The Smart DryFireMag, combined with the Laser Ammo offering, is designed to allow shooters to both practice their dry-fire technique — without manually cycling the slide manually — while also projecting a visible laser on their target.
Both companies have been producing training aids for years, but in 2023, they combined their patented technologies to create something unique.
The DryFireMag (DFM) is a specially designed magazine that when inserted into a handgun will provide a spring-loaded lever that sits against the trigger bar.
When the trigger bar travels backward, the DFM interprets the reset and allows a shooter to continually pull the trigger without racking the slide. Please note: The experience is not a 1:1 feel compared to the actual pull and rest of the trigger itself. However, DFM does offer different spring weights, and the length of pull is adjustable with a small Allen wrench.
At the time of this writing, the laser package is only available for 9mm Glocks (and some clones. See their website for more details). Adapters are also available for 40-caliber models.
Laser Ammo cartridges, prior to the DFM combo, were activated with the striker hitting the base of the cartridge (the same as a primer on a live cartridge), which would then emit a visible red laser light or non-visible (IR) laser pulse.
While both the DFM and Laser Ammo cartridges are offered as stand-alone products from both companies, they must be purchased as a kit together to function in this capacity. (So, a DFM purchased separately will not function correctly with a Laser Ammo cartridge purchased separately.)
The reason for this lies in the functionality. With the Laser Ammo DFM, when the spring-loaded lever is depressed, a green light is emitted. With the Laser Ammo DFM cartridge inserted into the barrel, this emission of lights is received by a small window on the cartridge and instantly actuates the laser on the cartridge, which is projected through the barrel onto the target. There is another IR offering, where the laser remains invisible to our eyes but still registers with laser-tracking software.
The Laser Ammo DFM magazine is rechargeable by a USB cable, while batteries power the Laser Ammo cartridge itself, which is guaranteed for at least 5,000 shots.
Prior to the Smart DryFireMag offering, I had been working with the DFM (stand-alone) in my 9mm Glock platforms. (The magazine is the size of a Glock 17 magazine, but just like an actual OEM 17 magazine, can still fit and function in a 19 and other double-stack 9mm models).
Not having to cycle the slide after each trigger pull meant I could transition between targets, and with incorporation of the Mantis X firearm training system, I could both concentrate and track the proficiency of each trigger pull. For me, less time pulling back the slide meant I could focus on the distinct movements of my trigger finger and nothing else.
The Smart DryFireMag took it to a new level. I downloaded the free Mantis Laser Academy App and set up a tripod with my phone and started tracking hits using the DFM Laser Ammo cartridge. The laser emission has been simultaneous with the simulated trigger break. Same as any laser cartridge or bore-mounted laser, the trajectory of the laser emission aligns with the barrel. After over a couple thousand shots, I have still yet to have to charge the DFM or replace the Laser Ammo cartridge battery.
The Smart DryFireMag visble-red-laser kit is priced at $299 ($305 if you want the spring kit to adjust trigger-pull weight). Yes, other offerings that simulate a dry-fire laser experience exist at a comparable cost, but I’d argue it comes down to personal preference: Do you want to manage CO2 levels? Do you want to run your personal firearm versus a laser gun (e.g., SIRT pistol)? I personally enjoyed and appreciated the original DFM design, and the addition of the Laser Ammo functionality added even more training value and both the progress and the enjoyment that comes with it.
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