How to Train and Practice Shooting Without Live Ammo

Dry fire is like eating healthy and exercising. We know it’s good for us, but many don’t enjoy it. The problem with dry fire is that it’s, well, dry. Nothing happens but a click. There’s no feedback, no hole on a paper target, and no ting sound as a bullet strikes a steel target. No feedback means less fun, and training can turn into a chore.

Unlike some dry-fire training systems, the G-Sight ELMS is a simple system to set up, and it’s easy to use. The kit includes a caliber-specific training cartridge such as 9mm, 9x18 Makarov, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .380 ACP, 10mm and .45 Colt, as well as spare O-rings and batteries. There’s also a tripod and a smart-phone holder. Download the free Laser Training Pro app, and you’re ready to tune up.

First, post a paper target on a wall. Then, after opening the app, bring up the camera feature on your phone and point it at the target. Zoom in until the target fills the entire screen. After ensuring your firearm is unloaded, insert the training cartridge into the chamber and guide the slide forward, slowly.

Each dry-fire trigger press will emit a visible red dot from the laser cartridge that simulates a round’s point of impact. Additionally, the app records each attempt so that you can see your group and scroll to review shots individually.

Not found in typical dry-fire sessions, G-Sight’s ELMS also produces an audible hit confirmation that sounds like a bullet ringing steel. This auditory confirmation augments the visual feedback each time.

The free Laser Training Pro app allows the user to fire strings of 10 rounds at a time. Of course, you can begin a new session after the 10th round, too. There is a $4.99 in-app purchase of Laser Training Unlimited that allows users to fire as many rounds as they’d like per session. Also for $4.99, you can purchase the Shot Timer, which enables you to select the number of sessions, the number of shots, split times between shots, the session length, or par time, and the delay before your first session starts.

At distances ranging from 5 to 15 yards, I found the G-Sight’s laser to be accurate. Without reliable feedback, what good is a laser trainer?

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It’s important to note that with a single-action or striker-fired pistol, you will need to manually cycle the slide between shots, which makes accurately timing multiple shots impossible. With a double-action handgun though, you’re good to go for the multi-shot features.

G-Sight ELMS ProPack is a plug-and-play remedy for dry-fire boredom. G-Sight is not rated for long guns, and may not be compatible with Ruger SR Series, Ruger 9E, Ruger LC, CZ Shadow 2, and Walther CCP pistols. Visit g-sight.com to learn more.