. We cover the Premium Kit and targets in detail in our full review.
If you have 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP…this may be the kit for you. The adapters allow you to shoot all three for a price that’s cheaper than getting 3 separate cartridges.
SIRT
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Not quite a laser cartridge…but a full-sized Glock laser platform.
Pricey…but the perfect solution when you want an authentic stock trigger but not a real firearm.
Best Laser Targets
Now that we’ve gotten the cartridges out the way…let’s look at what you can shoot.
And since these work by detecting light from the laser…it might not work in bright areas (turning on my photography lights activated them) or outside.
LaserLyte Rumble Tyme
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
I’m sad that the Reaction Tyme (bulls-eye target above) is no longer being produced. It was the most cost effective and simplest design. If you find it now…it’s some insane price.
But the Rumble Tyme takes 2nd place and kicks it up a notch.
When you hit it…you guessed it…it rumbles.
Good detection and rumble effects.
Note that since it rumbles…it moves around. So I wouldn’t recommend putting it near ledges.
LaserLyte Steel Tyme
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
The Steel Tyme is also pretty good. When you hit it…you hear a satisfying steel gong sound.
Laser Ammo PET
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
My favorite for different modes. Only downside is you get one target versus two targets for the other LaserLytes.
But you get…
- Hit Counter Mode: count and hear your hits
- Shot Timer: see your reaction time from a buzzer until first hit
- Speed Shooting: how many times you can hit in 5 seconds
- Double-Tap: time between first shot and second shot
LaserLyte Quick Tyme
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
One I haven’t tried because of the price…but seems promising since it lets you know where your shots hit.
Other Training Gear
MantisX
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
The most high-tech way to diagnose your shots. This device attaches to your front rail and gives feedback to your phone through Bluetooth.
AND it’s good for both dry-fire and live-fire. After each shot…it tells you where it moved, how much it moved, and how to correct it.
Our full MantisX Review…and spoiler alert…it’s pretty awesome.
Conclusion
Now you’re ready to up your dry-fire game with some of our favorite laser cartridges and laser targets.
How is your experience using any that we recommended? Any systems that we missed? If you’re looking for more tips…check out How to Shoot a Handgun More Accurately.
17 Leave a Reply
Before I found this article, I was looking at laser snap-caps and found iTargetPro which is not included in your review. I found those you reviewed, and finally I found LaserHit. I confirmed that your review is relatively current, so was hoping you might look at those two, possibly test, and add some comments about them.
Nor do you mention the fact that these laser cartridges will not work on striker or single action pistols. Having to rack each round is very useful training....
So am I understanding right that even at cheapest setup at near $110 for laser/target combo, one can just get the high tech option for $40 more or at a discount compared to the more expensive options. Why would someone not do that then?
The article stated that you would show us dry firing targets and ammo that we could use with our own gun. I only see one, the Mantis x. You didn't include itarget either. Very disappointed! I need to be able to use my own gun so I can become familiar with it and it's trigger, etc. Really...is this all there is???
I have iTarget Pro with .380 and .357 cartridges. I am pleased with iTarget Pro. My biggest challenge is where to set up my target.
Love my iTarget 9mm. Shoot indoors 27 ft. ITarget on tripod and iPhone coupled with AppleTV and laptop. In this way I get instant feedback... This setup helped me a lot to progress. Besides that I’m very satisfied with the service. Quick response and no bullshit about xtra end caps.
I want the system that uses a projector and camera.
You will need to download targets from the internet and save them as JPG/PNG. Save the images on a USB stick. Most projectors support these formats. Project the target you choose on any available wall. You may need to pause the target picture so it doesn't scroll to the next target image. A cellphone tripod will be needed to hold the phone steady. Launch I Target app from your cellphone and start dry fire shooting.
I'd recommend the iTarget. There is a tiny bit of setup compared to dedicated targets, but it works pretty nicely. My phone is an android Samsung S8.
my wife just got me one for Christmas and I love it instant feedback on my dry fire with my 1911 the I target is realy nice
Problem with Mantis is that it will not fit your holster ....
Depends on the holster. I got my p320c rx skins from swaprig.com, and one skin fits the romeo reflex with the mantis on, and another fits the romeo with a c5l laser/flashlight mounted. Your mileage may vary.
No iTarget? Damn I hope this PewPew is not part of a good ol boy network. I just want to know what's best out of what's out there. Please be inclusive of everything. These are all mostly the same company.
Hi Andre, I based mine on the best selling/reviewed on Amazon. At the time of writing I couldn't find much on iTarget. But when I update this article I'll try to get my hands on one!
The mobile device (smart phone) based laser training systems are getting popular. How about a comparison on these systems: G-Sight Laser Training Pro, i-Target and etc?
Hi. May I ask what you think of the LaserLyte Laser Trainer Pistol Full Size GLOCK 19? I play with airsoft so I doubt the laser cartridges or laser outer barrels would fit into my airsoft model (WE G17/34). This seems my onl;y choice for silent play. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I found the Reaction Time on sale and got the 2 pack. It's great and I get to use my own gun. I place them at different heights and use the timer to get maximum training.