Cold and snow is keeping me off the range. I've used air pistols on my indoor, 7-yard trap but would really prefer to be handling my P-Series Sigs. I'm looking at the brass laser cartridges offered by many manufacturers online. Evidently they can register hits on electronic targets. All of this equipment is economically priced. They sound like fun and could be worthwhile. Has anyone used these? Are they reliable/accurate enough to enhance dry firing drills?

I have a cheap one I got off Amazon for like $30. I've used it quite a bit, although if I'm honest I don't think it does much more for your accuracy than simply dry-firing without one. It is handy for timed draw and fire drills.

Mine doesn't require any kind of special target. You can print out whatever you want. You then point your phone camera at it, start the app, and your phone records the "hits".

That's the cartridge I'm talking about. At say, 7--10 yards, is the projected laser dot about the size of a .38/9mm round, or much larger in diameter? Would you say the dot strikes to your point of aim?

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Originally posted by Samps:
That's the cartridge I'm talking about. At say, 7--10 yards, is the projected laser dot about the size of a .38/9mm round, or much larger in diameter? Would you say the dot strikes to your point of aim?

The beam is smaller than that. Basically like a laser pointer. Mine has orings around it and fits in the chamber pretty tight...you have to push it out with a pencil. I've found it to be plenty consistent and in-line with point of aim for my needs.

At this price point, I'll probably give one a try. If they are reasonably "accurate," I'm wondering if six in the cylinders of a revolver would all strike to the same point of aim or would one be high, one low, left/right, etc., making it impossible to group consistently? Six of these cartridges would set me back about $150-- too much for smoothbore BB pistol performance.

I've never tried that...you'd have to hope for manufacturing consistency cartridge to cartridge, as well as proper seating in each chamber. They're just cheap chinesium, so I wouldn't bet money that they'll all be perfectly aligned in that scenario, but I guess some of it also depends on how precise your accuracy expectations are.

I've gone ahead and placed an order for several of these-- 9mm and .38 Special. I'll post a followup once I've been able to try them. Thanks for your replies.

Cool, let us know how it goes!

In my recent qualifications, the instructor used the laser cartridge AND the iPhone target feedback gizmo. Mantis X is the expensive one, and there are "replicants" for much less. I enjoyed the feedback of the application on the iPhone, as it was immediate and truthful.

I've ordered a couple of the square portable electronic targets, along with the laser cartridges. If they work as advertised, I think I'd enjoy stationing the targets around a room for some random plinking. The targets light up and make sounds when "hit." I don't think I would care for the programs that locate and record scores on a smartphone, etc.. I don't do that with my regular firearms, either.

I spent a couple of hours with my VStranics 9mm and .38 Special laser cartridges and electronic scoring targets, recently purchased. The targets are rechargeable and feature a 2.25" scoring center which can be reduced in diameter with included magnetic overlay rings. Each cartridge requires three, LR626 button batteries. Nine were included with each cartridge. I tested the laser cartridges at 5, 7and 10 yards on the electronic targets and also a sheet of plain cardboard, to more easily track the points of impact. I fired most of the shots from a padded rest. Essentially, each cartridge acts as a miniature flashlight. When the firing pin strikes cartridge's padded rear switch, the laser light beam is emitted downrange through the barrel. The beams cast about a 3/4" diameter dot at ten yards. Revolvers used were an S&W 66, Colt King Cobra (both 4") and a Colt Cobra 2" snub. My testing semiautos were a Sig M11A1 and a Beretta 92.
In short, the revolvers were a disappointment. Each cartridge delivers its own independently aimed laser strike on the target. Shots varied in windage and elevation, dependent upon the cartridge's alignment within the cylinder. Groups were spread as much as six inches, at ten yards, ranging in all directions. Beyond five yards, hits within the small electronic scoring ring were difficult. The semiautos were more consistent. Since a single cartridge is maintained in the chamber throughout the shooting session and is not disturbed by the firing pin strike, rounds could be located on the target and walked onto the bullseye via Kentucky windage. Hits were regular from ten yards since the laser dot printed consistently at the same location. The six loaded revolver cartridges could not provide a consistent point of impact from shot to shot, in this manner.
To conclude, the semiauto cartridges and electronic targets are available at Amazon and other online retailers. They are inexpensive and provide a measure of fun during winter months when outdoor shooting sessions are limited. I cannot recommend the purchase of multiple revolver laser cartridges, however. Accuracy is inconsistent and frustrating and would only improve by loading a single cartridge in the cylinder, finding its point of impact, and then manually repositioning the cylinder to strike that cartridge each time. None of this laser "training" is a satisfactory substitute for actual firearm range time with live ammunition.

I use the S.I.R.T. Pistol. Works for me, mainly for flash sight picture and consistent presentation of the gun. Mine is a P320 clone but they do Glock, too.

I was concerned that that would be the case with the revolvers. Thanks for putting it to the test and taking the time to report back!

The S.I.R.T. handguns cost as much as some firearms. Do they utilize a removable laser cartridge, like the cheap products ($20--$25) I purchased? Can the S.I.R.T. sights be dialed in to maintain consistent point of impact, if locked into a shooting rest, for instance?