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Best Laser Targets & Ammo for Dry-Fire Training

Looking for the best way to dry-fire train using your own gun? We cover the best laser cartridges and laser targets that we personally use to train.

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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.

Best Laser Training Ammo

LaserLyte Cartridges

The best-known laser cartridge comes from LaserLyte. My 9mm cartridge has been chugging past 5,000 dry fires.

Editor's Choice
LaserLyte Cartridge
Prices accurate at time of writing

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 $1,000 already!

What do you think? Give it a rating below!

Readers’ Ratings

4.99/5 (2366 Votes)

Your Rating

Pink Rhino Laser Bullet

Pink Rhino also makes decent laser cartridges that are very similar to the LaserLyte. 

Budget Option

It doesn't fit as well in all my chambers compared to the Laserlyte cartridge, but they are less than half the price.

After 1,000 fires it is still going strong.

Laser Ammo SureStrike

Laser Ammo makes quality stuff, and we have reviewed their products in the past. 

Laser Ammo Surestrike 9mm Premium Kit
Laser Ammo Surestrike Premium Kit

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 three separate cartridges.

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SIRT

Instead of using just a laser cartridge, the SIRT is a full-sized Glock laser platform.

SIRT is short for Shot Indicating Resetting Trigger. It utilizes two different lasers, one to show where you are aiming during the trigger pull and then a second to show where you are when the trigger breaks.

SIRT Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing

And as the name implies the trigger automatically resets without needing to rack a slide, which speeds up the training process.

It's pricey but is a perfect solution when you want an authentic stock trigger without using a real firearm.

Best Laser Targets

Now that we've gotten the cartridges out of the way...let's look at what you can shoot.

And since these work by detecting light from the laser, they might not work in bright areas (turning on my photography lights activated them) or outside.

Laser Ammo LaserPET II

My favorite for its different modes is the LaserPET II. The only downside is you get one target versus two targets compared to the LaserLytes.

Runner up
Laser Ammo LaserPET II
Prices accurate at time of writing

But you get...

  • Hit Counter Mode: count and hear your hits
  • Shot Timer: see your reaction time from a buzzer until the first hit
  • Speed Shooting: how many times you can hit in 5 seconds
  • Double-Tap: time between your first shot and second shot

These are great options for those who want extra metrics or a bit more fun and challenge while training.

LaserLyte Quick Tyme

We haven't got on our hands on one of these to try them, but they look promising.

The LaserLyte Quick Tyme differs from the other LaserLytes in that it shows you exactly where your hits are in addition to having the built-in shot timer.

Worth a mention
LaserLyte Quick Tyme
Prices accurate at time of writing

Other Training Gear

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MantisX

This is one of the most high-tech ways to diagnose your shots. The device attaches to your front rail or magazine base and gives feedback to your phone via Bluetooth.

MantisX on 1911
MantisX on 1911

They currently have three models that range in price from $99 to $249, with their middle and top-tier options working for both dry fire and live fire. 

After each shot, the MantisX will tell you where you moved, how much you moved, and how to correct it.

High-Tech Dry Firing
MantisX Firearm Training System
Prices accurate at time of writing

Check out our full MantisX Review --- spoiler alert, it's pretty awesome.

MantisX & Case
MantisX With Case

We're also really digging the Mantis Laser Academy --- check out our review here!

Snap Caps & Dummy Rounds

These don't have cool tech in them, but they do keep your guns safe while dry firing. Great for use with the MantisX and other systems or just on their own for malfunction drills.

Not all guns require the use of a dummy round to protect the firing pin, but it's always a decent idea to have some on hand.

Various Snap Caps
Various Snap Caps

There are a lot of snap caps and dummy rounds on the market, so be sure to take a look at the Best Dummy Rounds & Snap Caps For Dry-Fire Practice!

Final Thoughts

Now you're ready to up your dry-fire game with some of our favorite laser cartridges and laser targets. 

8. Dry Fire Mag Mantis X App
MantisX App

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.

FAQ

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Written By

Eric Hung

Eric Hung

Founder, CEO

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I'm Eric Hung, the founder of Pew Pew Tactical, and I love guns. For over 10 years I've been soaking up as much information as possible online, in competitions, classes, and from my own testing. Now I hope to bring that info to you! I've written over 250 articles on Pew Pew Tactical that are read by millions a month. I'm also an NRA certified pistol instructor and avid USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 competitor. Learn more at About Us.

