Laser Training Pistols Explained

Featuring a pullable trigger, safety sensors, and sound effects, the Laser Training Pistol by Laser Ammo is essentially an advanced dummy gun designed to teach safe firearm handling techniques through interactive feedback. For example, when a handler applies unsafe techniques like walking around with a finger on the trigger, the laser training pistol system sounds an alarm.

Mike Farrell, president of Smart Firearms Training Devices, explained he created the Laser Training Pistol to help shooters build muscle memory so that they don’t have an accidental discharge during a high-stress situation. While it was initially intended for law enforcement training, he quickly identified demand elsewhere.

“After seeing the dramatic improvements (at) major metropolitan police departments, we decided to offer the advanced training laser pistol to the civilian market,” Farrell said in a video about the product. In addition to law enforcement, the design is recommended for firearm courses and in-home training.

In this article, we’ll learn more about laser training guns, what they are, how to operate them, and how to use them for dry fire practice.

laser gun for training

What Is a Laser Training Pistol?

There are sveeral models available for the laser training pistol system, including a Smith & Wesson M&P and a Glock laser training pistol. They look, feel, and function just like the original handgun designs, and they’ll fit in most compatible holsters as well. They feature a removable magazine, adjustable sights, tactical rail, and they’re sometimes battery-powered.

And for those interested in dry fire training, the trainers can fire a laser ammo cartridge (either visible or infrared) and produce a gunshot noise when you pull the trigger.

But still, the main advantage to the trainer is the safety sensors. When applied to scenarios, the laser training pistol system will help you hone proper technique, so you know when and when not to shoot.

“If someone's finger migrates into the guard, you will know about it [...], it will beep right away along with the visual incursion indicator,” Farrell said.

The audio warning is a tonal noise and the visual warning is illuminating LED lights on the side of the pistol. Together, they give you and your instructor an easier time knowing when you’re making a mistake.

Quick Note: Laser Ammo makes laser training pistols with recoil, but they don’t have safety sensors.

How Does a Laser Training Pistol Work?

The laser training pistol system is programmed for two modes of operation, and you can also adjust the settings by turning the gunshot noise and trigger sensor sound on and off.

Since the trainer is designed to look and operate like a real firearm, cycling through modes and settings is not intuitive, but it is easy.

Modes of Operation

In Shot Only Mode, the trainer will make a gunshot sound when the trigger is pulled, and if the laser is installed, it will emit a pulse so you can see the area of impact. While Shot Only Mode disables the alarm, newer models are equipped with an Unintentional Discharge Alert Sensor that operates with lights only.
In Sensor Mode, the trainer will also make the gunshot sound and the laser will emit a pulse, but the Unintentional Discharge Alert Sensor will be fully engaged. So, if a finger lingers inside the trigger guard without pulling the trigger, the trainer will sound the alarm system.

Laser Training Pistol Systems for Dry Fire Training

Dry firing at home is the most practical and beneficial exercise you could do to improve your shooting skills. Dry-fire practice is going through the motions of shooting but without discharging a live round. These include drawing, presenting, and firing an unloaded firearm.

using laser training pistols for dry fire practice

Tools like the Laser Training Pistol enhance dry fire training because they not only allow for safe practicing but also repeat shots and a point of impact.

Plus, the Laser Training Pistol’s laser cartridge is compatible with most laser training targets and systems. However, Laser Ammo offers several products for target shooting, scenario-based training, or both. These include:

Also, what’s unique about Laser Ammo’s laser training pistol system are the molds. While Glocks are great, finding a Glock laser training pistol is relatively easy, especially if you want to dry practice. But Laser Ammo also offers the Smith & Wesson model, so you can have a dry fire M&P pistol.

Parting Shots

The Laser Ammo Laser Training Pistol was designed to help shooters improve their pistol handling skills and reduce the risk of negligent discharges. The trainers have the look and feel of the most popular duty pistols available today, but they’re totally safe. And, since they’re compatible with most dry fire targets, they can be used to improve your overall marksmanship skills. They’re also available in multiple configurations. Pick one up on OpticsPlanet today!