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Since 2016, the Pew Pew Tactical team has been dedicated to providing expert reviews and in-depth testing of guns and gear. All while keeping in mind that guns are fun and that readers come first.

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Conversation

52 Comments

Join the discussion

  • You failed to mention the Strykman dry fire training system.
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  • My vote is for either Mantis or IdryFire, both of which I have purchased and used extensively. Years before this, I used just a SIRT pistol to perfect and teach fundamentals. A newer company called 'LaserHIT' is very interesting and so check them out. But I would avoid 'Laser Ammo.' My experience attempting to get a quote from 'Laser Ammo' for an expensive bundle package (smokeless range with all the bells and whistles) was sub par. If you decide to order from 'Laser Ammo' then do so directly off the website, and don't get sucked into having a 'specialist' call you to help you pick out the 'best package,' or fall for the 'I can get you the best deal' spiel. They seem to be very good at 'noticing' you were shopping on their website and then assign sales people to 'reach out' to you via email if you abandon your shopping cart. BUYER BEWARE. You may pay more if you get suckered into that trap. They will promise to get you a deal, but you will either never receive the promised quote, or if you do, you might actually pay more that if you had simply ordered off the website during the normal sale period. This happened to me; the website sale period expired; and the 'specialist' who was supposed to get me a quote never did. They advertise LE/Mil discounts but that apparenlty is only for big-money orders going directly to agencies or units, and NOT for an individual in law enforcement or the military, so don't fall for that as IMO it is 100% disingenous. I felt like the entire inteaction was a price-gouging set up, and so we went with one of the other companies who have a truly transparent (and honest) discount structure.
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  • Hi, I'm trying to find out, what do you think about the Mantis X10 Elite?

    Thks a lot for your answer.
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    • Sean Curtis

      Wolly, we've checked out a few Mantis products and generally find them to be great training aids. Haven't checked out the X Elite yet though.
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    • Jacki Billings

      I don't know if any of us has tested that particular one, but Mantis is a solid brand in our experience.
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  • Use a pencil from the barrel end
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  • 3
    Once I put the LaserLytes cartridge in the chamber, how do I take it out?

    If I rack, will it pop out or do I have to manually remove it?

    I can't find a wooden log to remove it with, and I don't want to use a metal screwdriver because it might damage the barrel.
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    • J Slatts

      Rubber eraser on a pencil
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  • 2
    Any thoughts on iTarget Pro or Strikeman?
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    • Jacki Billings

      We haven't had a chance to use either, but once we get our hands on them, we will update this article. Thanks for reading!
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  • 2
    I've been happy with G-SIGHT. Their full package comes with extra batteries, replaceable rubber strike pads, and multiple o-rings to ensure a good fit. Comes with an app for the iPhone that takes a picture of the target then tells you where the laser dot hit. Got it in .45 ACP and 9MM.
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  • 1
    3
    Disappointed that you just rerolled an old paper without update. There is more out nowadays.
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  • 3
    Mantis also has a laser option now, the Mantis Laser Academy Training System. Works well.
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  • 2
    Very helpful, but can you update for 2021 please? Many new systems and your input is great. Thank you.
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    • John C Westenhofer

      an ad for one on Facebook (the book of lies and deception), lol. It is called TurboTact drill laser and the reviews say that this is a great tool to have to train with. But my thing is, is that I feel like a lot of those are bought reviews, kinda like the reviews on Amazon. I like coming here to get my info and I use a few other sites as well. But I love the review he did on the Hellcat. :)
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    • John C Westenhofer

      any updates yet?
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  • 1
    I have the MantisX and it helps a lot with trigger pull detection. It pretty intuitive and has some really in depth data feedback. I find it challenging trying to get as perfect a trigger pull as possible which makes it fun and effective. I also have the iTarget Pro system but noticed you didn't mention it in your write-up. It has helped me tremendously with trigger pull also. But it really has helped me with my draw stroke and attaining a good sight picture. It's very responsive close up, at distance and even in low light. The timer feature in Quick Draw Mode is awesome. The phone cradle is a hassle at times especially with larger phones and their protective cases. Also, I haven't noticed an update to the app in a few years. I don't know if I've just missed it or if the devs aren't supporting the app anymore. There could be a few improvements to the app. Great article as usual.
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